Short Stories - Romance

#5 - A Bastard

"Will he call me, at least?" From the other room I heard Amanda ask Dave, her pen probably scribbling her signature on the N.D.A.

"I can't speak on behalf of Mr. Wolfe." My confidant replied, his voice curt.

The bastard could and had many times before spoken on my behalf, but with how too willing the girl was, Dave obviously didn't want to give her any false hope that came with engaging in small talk. Which was fine by me because I had no intentions of letting our paths with the air hostess cross, unless it was in a more professional capacity. If there was something I'd learned the last hour I'd spent with her, it was that brunettes did not interest me any more. Or maybe it was just Amanda...or maybe, just maybe, it was because I couldn't stop picturing a certain ginger head.

"Well, that's done and taken care of." Joining me on the penthouse balcony at Serenity Towers, Dave tossed a folder on the couch and let out a breath. "What next, are you going to confront him?"

I ground my teeth at the reminder of the recent failed deal and the reason why. My father had pulled the business rug from under my feet, his actions dragging my butt back to Emberlyn quicker than I had intended with no client or future prospects. "This is probably his way of forcing me to attend his wretched party. I have no doubt he would ignore all of my calls if I even tried to confront him using that route."

Dave shot me a look. "You still don't intend to go?"

He was family, they were all family, but there was a reason I preferred staying far away from the Sterling clan.

"Argh!" I downed the contents of my glass and tossed it, hating the stench of failure and more importantly, because the blow had been inflicted by my father. I could still picture the older man's smug expression, taunting and proud, reminding me that I was still just a boy as far as he was concerned. Damn him for finally discovering the perfect way to twist my arm. "You can confirm my attendance."

"Okay." Dave took out his phone and furiously typed before I changed my mind. "Done." He announced right after. The reply came seconds later, but it wasn't on my confidant's phone.

With a sneer, I reached into my pocket and fished out my phone. The text was short as always, but surprisingly warmer than the threats I'd received in the past.

"Looking forward to having you home, son."

"I guess that means we are going partying." Dave poured himself a drink. "Any intentions of finally revealing yourself and Legacy Dynamics?"

"And where would the fun in that be?" I had no doubt my father had an idea of what I had been up to and was hoping that by snatching this deal from me, I would be furious enough at him to out myself. He was in for a disappointment. "I kind of like being labelled as the reckless bastard son."

"Oh, you are definitely a bastard. I can give you that." Dave grinned. "And as much as I love you, I got to go."

"What the hell!" I cursed at a sight I'd been casually watching down below while me and Dave chatted. "What do they think they are doing?" I zeroed in on a figure in the pool. In just a matter of seconds, they would have stayed under for too long. Damn it!

I abandoned my spot on the balcony and rushed out of the penthouse, eating the distance to the outdoor pool like a mad man.

I wasn't about to let anyone off themselves on the property. Any kind of death was bad for business and God knew I couldn't afford any bad business at Serenity Towers.

I was greeted by the warm night air once I emerged outside. The perfect atmosphere for a swim, but I was damned certain the person in the pool wasn't looking for that kind of relief.

Discarding my blazer and shoes at an insane speed, I dove in and within seconds, I was dragging the person out. Of course they fought me, kicking and screaming in protest, but being bigger, it was a losing battle on their end. I laid them on the pool side and bent down to catch my breath.

What was the protocol with someone who'd just tried to kill themselves?

"Miss, are you okay?" Thank God for Dave who'd come after me and for the time of night that would not attract a curious crowd.

"I'm fine!" The person snapped. "What the hell is his problem?!"

Me? I was the one with the problem? I pivoted, ready to lash out since the person sounded just fine for someone who'd wanted to say bye to the sweet life a second ago and ruin my business while at it.

"I'm sorry, I'm the prob-" My words caught in my throat as the sexiest sight of wet ginger locks sent a part of me that had no business stirring doing so and demanding all the attention.

"It's you..." If I sounded out of breath, it was because I was. She was a sight!