He laughs, “What on earth do you want to do? This is my legacy, your future.”
“Paint. That’s what I want to do, and you know that.”
“Paint? That is fucking hobby, Ryder. Don’t be stupid!” He stands, walking over to pour himself another drink. “No son of mine will waste his life on some hippie pipe dream.”
“It isn’t a pipe dream and frankly, this was just courtesy. And before you threaten to cut me off, just know I don’t give a fuck. My hobby will pay the bills. The only reason I still live under your roof is because you abandoned Mom and your responsibilities.”
“You will do as I say Ryder or live with the consequences.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?” I rise from my seat, hating that his threat makes me nervous. My father is a ruthless businessman, and he’s a heartless motherfucker, but would he actually turn on me, his own son.
He saunters up to me until we’re toe-to-toe. “Do not for one second underestimate me, boy. You will join Rothwell, like I did and my father before me. We are a founding family here and it is your responsibility as my son, to join me.”
“Yeah, not gonna happen.” I turn away, needing to create distance between us before I do or say something I’ll regret.
Rain pelts down on the roof of my car as I drive to the only person who can calm my storm. When she opens the door, I’m drenched on her porch and she doesn’t even hesitate before wrapping herself around me. “Fuck, I missed you,” I whisper against her hair. “Can we get out of here? I wanna show you something.”
She nods and runs in for her jacket. It’s no use. Rain has soaked her shirt through, and I have no plans to keep her clothed for much longer.
I drive us out of Rothwell to Cedarwood. The neighboring town is a lot bigger than Rothwell, and their gallery is the new home for my new collection. But that isn’t my destination. I look over at Ash who’s taking in her surroundings as we drive down the main street.
“What are you up to?” she asks, her feet on my dash as we turn down a street. “Ryder…” she groans when I don’t respond.
I enter an underground parking lot to my new apartment building and studio.
“It’s a surprise.” I smirk, taking her hand in mine and kissing it. “You’ll like it.”
In the lift, I pin her against the wall, kissing her with all the pent-up frustration, need, and desire I’ve felt since seeing her on her porch. “I wonder if I should press stop and just fuck you right here,” I whisper when I break our kiss.
“Ryder, you’re filthy,” she moans, crashing her lips with mine.
The doors open and I step back, scooping her up bridal style as I walk into the foyer of the penthouse, and she laughs. “Put me down.”
“Not until you’re in my apartment.”
Her eyes widen. “Ryder, oh my god, that’s incredible.” She squeezes my neck, placing a kiss on my cheek. She looks around as I carry her to the double doors that lead to my new home. “Keys in my jacket pocket,” I tell her, and she reaches in and pulls out a key card, then places it on the keypad. The doors open automatically, and her excitement is palpable. When I step over the threshold with my girl, it feels like coming home.
The place is furnished but I’m sure I’ll change a few things as time goes on. It’s modern and minimal, glass covers one wall with a view of the forest, and the town can be seen from another direction. It’s perfect, just like the girl in my arms.
“Welcome to my first home, kitten.” I set her down, and she is back in my arms in seconds.
“I am so happy for you. I didn’t know you were thinking about moving. Is everything okay at home?”
“I won’t move in for a month or two still. I have to know my mom is gonna be okay.”
She nods in understanding. “How is she doing?”
I wrap my arms around her waist and pull her close. “She’s okay, and she can’t wait to meet you.” Smirking down at her, I place a kiss on her cheek. “So…do you like it?” I’m changing the subject, but the last thing I want to do is talk about my family right now. This girl in my arms is all I want to focus on tonight.
“Are you kidding me…I love it.”
“And I love you.” Pushing her jacket off her shoulders, she shivers at my touch. Her t-shirt follows until she’s standing in just a thin lace bra, her pebbled nipples pressing against the flimsy fabric and jeans.
“Now that we’ve established where this night is heading, how about you take the rest of those clothes off and get on your knees?” My voice is hoarse.
“It’ll be my pleasure.” Her grin sends bolts of need straight to my throbbing cock. She heels off her shoes and reaches to unbutton her jeans, slipping them off, then kicking them away.
Without missing a beat, she drops to the floor. Such a good girl. My dick roars to life at the sight of her ready and waiting to follow my every command.