Page 66 of Rafe: Sins of the Father

The dinner is delicious, and I make it through the evening speeches and bids for donations. Alex goes up and makes a ten-million-dollar donation, topping almost everyone in the room.

He seems a little miffed when the older man with the hot redhead outdoes him by ten million, and I can’t help feeling repulsed by the competitiveness. Is he also trying to outdo the man with his choice of date, trying to have a younger woman than the redhead appears to be?

I’m ready for the evening to be over.

After dessert, Alex takes me on the terrace for some air.

“It’s lovely out here,” I say, stepping to the marble balustrade. “Look at that pretty building across the street.”

“That’s city hall, my dear. We could walk across the street and get married.”

His strange comment has my head swiveling, but I find no humor on his face. I ignore his remark and look at the stars in the sky. “There’s a crescent moon.”

He steps behind me and whispers in my ear. “I’m serious, Tori. I know a judge I can call right now. He’ll even overlook the marriage license waiting period if I ask him. It’s amazing what a campaign donation in the right amount can buy you.”

“Is that what you think you’re doing with me? Buying me?”

He steps back. “I’ve offended you. I’m sorry. I thought we were on the same wavelength.”

I face him, my eyes narrowing, really seeing him for the first time. “Is it me you really want or my father’s land?”

“Can’t I want both? That land will belong to you someday, Tori. Perhaps you’ll need a man like me who can help you run it.”

Suddenly, it becomes crystal clear. If he can’t get my father to sell, he’ll get the land through marriage. My property becomes his property unless there’s a prenup. The deviousness of it all makes me ill.

I could have an ugly argument with him right here and now, but I decide to play it cool. “Perhaps you’re right. You’re such a smart man, Alex. A girl would be extremely lucky to have a man like you looking out for her.”

My words get a smile from him. “I’m glad you see it that way, Tori.”

“Of course. A girl would be crazy not to want such a handsome man who offers her the world on a platter.”

“I could give you anything you want, Tori. Anything.”

I look behind him at the glittering room beyond the glass. “Perhaps it’s time to head back. I think things are winding down.”

They aren’t, but I think he’s reached his objective for the night. I think these people bore him.

“Of course, dear.” He extends his elbow and escorts me inside.

When we arrive at my front door, Alex leans over and kisses me. Then he tries to put his hand up my dress. I push him back,but for a split second, the look in his eyes has me worried he won’t stop.

“Alex. Enough,” I bite out, and that seems to snap him out of it.

“I apologize. I was swept away by your beauty and how amazing you look in that gown.”

I snag the door handle, not giving him a chance to come around and open my door for me. “It was a lovely evening. Thank you for taking me.”

I hurry inside before he can try to make another date with me.

Shutting the door, I lean back against it. I’m so done with that man. This started out as a favor to my father and snowballed out of hand. Tomorrow, I’ll warn him of what a snake Alex Powers really is.

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

Tori—

Sunday morning, I grab my phone off the nightstand before I even get out of bed and text Rafe. I lied awake all night, worrying over the two of us.

ME: Can we talk?

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