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In the ringing silence, Felix clears his throat. "So. It seems congratulations are in order for seizing control of Morgan Enterprises." He offers a weak smile. "All hail the conquering king."
I slump into my seat with a groan, pressing the heels of my hands against my eyes. The board is making their play. Now I'm going to be forced to make mine.
To take the company by force and prove to Remy I have the guts to stand up to him. Or refuse, and forever remain under his thumb.
The knife's edge has never seemed sharper.
Felix sidles up beside me, laying a hand on my shoulder. "Come now, don't look so glum. This is what you've wanted, isn't it? The chance to finally take the reins and steer this company into the future?"
I shrug off his touch, glaring at the closed door. "Not like this. I wanted to earn it, not have it handed to me on a silver platter because the board thinks Remy's too unstable to remain in control."
"How doesn't really matter, does it? Only the end result." Felix's voice lowers conspiratorially. "We both know Remy's been losing his grip for years now. It's time for some new blood to take over. All you have to do is step up and seize what's rightfully yours."
"And if I refuse?" I ask quietly. "If I stand by Remy instead?"
Felix scoffs. "Don't be foolish. Remy would throw you under the bus in a heartbeat to save his own skin. You owe him nothing." His fingers dig into my shoulder, hard enough to bruise. "Don't throw away your chance at freedom for misplaced sentimentality. Take the company, Dare. Take it, and we'll finally be free of that venomous old bastard once and for all."
I stare at the table, at the remains of our lunch gone cold and congealing. My head pounds, a fierce ache building at the base of my skull.
Freedom. Power. A chance to reshape Morgan Enterprises and steer it in a new direction, one that doesn't involve bowing and scraping to Remy's tyrannical whims.
But at what cost? Betraying the man who raised me, no matter how cruel and abusive he's been? Selling out my own flesh and blood for my own selfish gain?
The knife twists, carving me in two. I don't know which way to turn without drawing blood.
I push away from the table, chair legs screeching against the tile. "Enough. I won't discuss this any further."
Felix's eyes narrow. "You're making a mistake."
"The only mistake here is you thinking you can manipulate me. Now get out of my sight before I have you thrown off the property."
Felix sneers but says nothing more, storming off in a huff. I scrub a hand over my face and take a deep breath, trying to ease the pounding in my head. But it's no use. The vise around my skull is closing in with crushing force.
I need to find Talia. Now.
The walk to our rooms is a blur. Voices and figures swim in and out of focus, obscured by the fog in my mind. By the time I reach our suite I can barely see, staggering into the bedroom as the migraine overtakes me.
"Dare!" Talia is at my side in an instant, her cool hands guiding me to the bed. "What's wrong? You look terrible."
I groan, clutching at my head. "Migraine. Feels like my skull is about to split open."
"I'll call for the doctor."
"No, just… just give me my medication. It’s in the bathroom cabinet."
She helps me take the pills, then draws the curtains and eases me down against the pillows. I cling to her, the only solid thing in a world gone hazy with pain.She takes off my shoes and draws the blanket over me, rocking me gently.
I pull her close and press my face to her belly. She startles, but then she sits down and runs her fingers through my hair.
If my head weren’t about to explode, I’d seduce her right here, right now. I fucking love her.
"Shh," Talia murmurs, stroking my hair. "It's all right. I'm here. Just rest."
Here. She is right here with me. With her arms around me, the agony and confusion fade into the background. Here is the only place I want to be.My eyes sink closed.
Damn Felix and his schemes. Damn Remy and his empire.
Here, with Talia, is the only freedom I need.
