Page 113 of Manhattan Tormentor

Sage talked me into coming today to see him.

Cathartic, he said.

His family is nothing like mine.

Cutthroat assholes can’t change. I know for a fact that Jeremy won’t change. To be able to tell Sage that Itriedto offer an olive branch to my father, here I am.

“Hey, Dad. How’s it going?”

“I’m busy, Finn. What is it? You should have called first.” He replies, irritated as he shuffles papers in his hand and glances at the computer.

I used to think I wanted to be just like him.

Unfeeling.

Uncaring.

Unbothered by personal attachments.

He tried to mold me in his image, and Ialmostlet him win.

“Didn’t know I had to make an appointment to see my father.”

“Don’t get smart with me.” He warns, eyes like glaciers.

Did I mention I could give a shit about being here? Sage owes me a lot for this waste of time. Lucky for all concerned I love him more than I’ve loved anyone and I won’t dole out my brand of old revenge. Nah, I have something in mind that we’ll both enjoy once I climb into his car outside.

He’ll be brooding. I know this. My man broods quietly over most things. He thinks things to death and gets in his own head where the world around him falls away. But where I’m concerned, Sage is ever present, and I know he’ll worry until he sees my face.

Gotta love my nerd. He’s taught me a lot about what it means tocare.

“Thought I’d drop by.” plonking my ass in the curved bucket chair in front of his desk, I watch his eyes focus on me. I wonder if he sees the man before him and how different I am, or does he only see the punk I once was?

“For?”

“I graduated college yesterday. Summa Cum Laude, if you can believe that.”

No reaction from dad.

Because it doesn’t benefit him. It wouldn’t even occur to him to feel pride for his only son.

“I see, and you’re looking for another handout since you blew your football career.”

I chuckle to myself. He has no clue. The only time I’ve picked up a football in the last year is to play for Theo’s local Sunday league team.

“That was never going to work, Dad. Football wasn’t for me and you’d know that if you ever heard a word I said. I’m going to be a photographer.”

Zero reaction.

“So, thanks. For stumping up the tuition for me to do my passion.”

His sigh is pure irritation. “You really are a waste, Finn. I didn’t invest in your fucking future so you can piss it up the wall on something that won’t ever make money.”

“Wow,” I laugh without humor. Some of my cruel Maverick urges for vengeance bubble to the surface as I observe his temper ignite.

Some stupid part of me—deep fucking down—questioned if hearing of my accomplishments, he’d surprise me and saywell done. I ought to have known better. Jeremy Maverick cares for only himself.

“You haven’t seen me in how long? And you can’t even act the part of a father for a minute, huh? I guess the Edward’s merger really bruised your ego. We all know you hate to lose.” I smirk at this part because I’m so fucking pleased he got screwed with that business deal.

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