Intense (Dark Hearts)

“I suppose you found out about Rachel?” he asks, guilt ripping through his words.

“Yes. I just met her, but now is not the time.” I don’t want to upset him when he’s just had a heart attack. I’m not that much of a bastard.

“I know you don’t believe in love at first sight. Hell, love at all, but that’s what we have. We met while I was vacationing in Florida, and I couldn’t resist begging her to marry me. I know I should have told you, but I was afraid that you’d stop talking to me. I lost you once—"

I pat his shoulder, stopping him before he works himself up. “I’m sorry about that. I wish I could have been old enough to read through the lies.”

“I know, but Rachel’s a good woman, and her daughter is a sweetheart.” I’ll be the judge of that.

“She was dressed a little too dolled up,” I growl, looking ready to be thoroughly fucked. I need to get my head out of the damn gutter.

“She was supposed to be going on a date with the neighbor’s kid.” My mind plays over everyone I remember from his neighborhood, but I can’t picture any young guys. I already inexplicably don’t like this neighbor.

“A date.” The anger in my reply causes my father to look at me strangely.

“She’s legally an adult.”

“Yes, but that little shit is going to want to have sex with her.” Who the fuck wouldn’t? Normally I’d say me, but the little princess has awoken a new part of me.

“And that’s her choice. You’re acting awfully protective of a girl you just insulted,” he challenges.

“You heard too?” Shit. I’m the King Asshole right here.

“I don’t think there’s a single person on this floor who didn’t hear. I get you’re worried. Rachel’s only fifteen years younger than me, and I’m happy. I should have been eating better. My doctor gave me a warning before I went on vacation, but I didn’t listen,” he says with a light shrug.

“What are the doctors saying now? Are you going to be okay?” Please say yes…

“Yes. I need to rest and relax, but I’ll be back home tomorrow. How long are you here for?” There’s hope in his eyes, and I hate to dash them. It takes all my strength to tell him the truth, but he deserves it.

“I’m only here for the day, and then I have some things I need to take care of before I can consider coming back, if that’s okay.”

He smiles like I remember from when I was a boy. “Son, I’d be happy to have you live with me. I know that’s not gonna happen, but I’ve missed you.”

“I’ve missed you too. I promise I’ll be back.”

“I know you will.”

A knock on the door frame grabs our attention. A nurse walks in and says, “Sir, visiting hours are over.”

“Okay. Dad, are you sure you don’t want me to stay? I can take my meetings from my hotel room.”

“That’s actually a great idea, although I still have your bedroom at home if you wanted.”

“Really?”

”Yes. There’s no need for you to stay anywhere but home. In fact, I’d appreciate it since Amelia will be all alone in that house. She’s too beautiful and vulnerable to leave unprotected.” There’s that look again. I don’t give away that I’m the one he should be worried about. It’s like sending a wolf in to watch the henhouse.

“Take it easy and rest. I’ll head to the house tonight.” As I walk out, I see Amelia and Rachel speaking. Amelia’s eyes meet mine, and I feel like a piece of shit in so many ways. I try to push this new urge to fuck out of my head. Perfect or not, I don’t trust vipers.

“I’m heading to the house tonight.”

“Oh, that’s good. I was just worried about Amelia getting home. I trust you’ll be kind enough to give her a ride.” I’ll give her a ride, all right. A ride on my cock all damn night long. Oh, hell. I need to chill out.

I nod. “Sure. I’m sorry about earlier.” It takes a lot for me to apologize, especially to women, but I find I do it more often than not.

“It’s okay.” She’s glued to her phone with her head down, pissing me off that she’s essentially ignoring me.

“Well, let’s go.” I start walking, and she better pick up her steps or she’ll be looking for a ride home from the boyfriend she’s so eagerly texting. Why does that rankle my nerves? I don’t even know the girl.

“I’m coming.” Damn her. I adjust my cock the second I’m in the elevator, grateful that she’s still typing away.

“You shouldn’t walk and text. You’re going to crash into something,” I remark, hating the petty way I’m acting.

“I wasn’t texting until I stopped moving. I’m not an idiot.” No. I am.