I’m a fucking weirdo sometimes. I know this, yet I can’t seem to help it.

I followed Ensley today. I convinced myself it was okay because Gregor told me to do whatever it takes to get to know her. But this isn’t the first time I’ve followed and watched her. I have issues. Big time. I seriously need help.

Of course, when I saw her smile after she realized the photo was of her, it made my crazy behavior worth it. Her smile is gorgeous. Her smile is perfect. And it was a smile for me, even if she didn’t realize it.

All during the drive home, I’m grinning like a moron. But my smile fades when I arrive at my house and note the expensive, black car parked in the driveway. Great. One of my dad’s clients is here.

To avoid running into anyone, I slip in the back door and head up to my room to get ready for my date with Ens tonight.

I’m getting ready for a date. It’s a strange feeling since I’ve never been much of a dater. The most surprising thing about the experience is how nervous I am. I’m normally not a nervous guy and wonder if it’s a normal reaction. Does everyone get nervous on dates? Or am I just nervous because I’m going out with Ensley, a girl I’ve been obsessed with for a while.

Obsessed? Fuck, I sound like a stalker. What the hell is wrong with me?

As I’m putting on my watch, I get a text from my father, telling me to come down to his office immediately. I don’t want to go, but when my gaze falls to the scar marking my palm, I drag my ass down there.

I knock first. I always knock first otherwise consequences follow.

“Come in,” my father calls out, not sounding happy, which basically means he sounds like himself.

I open the door and walk in. Then I falter.

He’s sitting at his desk, leaning back in a chair, smoking a cigar. He’s not alone either. A large man with blonde hair and wearing a black suit is standing in the middle of the room with two very large dudes looming beside him.

The sight of the man makes me cringe. Winston Maerriellie, leader of the Fareland mafia, along with his bodyguards. It’s not the first time he’s been in my house, but I wish it were the last. Anyone who knows Winston Maerriellie—which you’d have to be living under a rock to not know who he is—knows it’s never a good thing when he’s around. He’s the most corrupt man in town. Hell, probably in the state. My dad has gotten him acquitted of murder so many times I’ve lost track. He’s evil. Plain and simple.

“So, do we have a deal?” he asks my father.

My father nods. “It’s a deal.”

As Winston Maerriellie turns to leave, his eyes land on me. He gives me a strange look. “Carter?”

I nod, despising how nervous I am and wondering how on earth my father thinks I can run his business when I can’t even stand being in the same room with men like this.

“Hmmm… You’ve grown up from the last time I saw you.” He rubs his jawline. “You look different. More sturdier, like maybe you’re built for this world after all.”

I try not to frown. “Thanks.”

He gives me one last final, strange look, as if he can’t quite figure out something, then walks out the door with his bodyguards.

I let a gradual exhale ease from my lips then turn to my father.

He eyes me over. “Are you going somewhere?”

“Yeah.” I don’t bother mentioning the date, since he told me a long time ago that dating is pointless and I need to just fuck every girl I can until I find myself a nice trophy wife.

He takes a puff off his cigar. “I hope you’re not planning on staying out too late. You start work on Monday.” Smoke exhales from his lips as he grins. “You’ll need your rest. You’re going to be working a lot. In fact, for the entire summer, I own you.”

Like he doesn’t already.

Little does he know that in a few weeks, I’ll be gone. Well, if things work out the way I plan.

“Okay.” I stuff my hands into my pockets as my fingers begin to tremble.

He rests his cigar in the ashtray with his eyes fixed on me. “You seem nervous. Any particular reason why?”

I shake my head. “I’m not nervous.”

His gaze bores into me. “You sure seem like it.”

I shrug, resisting the urge to shift my weight. “Well, I don’t know why.”

He drums his fingers against the desk, his gaze drifting to the wall that displays his knife collection. “It’s been a while since I took one of them down. Maybe I need to.” His gaze zeroes in on me. “Maybe I need to remind you what happens when you don’t obey me.”

My fingers curl into fists, the scar feeling as though it’s been ripped open. “No sir. I don’t need reminding. I remember clearly.”

“You sure about that?”

I nod. I fucking hate that I have to. Fucking hate how weak I am around him.

I fucking hate him.

He stares at me for what feels like hours. “Fine, go.” He picks up the cigar. “Make sure to be ready to go by six o’clock Monday morning. If you’re a minute late, you’ll be punished. And be prepared to get your hands dirty. It’s about time you learn what it takes to run my company.”

My jaw clenches. “Okay.”

I turn and walk out of his office. I keep walking and walking and walking until I make it to the other side of the house. Then I slip into the workout room, close the door, and bash my hand against a punching bag over and over again. I hit it for so long my knuckles scrape open.

Then I sink to the floor and drag my hand down my face.

I can’t stand this anymore.

I need out.

I’m going to get out.

I just wish I didn’t have to do what I’m about to do. Wish there was another way.

But right now, besides working for Gregor, all I can see are dead ends that lead me right back to my father.

That leaves me with only one choice.