25. Ethan
TWENTY-FIVE
ETHAN
I fucking hated everything that was Vander Veer.
Fidgeting, I stared around, hoping we’d be able to go home soon. Or anywhere else. Since Rosalie and Fox were gone, home didn’t even feel like home right now. Judging by my conversation with Fox yesterday, I’d say he’d be back but needed time.
I needed time, too.
To get the fuck out of here.
We had a nice house. A mansion.
But Vander Veer? It was far more than that. Crystal chandeliers. Marble. Ivory. Fucking ivory? Jesus fuck. More marble.
“Relax,” Cole muttered. “You’re shaking my damn chair.”
“You relax,” I mumbled back. “Fuck this place.”
“E, man. Just chill, OK? He wants the product and to speak to you about it. By doing so, we get more weapons at a really damn good price. For the future. For the top,” Enzo said, adjusting his black button-down.
I tugged at the collar of my shirt before unbuttoning the top button. It was too damn hot in here.
“E,” Cole said. “Don’t fucking lose it. Let’s get through this so we can go home.”
“Go home?” I snorted. “And do what? Stare at the empty spots at our dinner table? Maybe tour the two empty rooms?—”
“One fucking problem at a time,” Enzo snapped. “This first. We can’t do shit about Fox and Rosalie right now. It’s a moot fucking point. Give them the time they’re asking for, and in the meantime, let’s work. Got it?”
I grunted my acceptance, but I was still pissed off. I’d rather be doing whatever Fox and Rosalie were doing. I didn’t even care what it was. They could be throwing cheese at one another, and I’d be game. I only wanted to be wherever they were and with them.
“Lorenzo, it’s good to see you.” Vander Veer came in and greeted Enzo, shaking his hand. Cole got to his feet and nudged me.
I followed and looked to the exit, really praying hard to be let free.
“Cole.” Vander Veer shook Cole’s hand, who greeted him like they were old friends. Cole was like that. Cool until he was murdering someone. I admired that. I, however, was never cool.
“And Ethan. The sugar daddy. ” Vander Veer gave me a hearty handshake and clapped me on the arm. “My daughter, Celeste, is quite taken with you. You’re all she talks about. Perhaps we could see what we can do to get you two together for dinner sometime.”
“Not interested,” I said evenly. I wasn’t even going to bother apologizing for it, either. Fuck that. That bitch could fuck off and die in a ditch. Vander Veer knew well enough by now that I was seeing someone. Didn’t seem to stop him from persisting, though.
“Well, how about we discuss it further during this meeting?”
I stiffened as Celeste came into the room and wound her arm through mine. I was going to vomit. Pass out. I couldn’t breathe. Fuck. Fuck.
“Ethan,” she gushed. “I’ve missed you! I’m glad you texted me this morning.”
I didn’t text her. I’d never text her. The room was spinning, and I was so fucking hot.
“That was me,” Cole said, wrapping his arm around her waist and dragging her away.
Enzo moved closer to me. “Ethan is going to get some air for a minute.”
Thank fuck.
I stumbled away to the open balcony and stood in the breeze, letting the air fill my lungs.
“Fuck,” I whispered, my voice shaking. Why wasn’t this ever getting better? What was the matter with me? Yeah, I didn’t like anyone other than the guys and my sweetheart touching me, but my life was ass. I couldn’t keep having these freak-out moments. I was stronger than this.
I pulled my phone out, thumbed through my photos, and stared down at the one with Rosalie in the lilac-colored dress.
I’d taken it with my actual camera. Sighing, I thought about how I hadn’t picked my camera up in forever.
It used to be the thing I went to when I was stressed. Now, it sat on a shelf in my bedroom.
I needed to get back to taking pictures. Maybe it would help. I’d swapped out my major for chemistry and had been neglecting my photography. I could start a photography business. Have my own studio…
But I’m the sugar daddy.
I can’t do that.
Fucking hell.
I thumbed out a text to Rosalie instead, needing to talk to her.
Ethan: I miss you. I hope you’re having a good day.
Her answer came quickly, much to my relief.
Rosalie: I miss you too. Are you OK?
Ethan: Not really. Just a bad day. I can’t wait until you’re home. Maybe we could do another movie night?
Rosalie: I’d love that.
Ethan: I’ll count down the minutes then, sweetheart. I love you.
Rosalie: I love you too.
I sighed and put my phone away, then closed my eyes.
I can do this. I’ve been through worse. This is nothing. I can do it. I know I can.
My reward would be getting the fuck out of here.
I handed Vander Veer the case of drugs he requested, knowing damn well he was eager to try them. From what I understood, the man was doing blow before I’d come onto the scene. While I wanted to save lives, there were some lives I didn’t want to waste my time on. His was one of them.
Maybe I wasn’t a good guy.
“How long does the high last on this one?” Vander Veer held up an injectable.
“Several hours. The more you inject, the longer it lasts. It does tend to cause some side effects if you do too much. Hallucinations and such. I’m still working on getting it right.”
“How much is too much?” Vander Veer looked at me.
“Depends on the individual. For you, with the tolerance to other drugs that I’m sure you have, I’d say you can safely take that entire vial and feel great for roughly six hours. Give or take.”
Vander Veer nodded. “Impressive. Very impressive. We have a deal.”
Enzo smiled and shook his hand, and Cole gave me a quick thumbs up.
“I’d like to sweeten the deal, though,” Vander Veer said, giving us a megawatt smile.
“What’s that?” Enzo asked.
“My daughter. Celeste. A night for you all to enjoy her however you see fit. Consider it a gift.”
“I don’t think bargaining off your kid is a good idea,” Cole said, narrowing his eyes at Vander Veer.
“It was her idea,” Vander Veer said brightly. “She’s rather taken with Ethan, but she’s willing to entertain you other two. Or three if Fox wants to partake.”
“Thank you for the offer, but we’re going to have to decline,” Enzo said, forcing his smile into something that looked polite, but I knew Enzo. He was trying to resist saying or doing something really bad.
“I figured you might.” Vander Veer chuckled. “You’re to be wed soon. No sense in messing it up before you get her locked in. What a beauty, too.”
Enzo tightened his smile.
“But you. Ethan. I am willing to offer you much more money if you’d be willing to get to know my daughter.”
“I would rather cut my cock off and suck it myself than entertain your daughter for even a moment,” I said, my voice gravelly.
Cole cleared his throat and gave me the side-eye as Vander Veer puffed himself up.
“Is my daughter not good enough?”
“Your daughter is fine,” Enzo said before I could tell him what I actually thought of the bitch he called a daughter. “Ethan is happy in his current relationship and isn’t interested in pursuing another.”
Vander Veer huffed. “There’s always a number. What’s yours? Ten grand? Fifty? A hundred? I’ll pay it. You don’t even need to date. Simply marry her. We can arrange a contract.”
“I am not interested,” I said tightly as Celeste came into the room wearing a top that could barely contain her tits. The cleft of her ass hung out of her shorts. I snorted and looked away. She could try all she wanted, but she’d never be able to compete with Rosalie.
“Daddy?” Celeste called out, coming closer.
“Perhaps you need a little more. I’ll provide for another shipment of weapons.
No monetary charge to you if you agree. In fact, I’ll provide any kind of weapons you want.
Even design something new for you. All you need to do is say yes.
This contract will extend for however long you remain married to my daughter. ”
I ground my teeth and looked to Enzo.
I knew this was a hell of a deal, but fuck no. Not at the risk of hurting and losing Rosalie. There was no way in hell I’d marry Celeste.
“Ethan isn’t interested,” Enzo said, his voice tight. I knew what sort of deal we were turning down. I glanced to Celeste and gave her a disgusted look. She only fluttered her lashes at me and licked her lips.
Fucking gross bitch.
“My dear, it would seem Ethan isn’t available,” Vander Veer said. “Perhaps Cole could help?”
Cole’s cheeks reddened as he balled his hands into fists. “I’m sorry. I’m also unavailable.”
“Enzo? Are you certain you’re set on marrying the commoner?” Vander Veer looked to Enzo.
“I am,” Enzo said. “Perhaps we can discuss this more at another time, though. I’m sure there are other things we can barter for. More drugs, perhaps. A club on the west side? Perhaps both.”
“Thorn?” Vander Veer perked up.
“Yes.” Enzo smoothed down his shirt. “My father gave me that club, and it does well.”
“Oh, I’m aware. I’ve heard stories. I’d be interested in seeing the inside.”
“Absolutely. We can arrange a meeting,” Enzo said.
“Daddy.” Celeste stomped her foot.
“Don’t worry, pumpkin. I’ll let you come with us. Perhaps Lorenzo could show you around, too.”
Enzo inclined his head and gave them another tight smile. “Of course.”
“Then it’s settled. We’ll discuss this later. I’m busy for the next few weeks, but…” I tuned Vander Veer out as he prattled on about his shitty schedule. I opted to look around and noticed Celeste watching me.
Fuck, I hated her.
She was the equivalent of Juliet to me.
She winked at me before focusing on Enzo. I shook my head and met Cole’s eye. He gave me a look that said he was ready to go.
Thank god.
Several long, boring minutes later, Vander Veer and Celeste were escorting us to the door. Vander Veer walked next to Enzo. Cole was close so he could listen. I trailed behind stupidly, giving Celeste the opportunity she’d been waiting for.
“I’ll have you one way or another, Ethan,” she said softly as she fell in step next to me.
I said nothing, deciding nothing was the best course of action at this point. We were nearing the door. My escape.
I inhaled sharply as she wound her arm through mine.
I can’t fuck this deal up. Fuck. I hate this. I HATE THIS.
Trying to remain calm, I looked over at her.
“Don’t touch me.”
“Fine.” She released me and let out a soft giggle. “But I bet you someday I’ll touch you all over. When I do, you’ll beg me for more… Daddy . I heard you can take it like such a good little boy .”
My stomach churned at her words. Everett used to say that to me. That I was a good little boy.
I was going to be sick.
She laughed as I pushed past everyone and went to the door. Cole followed me out. I didn’t make it as far as I wanted, but out was fine with me.
I emptied my guts into a flowerbed, my head spinning.
“Fuck, E,” Cole said, rubbing my back. “You good, man?”
I shook my head and heaved again, the sickness growing.
“N-need to go home. Please. G-get me out of here.”
“Yeah. Come on.” Cole helped me to the Escalade. I threw up once more before getting into the back seat, Cole following.
I watched as he pulled a vial and syringe out of his leather jacket pocket.
“Yeah?” he asked softly, staring me down.
I nodded and held out my arm for him.
Within minutes, he had me fucked up on the meds, the world spinning away.
“I won’t let her hurt you,” he murmured, his fingers in my hair as my lashes fluttered. “Fuck that bitch, E. Don’t let her get to you. I’ll protect you.”
I clung to his hand before I let the darkness take over.
I needed the break anyway.