Tough Shit (Rejects Paradise 1)

Harrison’s glare sharpens to a point where I fear he’s going to snap, but unfortunately, he holds himself together like a true professional. “Mr. Carrington’s business meetings are none of your concern,” he tells me. “You have no place scrutinizing his actions or questioning his motives. If he has said he is going away for business, then that is all you are required to know. Nothing less, nothing more. You are here to work. Is that understood?”

“Yes,” I sigh, not willing to push it. He’s clearly not in the mood for our little banter. Though, something tells me he doesn’t classify this as banter. “Understood.”

“Good. Now, with Mr. Carrington unavailable for the next two weeks, the Masquerade party that was planned for next week has been brought forward to this weekend so Mr. Carrington can attend. He will be flying out on Sunday morning.”

Well, that perked me right up.

“The Masquerade party is this weekend, like in two days?”

“Yes, keep up, Miss Munroe.” I roll my eyes and he continues. “Now, with such short notice, we’re going to need all hands on deck. Maryne is busy in the dining room finalizing all the party details with your mother and they could use some help. The whole house is going to have to be cleaned from top to bottom so it’s going to be a late night. I suggest you take tomorrow off from your schooling duties to do your part.”

“Um … okay,” I say slightly confused but more than happy to take the day off from Bellevue Springs Academy.

“The party is starting promptly at 7 pm sharp and due to short notice and being understaffed for the event, anyone working the night will be paid double time. Maryne will have a dress rush ordered for you so that you may work at the party. Are there any questions?”

My brows pinch. “Umm … double time?”

“You will be paid twice your usual rate.”

My eyes bug out of my head. “Woah,” I laugh. “I am so down for that.”

“Good, because you didn’t have a choice.”

“No,” comes from a demanding, familiar voice behind me, instantly stealing Harrison’s full attention.

“I’m sorry, Mr. Carrington? No?”

Colton steps in beside me, refusing to look at me as he addresses Harrison’s confusion while also leaving me wondering how the hell he managed to sneak up on us. His Veneno isn’t exactly quiet. “No, Ocean will not be working at the party. She will be attending as my guest.”

Harrison’s eyes widen a fraction but he does his best to reign in his surprise. Me, however, I’m not that practiced. “The fuck?” I screech, finally gaining his attention. “No way in hell. I’m not attending as your guest. Are you insane? You’ve hardly spoken to me in two weeks and when you do, it’s to remind me that I’m trash and a whore, so thanks, but no thanks. I’ll be joyfully declining your bullshit offer.”

Harrison looks horrified that I had the nerve to speak to a Carrington like that and goes to reprimand me when Colton looks back at him. “Are we clear?”

Harrison nods. “Yes, sir. Miss Munroe will attend as your guest. I will have her added to the list.”

The fuck? Am I mute or are they both deaf?

Colton nods dismissively. “Thank you,” he says, then walks away.

“Oh, hell no,” I yell, racing after him. He gets away from me but I’m determined to say my peace. He turns into the massive kitchen, most likely on his way to lock himself in the den so he doesn’t have to deal with me, but after a few weeks of living in this place, I’ve learned a few tricks.

By the time Colton is walking through the door of the den, I’m already there, staring at him and waiting ever so impatiently. His eyes widen in surprise before he narrows them at me with his usual tough-guy act.

“What the hell is your problem?” I demand. “You don’t get to make those kinds of demands. I’m not going to the party with you. Besides, Harrison said it was double time and I need the money.”

“You’re going to the party.”

“You’re right, I am because I’ll be working at it.”

“You’re not fucking working at the party. If you need the money so badly then you can help with preparations and with the clean up on Sunday. Besides, Harrison never lets the staff do both the party and the cleanup.”

“But …”

“No. You’re coming.”

I stare at him, my brows pinched with confusion. “I don’t understand you,” I tell him. “Why do you want me there? Every chance you get you’re pushing me away. You’re usually desperate to have me anywhere but near you and now this? You’re giving me whiplash. I can’t keep up with you.”

Colton lets out a frustrated sigh and runs a hand through his messy hair as his eyes soften and he lets go of that hard-ass exterior. “Just … please.”