My father and mother both look away in shame for what they’ve done. Or maybe just because now their dirty little secret is out, and they can’t hide behind it anymore.
“My parents will stop trying to steal your business, and they’ll start being actual partners again,” I tell Hugo. “You have my word.”
“Yours?” He raises a brow at me.
“My father doesn’t have long to live. All his assets and the business will be handed over to me. And since he wants me to keep it going … I’m the one who calls the shots now.”
Because that’s just it.
The simple fact that’s given me all the power I need.
My father’s only wish is for his legacy to continue, but he needs me to do it.
And I wouldn’t care if it all bleeds to death.
Not unless he does exactly what I want him and my mother to do.
So I take a big sip of my coffee while gazing over the room, enjoying as this last chess piece is put into place.
“Now, what’s it going to be?” I muse.
“Fine. We’ll be equal partners again,” my father says under his breath, not at all pleased, but I care as much about his feelings as he cares about anyone else’s. None.
“And?” I say, squinting at him and my mother.
“We apologize for ever trying to ruin you,” my mother says.
“Dad?” I look him straight in the eyes.
I want him to submit.
Openly.
Willingly.
Knowing it was me who enforced it.
“Fine. I apologize for what I’ve done to your family.”
I used to want to watch the Baas family burn to the ground. But now that I’ve heard my father grovel … God, it feels so fucking good to hear him bleed and suffer for the pain he’s caused. So fucking good that it brings chills to my bones.
“Thank you,” Vera responds. “That means a lot. If it’s true.”
“Oh, it’s true,” I say. “They don’t want their business jeopardized, do they?”
“No,” my mother responds, looking away from me.
I don’t care if she hates me now.
All of this was worth it to see the looks on their faces.
Vera taps Hugo on the leg. “Fine, we accept your apology,” he says.
“Thank you, Luca and Jill, for bringing all of this to our attention,” Vera adds.
“I didn’t do it for you,” I reply.
“Neither did I,” Jill adds. “But I want Jasmine to have a clean slate when she takes over the business after you’re both under the ground.”
Her parents look at her like they’re too shocked to even react. “What, but we’re your—”
“You threatened to have me killed if I didn’t make Luca happy,” Jill interrupts, staring straight into her father’s eyes.
“Did you?” Vera throws Hugo a damning look. “How dare you, that’s our daughter!”
“What choice did I have? They were relentless after Liam’s death, and you know that.”
Her mother sighs. “But Liam’s not dead, so this debt does not hold up.” She looks at me now. “So you’re going to return Jill to us.”
“I refuse,” I reply.
Now I’ve caught their ire, but I’m prepared.
“Like I said … I’d take on the entire fucking world before anyone ever takes her from me.” I grab Jill’s arms and hold her close to me. “She’s mine and mine alone.”
Vera’s lips part. “But—”
“I’m his wife,” Jill says. “I want to be his.”
Oh. Fuck me. The mere sound of her saying those words makes my cock throb in my pants.
“Why?” Hugo frowns.
“Because I love him …” Jill’s face turns red, so I tilt her chin and make her look at me.
“And I love you.” I claim her mouth in full frontal view of both our fucking parents because I want them to fucking know it’s the goddamn truth.
But I have more up my sleeve, and it’s about time we left. “C’mon,” I say, getting up and grabbing Jill’s hand to whisk her out of this nightmare.
“Where are you going?” her mother asks.
“Out with my wife,” I say as I tug her along. “Have fun. Try not to kill each other.”
Before anyone else can complain, I quickly open the door and rush us outside.
“Shouldn’t we stay with them?” Jill asks.
“No. I have more planned for today.”
“Like what?” she asks.
“You’ll find out soon enough,” I say as I push her into my car and close the door.
Jill
* * *
He hops inside and starts the engine.
“I’m so glad we’re out of there,” I muse.
“Same, bunny, but probably for different reasons.”A devious-looking smirk spreads on his cheeks.
“What do you mean?” I ask.
“With you on my lap and your lips on my mouth, it’s very hard to keep my focus,” he replies.
My cheeks flush with warmth as my eyes are fucking glued to his hands sliding over his belt, his zipper being pulled down, his length spilling out over the edge of his boxers, his hand gripping the rock-hard length.
I lick my lips at the sight.