AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Surprisingly, yes.” He’d experienced enough nervous anticipation over the last seven days to rival the excitement that led up to him being able to drive a car by himself for the very first time.
Finn held out the keys “Do you want to drive home?”
Neil laughed. “I think I might.” He grabbed the keys out of his hand.
“Mr. Harrison.” A voice interrupted the pure joy that had taken over at the opportunity to drive.
Neil turned his attention to the man that sidled along beside them. “Excuse me? Do I know you.”
“I’m Martin Connelly.” Carson Kelly Senior’s right hand but his Carson’s nemesis. He shook his head at the thought. When did this sense of ownership come into play?
“Mr. Connelly. It’s a surprise meeting you here.” Neil stopped. He told himself he’d only give Martin one minute of his precious driving time.
“I was just in the neighborhood for a consultation. I saw you from across the street and couldn’t resist saying hello.”
Neil and Finn just stood there. Neither had anything to say. More likely, neither of them knew what to say to the weasel. Unfortunately, Martin didn’t have a problem making conversation.
“Have you spoken with Carson lately?” he asked. “It’s a shame about the deal falling through.”
“What deal?”
“The Bower deal. The executives decided to pass because of her little mix-up on the internet.”
Shit! He’d ruined someone else’s life.
“Well, your little mix-up. You were there, too.” He smiled viciously.
“It’s my fault,” he mumbled. “I did this to her.”
Finn rested his hand on his shoulder. “This is not your fault. It’s some asshole who thinks it’s funny to expose the private lives of consenting adults.”
“It’s probably for the best if you didn’t continue whatever it is going on between you,” Martin said.
“I don’t think that’s any of your business.” The nerve of this ass. Thinking that he knew what was in Carson’s best interest. And you do? You’re the worst thing that could have happened to her.
“It’s a moot point, really. Do you really think a woman like Carson would settle for a man like you?”
“A man like me?” Neil tensed. It was one thing to know deep down that he wasn’t good enough for Carson—it was another thing entirely to have someone else agree. “Please, enlighten me.”
“Just because you inherited money doesn’t mean your past is erased, that it doesn’t count.”
“Typical.” Finn grunted. “You think you’re better than everyone else.”
“You don’t even have the Madewood name.” He’d directed that comment to both of them.
His mother wanted them to keep their own names as a reminder of where they came from. That despite whatever she may give them in their future, their past would help shape the men that they would become.
“Your mother was too ashamed to let the four of you have it.”
“Don’t you dare talk about my mother.” Neil lunged forward but Finn grabbed his arm, holding him back.
“Neil?” Finn’s voice a calming force. “He’s not worth it.”
He nodded. When Finn thought he was somewhat calm he let go, but didn’t let him get far. He wrapped his arm around his shoulders and huddled him close whispering words of reassurance that he didn’t register, the anger still seething, the blood still rushing in his ears.
“Did she know how many foster homes you went through before she found you?” Martin was egging him on. “Did you tell her that your father was in jail? Still is?”
“Shut your mouth.” Neil didn’t even know where his father was and this d
