Page 34 of Backstroke

Remington

Friday comes sooner thanI want, but I jump in the shower and dress appropriately for dinner with my father. My mind would normally be on the dreadful evening, but I find myself wondering what Fallon is doing tonight.Will she be going out?There is a bar not far from campus that allows in undergrads. It’s normally full on weekends and I wouldn’t put it past my little fox to go just to piss me off. My warning was clear, but her defiance is at an all time high, making me want to chain her to my bed so no one can even look at her.

My obsession with Fallon has increased tenfold since initiation night. I allowed her to leave me in the woods that night, knowing that she would never be far from my reach. I’ve kept my distance, giving her the false sense of security she needs, for the most part.

As I watch her, something inside me shifts. Her strength of character, her unwavering spirit, it is infuriating and captivating all at once. I find myself drawn to her, not just as a target, but as a puzzle I can’t solve.

Thursday, as she walks past me in the hallway, I reach out to grab her arm. She turns to face me, her eyes blazing with defiance.

“What do you want now?” she demands, her voice steady despite the anxiety I can see lurking in her gray eyes.

I hesitate, the words I planned to say caught in my throat. For the first time, I don’t know how to respond.

She pulls her arm free and takes a step back, her eyes never leaving mine. “If you’re just going to stand there, I’ll be on my way,” she says, turning to leave.

“Wait,” I blurt out, surprising even myself. She pauses, looking back at me with a mix of curiosity and suspicion.

“What?” she asks, her tone softer now, but still guarded.

“I… I don’t know,” I admit, feeling a strange vulnerability. “Why do you never back down? Why do you always fight back?”

She tilts her head, considering my question. “Because I have to,” she replies simply. “If I don’t stand up for myself, who will?”

Her words strike a chord deep within me. I’ve always seen her as a challenge, a game to be won. But now, I’m beginning to see her as something more. Someone who could teach me about strength and resilience.

I continued reading through her file and even got Nix to dig more up on her. Her piece of a shit father is in jail, but all the details surrounding why were almost cleared from all documents. There is something sinister about that man. You can see it in his eyes, and it makes me curious about what went on in their house. I’ve already gotten in touch with my PI to get any and all information on Fallon and her family.

I’ve kept tabs on her all week. She didn’t need to see me to know I was near. She was always looking over her shoulder, trying to find me. A smile tugs at my lips, thinking of the sassy sway of her ass in those tight leggings she wore today. Her long blue hair blew in the breeze as she walked from one class to the next.

My phone vibrates, pulling me out of my thoughts.

Sperm Donor:

See you at eight. Don’t be late.

I roll my eyes as I toss my phone on the bed. I hate these fucking dinners. I hate being paraded around like we are a perfect family, when that couldn’t be further from the truth. He’s so concerned about his image and what the voters see. We live in a glass house, putting on a show for the whole world to see. If only they knew the real monster behind the mask. Maybe that’s where I get this from. This overwhelming need to dominate and overpower Fallon. You can’t grow up in a home like mine and not pick up a few bad traits.

I’m going to need a distraction after this, and I know just the person for the job. She’s had enough time to process her fate. Now it’s time she knows who she belongs to. If I thought fucking her would get her out of my system, I was sorely mistaken. I want her even more. I shouldn’t be thinking about how soft herlips were against mine, or the fact that I can’t wait to taste them again. For my own self preservation, I should dump her to the side, knowing that I’m playing with fire. But fuck, do I want to be burned.

I pull up to the restaurant my father chose and hop from my Jeep, throwing my keys toward the valet.

“Don’t scratch it,” I warn, as I button my suit jacket. Vincenzo’s Ristorante is nestled in the heart of the city, exuding an air of sophistication and elegance. As I approach, the soft glow of warm, ambient lighting spills out from the large, arched windows.

I’m greeted by the rich aroma of freshly baked bread and simmering sauces. The interior is a harmonious blend of classic and contemporary design. Marble floors gleam underfoot and the walls are adorned with intricate frescoes, depicting scenes from the Italian countryside. Crystal chandeliers hang from the high ceilings, casting a soft, golden light that creates an intimate atmosphere.

“Welcome,” the bright young hostess muses as she takes me in, licking her lips in the process. I’d probably slip her my number on the way out if I didn’t already have someone occupying my mind. That thought alone should have me taking her into the bathroom to suck my cock, but the thought gives me a sour taste in my mouth. Fuck, I need to get my shit together. I don’t want Fallon, but as soon as the thought surfaces, I shut it down.

“I’m meeting Benjamin Frampton,” I state, ignoring her wide eyes. So, she knows who I am then.Of course.

“Of course, sir. Right this way. They only arrived moments ago.” She moves from the stand and begins walking toward the back, but my mind is stuck on the fact that she said “they”.What the hell is my father up to this time?

“Here you ar–” she’s cut short when my father stands from the table, making her scurry away. Yeah, he has that effect on people.

“Remington. Happy to see you can do as you’re told,” he quips quietly as he pulls me in for the mandatory embrace. My father’s grip is firm, almost crushing, as he pulls me into a hug. I stiffen, resisting the urge to pull away.

“Father,” I prod, wanting to get on with this dinner.

“I have someone for you to meet. This is Abigail.” He pulls back quickly, then pulls the hand of a woman I hadn’t noticed before. When he introduces her, I feel a jolt of recognition, but I can’t place it. She gracefully rises from the booth and holds her hand out for me to take.

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