Forever Golden: Dark High School Bully Romance (Kings of Cypress Prep Book 3) by Rachel Jonas (books like beach read txt) 📗

It seems like he can’t stomach looking at me anymore, so he stands and takes slow steps toward the window, looking down on the city instead.

“I’ve had enough. Get the hell out of my office.”

He pretends to be calm, but I know better. He hates being challenged, hates being questioned on things, but I’m at the point of no longer giving a shit. I won’t get anything else out of him tonight, so I stand and start coming up with my own plan. One that doesn’t include him.

“Wait.”

When I turn to see why he’s called out to me, his gaze is still focused on the ebb and flow of traffic on the streets several floors below.

“You’re family, Ricky, and you’ve been like a son to me. However, it’d be wise for you to remember that being family protects you, but it doesn’t make you invincible.”

I hear his warning and know it’s true, but putting “work” before everything else is the reason I’ve lost more than I’ve gained. So, the decision’s been made. If Paul won’t talk, it’s time to let Rich Boy know we’re on for plan B.

Chapter 45

WEST

Unfortunately for Vin, I know exactly where to find him. He always pulls late nights at the office when he has a new client dangling on the line. So, he’s distracted, alone, and has no clue I’m coming for him.

Parking a few blocks away, I’m on foot now, sticking to alleys when I can, and keeping my hood up and my head down when I can’t. Punching in the access code I’ve had for years, I bypass security and slip in through the back door, taking six flights of stairs up to the executive suites. Using another memorized code, I ease into the hallway and let the door close gently behind me. There’s a plan in place, but mostly, I’m sick of this shit and looking to end Vin’s reign in Cypress Pointe.

Double glass doors are all that separate me from the main area of the suites, so I open them silently and slip inside crouching low just in case. This entire floor is pitch black except for exit signs that glow red near the ceiling, and the sliver of light that seeps from underneath Vin’s door. I creep toward it, then pause to listen to the tail end of a phone conversation once I’m close enough. As soon as the call ends, I breathe deep, then barge in.

“Shit, West. What the hell are you doing here?” he asks, relaxing behind his desk now that he sees it’s only me.

Little does he know, now’s not the time to let his guard down.

“Just thought you should hear it from me,” I say. “First thing in the morning, I’m going to the media. Pretty sure they’d be interested in hearing the shit you’ve been into lately.”

He smirks, pretending to have no idea what I’m talking about. When he relaxes deeper into his seat and folds his hands together, I know he’s just trying to throw me off.

“Feeling okay? You’re not making much sense.”

“I’m done fucking around. I know about the ledger.”

When those words leave my mouth, the smile leaves his. The mask he hides behind is beginning to crack and just like that, I’m no longer speaking to my father. I’m talking to Vin Golden.

“Ledger?”

“Cut the bullshit. I heard you and Mom arguing about it before Christmas, the night of the charity event. I know it holds the names of southside girls who’ve gone missing, and what they were sold for.”

He lowers his gaze but doesn’t look worried. “These are some serious allegations you’re making, West.”

“And I wouldn’t be making them if I weren’t sure they’re true. And I’m also pretty sure your partner would love to hear about this mess you’ve made, exposing the operation,” I add, earning his full attention with those words. “And speaking of this partner, I wonder how the people of Cypress Pointe will feel knowing the interesting familial connection of the man who hopes to be their next mayor?”

Vin freezes, in shock from what I’ve just alluded to, and it feels damn good to have the upper hand for once. He knows I’m on to him, knows I know his deepest, darkest secrets.

Still a bit too calm for my liking, he stands and braces his fingers on the desk while peering up.

“This is that damn girl, isn’t it? She’s in your head again.”

“We broke up a week ago,” I lie. “I’m here because I know what you’re doing and I’m not a fucking kid anymore. You can’t buy me off with ice cream and threats that I’ll break Mom’s heart. I think we both know you’ve got her right where you want her—mindless and weak.”

He’s silent, still eyeing the desk instead of looking up at me.

“What the fuck do you want to come of this?” he asks through gritted teeth. “It can’t be money because I give you boys every fucking thing you could ever ask for, handed you these charmed lives on a platter and it still isn’t enough.”

His voice is a deep growl now, which means he’s losing his cool.

“Money and things might be enough to keep Mom quiet, but that’s her. Not me. I don’t sleep easy knowing you’ve done God-knows-what with those girls, knowing their families are torn apart, knowing the money in our bank accounts likely came from some damn trafficking ring.”

I’m sick even saying those words out loud.

“Watch your damn mouth,” he snaps, glaring at me.

Up until this moment, he’s tried to hide his hatred for me, but I see it clear as day now. Something I’ve recently figured out is that he loves the image of me—how I dominate on the football field, how before Blue I had my pick of any girl I wanted, how people revere me as some sort of god in the flesh. He loved that image because it added to his. Made him seem like a superior father. It’s