“I don’t want to hear another word,” I finally said. “I want you out of here.”
Martha huffed and puffed angrily as I delivered the news to her.
“But, Rafe,” she started. “Haven’t I been a model employee?”
“Model employee?” I laughed. “I don’t give a shit if you’re the Queen of England. If you treat my girl badly, you’re out of here.”
I pulled Ella higher on my lap, feeling her short dress riding up and exposing her tight little pussy in those panties she was wearing. She’d changed since the ball, and now that all the guests were gone and it was late as hell, I couldn’t get my mind off her body, so close to me, but still out of reach.
“And I’ve told you a thousand times,” I added, my hand slipping up Ella’s thigh. “You call me Mr. Goldwyn, not by my name, and much less by my nickname. Now get the fuck out of here before I get you thrown out.”
She glared at me.
“I expect the house to be empty by tomorrow,” Dad added for good effect, and she started hurling insults as I motioned for my security guard to take care of her.
I hadn’t wanted it to end like that, but as I watched Martha get dragged out of the room by security, I knew there was no other way for it to end. She was fucking crazy, and we’d all be better off without her in our lives. Especially Ella, who’d suffered at her hands long enough. If I had it my way, I’d have thrown Martha out that night, but Ella had asked me to give her a day to pack. She was never going back there though, my girl. She was going to move in with me that night, and as for her stuff, I’d replace anything that didn’t have emotional value, and I’d do it fast.
My fingers groped her ass, trying to decide whether I’d rather have her sleeping naked or in a sexy little outfit for me. My mouth watered at the thought.
“One last thing,” Dad said as Martha was taken out. “I know you’re eager to be alone, but… I have some news too.”
We all looked at him, Ella’s eyes wide as she listened to him go on. I couldn’t tear my eyes off her, though, and I watched her reaction play out on her beautiful face.
“I just got the news today,” Dad went on. “It must be some kind of miracle, but… my cancer is in remission. The doctors have cleared me.”
“What?” I asked, slipping out of my chair with Ella by my side. “Do you mean you…”
“Won’t die by the end of this month?” Dad laughed bitterly. “No, looks like you’re stuck with me for a little while longer.”
Ella gasped next to me, and I made my way to my father, but I was too slow. Someone had wrapped their arms around his neck sooner, and my girl and I both stared in surprise as Edna embraced my father and planted one on him, right in front of us.
“Edna!” Ella giggled.
“I’m sorry,” the older woman shouted. “But I don’t even care! I want everyone to know, and I should have done this years and years ago.”
And right in front of us, my father grabbed her by the waist and kissed her like in the movies while Ella cheered and I laughed out loud.
“Well,” I whispered in my princess’ ear. “Looks like we’re not the only ones who’ve found love.”
She giggled and kissed my lips so gently, it made me want to show her how a proper kiss should be. She was still so shy. So fucking innocent. I couldn’t wait to spoil her.
“One last thing,” Dad said, chuckling as Edna finally let go of him. “In these past few months, I’ve started to value my life… Really see what’s important. That’s why I’m so happy for the two of you, and I want you to make the most of your relationship.”
I smiled at Ella and she gave me a dreamy look. So in love. So sweet. My princess.
“I want you to have a good start to your marriage,” Dad went on. “But I also want to have a good life, whatever’s left of it. So, I am signing over the company to you, Rafe. I should have done it years ago, but honestly, it was the only thing keeping me alive… Knowing I had to work. But I am done. I think it’s time for a new vision, a fresh creative voice. Congratulations, son.”
Ella stood to the side, her hand lingering in mine as Dad approached me, clapping me on the back heartily. I was stunned into silence. My father was a machine—there was no way he’d let me have all this, unless he really was retiring—unless he truly was serious about Edna… He’d always been crazy about my mother, practically begging her to stop working, but she refused. And now, it seemed like he finally had somebody to spend his time with. Edna was fucking beaming.