His fatherhood game is just that, a fucking game. He likes to be in control and to think he has me under his thumb where he can press anytime.
“I need you on your best behaviour, Xander. I don’t have to remind you that –”
“The elections are coming.” I cut him off and take a sip of my alcohol – I mean, coffee.
“Why, yes.” He advances towards me but isn’t too close to smell it on me. I didn’t know he would be here t
his early or else I wouldn’t have drunk in front of him. He keeps me on a leash without a reason – he’d lock me in a cage if he found out about my coffee preferences. “If you remember that, act accordingly, boy.”
“I’m not a boy.” I grind my molars.
“Then stop acting like one. Remember, the purpose of the football games and Royal Elite is only to establish an image. Don’t lose yourself in it.”
Of course, even the one thing I enjoy, playing football, is only a means to an end for dear old Dad.
“I don’t have to remind you of the consequences, do I?” He raises his eyebrows in challenge.
“I know. There will be no Harvard.” I’m tempted to chug the entire coffee in one go, but that will give away its contents, so I just take a sip – a long one.
It’s not that I’m that keen on Harvard, but it’s in the United States and that will keep me years away from this shithole of an empty house and the other house across the street.
I need to get out of here at any cost. My grades aren’t that excellent for a scholarship, so I need the money only Daddy dearest can provide. As soon as I get on my feet, I’m throwing it straight back at his face.
“Correct. Remember that.” He fixes his tie, staring down his nose at me, even though we’re about the same height. That condescending look, the complete coldness, the absolute disregard for human emotions in those brown eyes is the reason why my mother left.
And the reason I’ve never made peace with this man since.
The reason why we’re strangers living under the same roof.
Lewis Knight might be the nation’s saviour, but he’s my worst enemy.
As soon as Dad leaves, small feet pad on the wood and an automatic smile crosses my lips. I push the alcohol away – and yes, I’ve given up calling it coffee – and chew on some mint gum.
I always have a pack of it on me. Cole is starting to be suspicious and will soon call me on my shit and make Coach give me the ‘talk’, but hopefully, I’ll be out of this place by then.
“Xaaaan!” A small body crushes into my legs in a tight hug. His face hides in my jeans as he nuzzles his nose against them.
“Hey, little man.”
He pushes away from me, pouting and pointing a thumb at himself. “I’m no little man.”
“Right.” I crouch before Kirian, wiping a smudge of chocolate off his nose. “You’re Superman.”
“Uh-huh. That’s right.”
“Give me a fist.” I place mine in front of his and he blows it.
It’s always amazing to have this little man around, even if his presence constantly pushes me back to unwanted fucking thoughts.
“Can I have brownies, Xan?” he stares up at me with puppy eyes.
I rub my forefinger against my thumb where there’s still some chocolate I wiped off his nose. “Are you telling me you didn’t have some?”
“No?”
“What did I say about lying?”
“It’s a white lie. Kimmy says that’s okay sometimes. Adults do it all the time.”