Total pages in book: 86
Estimated words: 81018 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 405(@200wpm)___ 324(@250wpm)___ 270(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 81018 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 405(@200wpm)___ 324(@250wpm)___ 270(@300wpm)
“You ungrateful…” His father sprang to his feet in an unstable leap that had his mother reaching out to steady him. He swatted her anxious hands away, then reached for one handle of his walker to keep from toppling over as he searched for the right word. When it didn’t come, he let the sentence die out, probably for the best. Whatever he’d been about to shout would have been cruel at best, and continued silence would only go so far.
Though stiff as a damn wooden plank, Ryder remained calm beside me. He didn’t jump up to help his father, though I guaranteed the instinct was there. Any offer of assistance from his son would have sent Mr. Calloway spiraling into deeper rage.
Did I mention how proud Ryder made me? Or how much I loved him?
I squeezed his thigh, drawing Ryder’s attention. When he met my gaze, his eyes were clear and determined despite obvious pain.
But then he smiled, and everything lightened.
“If you quit… you are… no son of… mine.” His father’s declaration was slow but clear as a bell.
Lowering back to the couch, Mrs. Calloway sniffed, wide-eyed, while wringing her hands on her lap. “Nixon,” she whispered in a soft plea for sanity to prevail.
“No!” He ignored his wife, glaring daggers at Ryder. “I gave you everything. This is your legacy. I’ve worked your whole life to get you to this point.” The words flowed well now, hurtful and full of vitriol. “You will not throw it away because you want to impress some classless piece of ass with how deep you are.”
Ouch.
I’ve had plenty of insults hurled my way over the years, but classless piece of ass was a new one, and I had to give him credit where it was due. It stung like hell.
My face heated, and I had to swallow the urge to defend myself. Staying silent in the face of a bully wasn’t my style, but this wasn’t my fight. It wasn’t about me at all. Ryder had the right to handle it as he saw fit.
And my man did not disappoint.
Slowly, he rose to his full height, which was a few inches taller than his father. “If you speak that way about Alex again, I will walk out this door and never return. Fuck giving the job one more day, and fuck being a part of this family. You will not disrespect my boyfriend now or ever. Have I made myself clear?”
Ho-ly shit. The no-nonsense words in that lethal-as-fuck tone had a shiver running down my spine. Fuck, Ryder was hot. So. Damn. Hot.
Don’t get a boner. Don’t get a boner. If you get a boner right now, you are a sick man.
Despite the pep talk, I could feel my dick reacting. Whose dick wouldn’t stand up and take notice when their sexy boyfriend got all snarly and murdery in their defense?
Mr. Calloway’s disgusted attention flicked to me for one second before settling back on his son.
And there went my erection.
“He understands,” my mother interjected, demure as ever. She looked at me. “No offense was intended.”
Sure, it was, but I nodded in acceptance of her apology for her husband’s harsh words.
Ryder snorted.
“This decision was made before I moved back home. In fact, I made this decision a few years ago, during my undergraduate studies, long before Alex was involved. This is my decision for my life. All Alex has done is stand by my side and literally scoop me off the ground when I hit rock bottom.” He stared straight at his father. “I’m miserable. I hate every second of being the CEO of Calloway Enterprises. The company is not going to be my future, and it’s time to end it being my present.
“I recognize this will cause massive disappointment and a huge shift in the plans you had for both our futures. But they were your desires, and mine were never taken into consideration. It was always just assumed I’d follow in your footsteps.”
My father grunted. “That’s how it’s done. This is your… lemon… legacy.”
Ryder shook his head. “No. It’s your legacy, and it’s amazing. But I’d like to forge my own path and pursue my own interests. Make a name for myself in my own way, doing something I love.”
What parent wouldn’t be beaming with pride over a son like this?
Ryder’s apparently. Mr. Calloway continued to scowl with narrowed eyes and a rigid posture. “You’re making a mistake.”
Ryder shrugged. “I don’t think so, but if I am, it’s mine to make. I’m an adult, as I have been for years now.”
“I won’t give you another din… die…” His father grumbled as his mom worried her lower lip between her teeth, rubbing off what had to be expensive lipstick. “No more money!”
Ryder shrugged. “I’m twenty-four. I’ve invested my money wisely and have more than most do at my age. Hell, I have more than most do in their lifetimes. Threats to cut me off financially do not worry me.”