Page 70 of Daring to Love You
This was the first time he’d brought up Lynix joining Wes’s team.
“I like the idea of my boys working together carrying on the family business. I don’t say it enough, but it means a lot to me. And if you don’t enjoy your new role, I’m sure your brothers can find another position for you in the company.”
That had to be one of the nicest things his father ever said to him. This was also the longest they’d gone without arguing since Lynix could remember.
“Thanks, Dad. I’m sure it’ll be fine.”
“So the hours are good for you?” his father asked.
“Yeah, they’re great. It gives me a chance to spend more time with Dorian.”
His father sipped his brandy as he leaned on the back of one of the dining room chairs. “Does that mean the two of you are getting serious?”
“Very,” Lynix said without hesitation. “She’s it for me, Dad. Dorian is like no other person I’ve met, and I like who I am with her. She grounds me. Makes me happier than I’ve ever been in my life. We fit together perfectly.”
“I don’t know, Son. Now that you’re working in the business world, who you have by your side could make or break a deal. I don’t think you should rule out Marisela.”
Anger stirred inside of Lynix, but he tried to keep his cool. “Dad, you need to get it through your head. There is no me and Marisela, and there never will be.”
“I get that maybe things didn’t work out back in college, but she’s all grown up now. She’s tough and bold, the type of woman who can hold her own and go to bat for you when needed. Dorian is sweet, but she’s too meek for our world.”
“You don’t even know me!” Dorian’s words cracked through the room like the wicked sound of a bull whip snapping through the air. She set a small tray of pastries on the table and looked like a beautiful, yet angry angel stalking toward his father.
Lynix wasn’t sure whether to intervene or let her have her say. But considering how furious she was, he chose the latter. It was time his father got to experience the other side of Dorian Priestly.
“From the moment you met me, you judged me, but based on what? My looks? The way I talk? The lack of diamonds on my fingers and wrists? No, you based it on the fact that you don’t know my people. That they don’t run in the same pretentious circles as you.
“Well, you know what, Mr. Mathews, I don’t care if you don’t like me or if you think I’m too weak to be with your son. You’re not the first person who’s underestimated me, and I’m sure you won’t be the last.
“But let me tell you something. No matter how you try to belittle me or make me feel less than, I’m not going anywhere.”
When her attention turned to Lynix, and she walked toward him, his heart practically exploded out of his chest with the love he felt for her.
She stopped next to him but looked across the room at his father again. “I’m crazy in love with your son, and whether you like it or not, I’m here to stay. Not only because he’s my heart, but also because he needs me. He needs someone like me who willalwaysbe in his corner. Who will always take care of him. Someone who will stand by him when jerks like you try to push the wrong type of woman on him. You would rather him be with someone who almost destroyed his life in a horrifying—”
“Dorian,” Lynix said slowly, cautioning her not to say more about Marisela.
“Don’t worry, baby. That’s not my story to tell,” she said, cupping his face between her hands and looking him in the eyes. “But he needs to know, andyouneed to tell him, today.”
She kissed him hard on the mouth, turned for the door, but stopped when she saw his mother.
Lynix stood speechless. He didn’t know how much his mom had heard, but he hoped she wouldn’t insist on staying for the conversation he needed to have with his father. BecauseDorian was right. His dad needed to know about Marisela, and hopefully after he did, he wouldn’t bring her name up again.
His father set down his glass and walked toward Lynix. Instead of anger or frustration in his eyes, he saw concern. “What happened, son? Who was she referring to?”
Lynix glanced at the entrance to the dining room. He wasn’t sure what Dorian had said to his mother, but they were gone. When he looked back at his father, he swallowed hard.
“She’s talking about Marisela. There’s something you need to know, Dad. Marisela drugged me.”
Chapter Thirty-Two
Still pissed at Mr. Mathews, Dorian’s breaths came in short spurts while leaving the dining room with Bridget. She was so angry. Not just at Lynix’s father, but also at herself. She hadn’t planned to say so much. Heck, she hadn’t planned to say anything, but the guy had picked the wrong day to insult her.
“What happened to my son?” Bridget asked when they reached the kitchen.
Dorian sighed and placed her hand on Bridget’s arm. “I’m sorry for all I said in there. I apologize for disrespecting your husband.”
“Honey, no apology necessary. He needed to hear everything you said and more. Not to sound condescending, but I’m proud of you. Don’t ever let anyone, not even my arrogant, knuckleheaded husband, disrespect you or treat you less than you deserve.
