“I’m handling this. No one was here.”
“We walked in easily enough, and you would’ve never known if I didn’t speak up.” He rubbed a finger over his temple. “Get your shit together.”
“Don’t start with me, Father. I’m not in the mood.”
He slammed his hand on the counter. “Do I need to remind you that her mother has some information that could damage everything I worked for?”
“No,” I responded coldly. “I know.” Pops had recounted how Rhonda Daniels, Theodora’s mom, had recently called him and was trying to extract more money from him stating she knew about my father’s affairs and had documentation to prove it, and had no qualms about going to my mother. Not surprising this was happening, since the whole thing between Theodora and I happened and my father paid her off. When it all went down, he wanted me as far away from this as possible. Theodora tried to contact me, and I didn’t respond. She texted me saying she was coerced into making a statement. I would’ve believed it maybe with time, if in the next few days, Rhonda wasn’t trying to extort money from my father. Money they both gladly accepted. And there were pictures floating around too that he miraculously made go away.
Not surprising that my father would be concerned. He may have been a successful businessman, but he was a failure as a husband. Protect the family name at all costs had been drilled into Antoni and my head for years. Regardless, he’d let me in on my newfound role for weeks and knew Theodora was going to school here. When I asked how he knew, he said he’d kept tabs on her, which wasn’t unusual per se. My father was paranoid and always had feelers out, making sure someone wasn’t trying to screw him over.
It started way back when he was getting started in the tequila business. People were forever attempting to steal his recipes and figure out his distillation process when making tequila that was what critics described as “smooth with no bitterness having hints of citrus.” The trademark of our product. When he started winning awards, and more indie liquor makers were coming up in the United States, Martinez Distilleries was one that people kept their eye on. Little did I know how cut-throat the industry was, but obviously shit was real.
I knew what I needed to do. I knew I couldn’t trust her. I also knew whatever happened in the past kept me indebted to my father. I hated that part. Honestly, I hated how after spending time with Theodora today, I’d forgotten she was the enemy. In fact, I couldn’t stop thinking about all the memories of us together in the past. She had such an innocence about her mixed in with her pride, and for once, I let my guard down and just wanted to enjoy our time together. Enjoy relishing in her body and tasting her again.
Unfortunately, I couldn’t have it both ways. I threw back the chilled tequila. “It will be handled.”
“Do it without causing embarrassment to our family or Taylor’s. You know her father has a lot riding on this upcoming election. Don’t you dare sully our name. If it weren’t for me, you would’ve screwed up everything. You were lucky today. Next time you might not be so fortunate.”
Of course, my father was concerned about appearances and his interest in having Mr. Shields in his pocket when he needed a favor. He never let me forget I had been one step away from being judged as some kind of deviant. Not exactly judged, but going through litigation would’ve only made the speculation worse.
“I have no problem wooing her for information. I don’t have a girlfriend.” Antoni poured himself another generous glass of liquor. This fucker was testing me, like always. For some reason, he’d always pushed the limits with me about Theodora in the past.
“Antoni,” I warned.
“I know. I know.” He raised his hands. “You’re very territorial with her. Always have been, which I find somewhat strange.” He crossed his arms again and laid his chin on his fist as he turned to our father. “Maybe he’s not cut out to follow through on this.”
Robert and my brother shared a look, and I was about to throat punch both of them. They were both manipulators who thought the world revolved around them. Hell, maybe it did. Dad, definitely. Mini-me, not so much. “I know you think you’re stepping up in this world being under Daddy’s coattails, hermano. However, you haven’t proven shit yet, except that you’re a spoiled little boy with too much money.”
“And what have you proven to the world?” my brother countered. I had to hand it to him. He didn’t take the bait and was more versed in the art of debate than using his fists. “Don’t act like you haven’t had every opportunity handed to you either, Roman. If it weren’t for Pops you’d be sitting in jail like a fucking predator.”
In a flash, I was crowded over my brother, yanking him by the collar and slamming him into the nearest wall. “You say that shit to me ever again, I’ll make you regret it.” My brother and I had a few tussles in the past, but nothing to this extent where I wanted to do permanent bodily harm on him. He could poke me with his words, but I would damn sure make him pay if he fucked with me. He knew it. “I’ll make it on my own and you and father damn well know it!”
Regardless of whether he believed it or not, this fucker wanted to press his luck because he said with a pleasantly twisted look, “See, that’s always been your problem. You let emotions get in the way. Don’t you remember anything father told us? And besides, are you willing to risk your future over a cheap piece of ass? Although a hot piece of ass, but still…”
It took everything within me not to slam my fist in his face, but that’s what my little bro wanted. Everything was like a fucking chess game with my family. Every move calculated. Always thinking two or three moves ahead.
I always hated chess and would’ve much rather slammed the fucking chessboard over both their heads. I showed my teeth as I forced the words out. “You really think your little jabs mean anything? That’s cute. By the way, you should let go of the maniacal businessman persona because you haven’t proven shit. The more you talk about Theodora, it makes me think you’re the one who has an obsession.”
I tightened my hold on him and he smirked, but it was strained as he attempted to smile. I pressed my knuckles deeper into his collarbone. He gushed out with a sick grin. “I’m not the one who’s about to be engaged to be married. Yet you can’t seem to stay away from that sweet little honey pot. Huh?”
“Goddammit! I didn’t come here to see my two sons fight each other.” My father stepped in gripping my wrists as though he thought I would kill his precious baby boy. I wouldn’t, but I felt like my back was against the wall. However, I relented, letting Antoni go as he still had that fucking unforgiving smug smile on his face, tempting me to go at him again. But that’s what he wanted. I stepped away.
I was about to lose everything if I fought them. I knew this was a fool’s journey into shitsville if I kept rising to the bait. “Look”—I ran my hand through my hair, trying to focus on the prize that was so close—“I will take care of this. I will get the information you need.” I peered at my father. “It’s only a matter of time before she gives us everything we need. Trust me.”
My father watched me with keen interest as he pondered my words. “Do what needs to be done and get the information. Sooner rather than later. Time is of the essence.”