“I did nothing wrong,” I say, drawing my finger along the arm of the leather chair.
“Nothing? You think you did nothing wrong? Her father, who as you know I'm really good friends with, is talking about suing you. I'm going to try to talk him down, but she was a hysterical mess when she came to us. She told us you forced her to quit."
"Oh, please.” I scoff. I know this intrusion is more about his image than about his concern for me. “I didn't force her to do anything. She only quit because she was hoping she'd change my mind about wanting more. It was a very mutual agreement, and I didn’t take advantage of her if that's what she's trying to claim.” I have a feeling Angela and her daddy are both looking for an easy payday.
Wouldn't be the first time somebody tried to take advantage of the broken, dysfunctional Morgan.
“Cut the crap, Liam. You know that’s not how that shit works,” my father seethes, and I lean back in my chair.
"No, but come on, I told Angela firsthand what she was getting into. You know me and how I work. Was it a mistake to hook up with her? Yes, but I didn’t lead her on. I wasn’t going to fire her or force her to do anything she didn’t want."
My father huffs and rubs his wrinkled forehead. He’s been trying to understand my commitment issues for years. I've always tended to be a free spirit, but it only took me one time being burned in one of the most unexpected ways to figure out it was better to continue to spread my wings than to settle and trust one person forever. It's easier this way. There are no emotions involved.
Also, I’ve seen what drunk love looks like because of Landon, who sits over in the corner watching me and my father volley against each other. He’s had his balls on permanent lockdown since high school. If I need the loved up emotions, I can live vicariously through him if I want.
“Listen, my intentions weren't to hurt her. I think even she knows that, and honestly, she can do better than me, so I did her a fucking favor. If you want, I can send her flowers and tell her I'm sorry. Though, it would definitely send the wrong message."
“You don’t get it, Liam. This is my business.” He stabs his finger at me. His whole face turning red, making his hair appear whiter than it already is.
“No, this is mine and Landon's company now. You retired so you could work on your damn golf score.”
“It still has my name on it!” he shouts. "I gave it to you expecting you to run it with honor and respect. Not use it as a conquest place for your one night stands. You're twenty-eight years old. Your brother has his whole life in order. He’s married and not running his company like a fucking playground where I have to come in and babysit. Grow the fuck up.”
“Dad!” Landon protests, finally finding his voice in this conversation. He places his hand on Dad’s shoulder.
“No, let him.” I cross my arms over my chest, waiting for him to continue.
“I’ve been watching you for years throw away your life. First, it was the drugs. You used and abused them behind my back and almost drowned this company with your dependence. Just now instead of drugs or drinking, you're using girls.”
“Wow! Thanks, Dad.” I slow clap. “I can always count on you to tell me how you really feel about me. Never see the fucking good and put all the blame on me. By the way, I didn’t almost drown your company; you almost did that with the state you left it in when I took over,” I growl.
“That is not true.” His chest puffs out as he rolls back his shoulders.
“Oh, it’s not?” I snap, fury boiling in my veins. “I have a paper trail. I might have been high as a kite on pain meds, but I wasn’t stupid.” I look over to Landon to back me up, but as usual, the asshole—my fucking twin—doesn’t stand up to our father for me. He never could.
"I saved your fucking company from bankruptcy even in my fucking haze. Carried your fucking legacy and gave this company a fucking name. I've tripled the income over what your little boy wonder does in California.” I point at Landon and he throws his hands up defensively.
“Hey. I’m on your side.”
“Are you?” I sneer at him. “Where the fuck were you when I needed you all those years? Where are you when Dad is always jumping down my fucking back?"
"That's not fair, dude." Landon steps back, gaping at me.
"No? I think it is."
"Liam, I am on your side," he says earnestly, and though I want to believe my brother, I just don’t give a shit right now.
"I need to get out of here." I rise to my feet and make a beeline for the door. I want to go for a run. Exercise to burn off this rage now bubbling in my veins that only my father brings out in me. He always uses my past, my addiction, my pain as a way to find fault in something I've done wrong, rather than calling a mistake what it really is, a mistake.
"We are not done talking, Liam," my dad snaps and grabs my arm.
"I think we are.” I shove his hand off me. “If she wants to sue. Fine. I'll have my lawyers handle it."
