Page 137 of Love Me

“Every beat of my heart is a testament to my love for you. Only you.” I follow my declaration with a kiss, and she buries her cheek in my chest. I hold her until she says, “You have to go.”

I change into a custom-made suit, and she arranges my tie. “Won’t it confuse you, hearing two voices?” she asks.

“Your voice is my guidance.”

She offers me the other earpiece and when I am done, she jumps in my arms. “I love you.”

“Love you too.”

I slip into my car and drive to the office. I talk to Celine in my ear and time flies by quickly. Twenty minutes later, I am downtown, the tower taunting the sky. An incredible building made of glass and cement greets me, but again, appearances, appearances.

I step inside, and the receptionist greets me. I head toward the elevator, glancing at my watch.

“I’m here,” Bailey says in my other earpiece.

“Good.”

One minute left. Being late and arriving early is a sign of disrespect in my father’s eyes.

Felix’s secretary, who I am convinced he is fucking, greets me. She’s his type, twenty years younger, with a model-like figure. She welcomes me with a big smile. I pity her. He won’t leave my mother, not because of love or loyalty, but because he must follow the rules too. Marriage is for life in the Family. That knowledge gives me great satisfaction.

I grind my jaw when the first thing he does is look at his watch.

“Kaden.”

“Felix.” It’s Father only when we’re in public.

“Keep eye contact,” Bailey says.

His eyebrows furrow, not understanding why I don’t follow protocol, and I drop my gaze.

Fuck. I won’t leave without completing my task.

“Baby, you can do this. Keep talking about him. All narcissists love that,” Celine suggests.

I approach him, and I shake his hand. He tries to release it, but I place mine on his. Surprise colors his face.

“I don’t know if it’s appropriate, but…”

He takes the bait and says, “Look at me.”

I watch him, counting the seconds, and in my ear, Bailey says, “Good, we’re almost done.”

“Thank you for this opportunity.”

“That’s it?”

“You’re the most powerful man in the Family, and I hope one day I can make you proud.”

I feel like I’m chewing dirt while saying this, but his eyes light up as if he’s been waiting a long time for me to say this.

“All I wanted was for you to be like me. Feelings are not the way to succeed in this life, son.”

“I’ve learned that.”

“I had to make you strong.”

“Done,” Bailey says.

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