AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“I’ll see.” She looked away from me and started typing on the computer.
Last week, Olive and I had a run-in at the coffee station. I was short with her and raised my voice. Later, I apologized due to HR’s pressure but didn’t mean it. I’m sure Olive knows the apology was insincere.
She gave me a tight-lipped smile. “Go on in, Mr. Steele,” she said, her voice dripping with venom.
I entered my father’s office. He was seated in his oversized chair, reviewing some documents. Even though my father was freshly seventy, he was still suave. His white hair was neatly styled, and his face tanned from long hours of golfing. He wore a tailored, dark blue suit.
He looked up from his paperwork and gestured for me to take a seat.
“We have the contracts in hand,” he started. “But I’m not sure about a couple of clauses.”
I took my place on a supple leather seat. “Yes, some of the non-compete clauses the shop owners want will cut our profits. We should push back on that.”
My father nodded. “I agree.”
“Also, there is a clause referring to—”
“I think we should talk about tonight.” He closed the file on his desk. “Is everything set?”
“Yes, I’m not a child that needs to be checked on,” I snapped. “I understand what’s at stake.”
My father’s face turned serious. “It’s more than a task, Sebastian. This marriage is important for the growth of the family business. I want us to join the Columbia Club. Some of the best business deals happen there.” His jaw flexed. “We’ve been denied membership multiple times.”
“I know, Father.”
“It’s embarrassing.” He shook his head. “No amount of money can make up for the newness of ours.”
“Boston’s classist shit is infuriating. If we were in a different city, it wouldn’t matter.”
My father agreed. “Yet, here we are.” He looked at the picture on the wall of his father standing in front of the first building seventy-five years ago. “When your grandfather started this business, he was going through a mid-life crisis.” He chuckled. “Mother thought the company would fold in a year, but he made it.”
I smiled at the photo. “Seventy-five years is long enough.” I had many fond memories of my grandfather. “We worked hard for this.” I turned my gaze to my father. “Those rich fuckers at the Columbia Club had their money handed down to them.” I pounded my fist on the desk. “I remember grandfather working long hours here well into his senior years. You and I have worked just as hard. Gatekeeping business deals shouldn’t be allowed.”
He stared at me for a long moment. “You’re right. We earned our place.” He stood up and smoothed the fabric of his suit. “Go home, get ready, and propose to Rebecca tonight. The future of Steele Realty depends on it.”
I nodded. My stomach clenched once more.
“No more women. Rebecca is the only one from tonight until the end of the marriage. There is an infidelity clause in the agreement. You can’t be picking up whores at the bar anymore.”
“I know the terms of the agreement,” I muttered.
“And I know you very well. How are you still thinking with your dick at forty years old? Any man worth his salt should be past that behavior. I’m surprised that Rebecca’s parents agreed to marry her off to a cretin like you.”
I ground my teeth and tried to keep my tone respectful. “My personal life has nothing to do with my business acumen. I’ve closed high-profile deals for our business and have earned us millions.”
“But can you close this deal? If you can’t control your dick, you’re unworthy to lead this company when I retire.”
As I walked out, I could feel my father’s eyes burning into my back. Tonight was important, and I was determined to make this marriage work, even if it goes against my sexual desires.
“Where the hell is she?” I muttered as I stepped out into the hall.
I was at her parent’s home at this damned birthday party, and the birthday girl wasn’t here. I rechecked my watch. She was an hour late. Spending the evening with my parents and Rebecca’s parents making small talk was the last thing I wanted to do. Crawling over hot coals and broken glass sounded more entertaining.
I called her … again! No answer.
“Fuck.” I took a couple of deep breaths and sent another text.
Sebastian:Get your ass here now. I have to propose tonight, and if you stand me up, I’ll look like a fool.
