Page 35 of Hate You More

“It’s not charity,” he insists. I snap out of my own head as he gives his a decisive shake. “I’m talking about a mutually beneficial transaction.”

Why does that sound like kinky orgasm speak? I pivot and make for the sink, not because I’m thirsty but because I need a moment to process the scenarios running through my head.

“I’ll throw in some equity,” he says, hot on my heels.

I flick on the faucet and fill up a glass, sipping slowly as I gather my thoughts. He’s desperate, but my counteroffer is what Chelsea would call delulu. Except, she was the one who said Troy looked like a retirement plan.

There’s no way he’ll say yes.

Is there?

“Stop worrying about your dad.”

I almost smile. “It’s very hard not to when he’s hell-bent on ruining my life.”

“Stop letting him. He’s not gonna announce to the world that he’s cut you off, that he’s forced you to live like this.” He gives an angry sweep of his arm. “Come work for me. Claim your life back.”

A job would be good, especially as I’ve likely been canned by the catering crew. It would solve my housing problems. And help Troy and his company. But then what? It’s only a matter of time before my father throws something else in my path. Something much worse, I fear.

My life.

My freedom.

My father’s rule.

My idea could fix it all in one fell swoop.

I put the glass down and angle my attention Troy’s way. “You want this pretty badly, don’t you?”

His expression takes on a cunning edge. “What do you think?”

“I think you’re desperate.”

“I wouldn’t say that. What I would say is, name your price. Pretty sure I can afford it.”

“Ha!” My response sounds mildly hysterical. To think I’d considered this very thing, just for a nanosecond, while staring at Cal this morning.

“You owe me.” Troy’s tone drops as he changes tack, and my heart does a painful little jitterbug.

“I do.” But I also owe it to myself to stay safe, and no one else is going to do that for me. The sink makes a tinny sound as I place the glass in it and turn to face him. “And I am going to claim my life back.”

“Good. Great.” He smiles one of the many smiles from his vast arsenal, not that it holds.

“But I’m not going to come work for you. I’m also not going to pretend to date you, because I have a better idea.”

“Fuck. Let’s hear it, then.”

I take a centering breath before wiping that cocky smirk off his face. “I’m going to marry you instead.”

Chapter 10

Troy

“Before you say anything,” Clara begins, “I know I sound like a crazy lady.”

“Pretty on brand for you.”

Her brow pinches as though hurt, and for some reason, it makes me feel like an antagonistic prick. There’s no one else in the world who does this to me, who brings out the worst in me. Christ, maybe she just brings out the real me.