Page 9 of Bought By Torch

We enter the bar and my dad is sitting across the room in a corner booth. And just as I expected, he has a girl half his age draped over him. She looks like all the others he has dated. Young, beautiful, dressed like a total skank. I don’t know where he gets these women from, but he manages to pick the same money-grubbing type every time. For once, it’d be nice to see him with someone his own age. Someone who actually cares about him.

“I’d protect you,” Torch says at my ear, leaving his words tingling over my skin, running along my spine. He steps over to my dad’s table, but I have to catch my breath before I can join them. For once, Caleb’s assessment was right. He does seem interested in me.

“Evian, sweetheart.” My dad smiles, drawing my attention. “It’s good to see you.”

He leans over to give me a kiss on his cheek, but it’s nearly impossible to greet him with the slut clinging to his side. “This is Portia.” He squeezes her waist earning a giggle. “And that’s Lauralyn and Deuce. Would you like to join us for a drink?”

I’d rather not. Watching the slut rub her hand over my dad’s crotch curdles my stomach. Couldn’t she save it until after his daughter has left the room?

“We’re actually late for our reservation,” I lie. “We better get going so we make it in time for Cirque du Soleil.”

“That sounds like fun. Thank you, Torch, for taking such good care of my daughter while she’s in town.”

“It’s my pleasure, sir.” Torch gives me a smile. He’s scrambling my thoughts with the look in his eyes.

“Have to say I’m surprised you didn’t bring…”

Right before he finishes his thought, Caleb comes bouncing up to my side, practically jumping on me.

“Yo, Pops!” He gives the air a high five. “This place is amazing. You really know how to pick the spots.”

My father bristles at Caleb’s arrival, giving me an annoyed expression. I should do the same. His date isn’t much better. At least mine is the same age as me.

“And damn, where’d you find the hottie?” Caleb holds his hand out for Portia, spending an extra-long time drooling over her tits as she shakes it. Meanwhile, her other hand is trying to stroke my dad off. Disgusting.

“Caleb,” my father grits, nodding tightly. “I didn’t realize you were here. I assumed you had to work.”

“Nah, wouldn’t miss it, Mr. H. This place is sick. Almost won me the jackpot at one of the slot machines.”

Almostbeing the key word.

“Yeah, well, try not to spend all of my daughter’s money,” my dad says. “I won’t be giving her more until she’s married.”

He thinks he can lord his money over me, but I’m going to school to make my own money. I’m not going to let him dictate who I marry. He certainly doesn’t take my input on the matter. I could’ve spared him four divorces if he had.

“I don’t need your money, Dad. We both have jobs. Now, we better get to dinner.” I look toward the whore who’s practically sucking my dad’s neck off. “I’m starting to lose my appetite.”

“Working at a gym will not pay the mortgage.” My dad has to add one final dig. He’s done this every time he’s seen Caleb. As soon as he learned that Caleb was a personal trainer, he wrote him off. It’s probably one of the reasons I agreed for Caleb to move in with me. It was to spite my father. And now if I break up with Caleb, Dad will think he can be this rude and get away with it.

“Come on, Caleb. We need to get to dinner.”

I turn and storm from the bar, seeing Torch coming up to my side. I’d forgotten our chaperone was here to witness that entire exchange. Now he knows that my father doesn’t approve of my choice in men either.

“His comments don’t bother me, babe. Once we’re married, and you get access to the rest of your trust fund, I’ll be able to buy my own gym. I’ll own a whole chain of gyms, and we’ll see what your dad has to say about me then.”

He really isn’t helping his case. And as far as marriage goes, it’s never happening. The idea makes me cringe. Unfortunately, after we get back from this trip, my father is getting his wish because I’m done. This is not the same guy I fell for at the gym. This man cares more about my money than he does me.

“So, where are we eating?” Caleb turns to Torch. “I’m starving.”

Even Torch looks annoyed by his response. That headache is once again starting to creep in.

“We have a Michelin restaurant on site. They have the best caviar on the market.”

Caviar? Gross.

“I’m sorry. I’m not really up for this tonight. Is it okay if I go back to my room and order room service? It’s been a long day and I think I’d rather relax.”

“What? That’s so boring,” Caleb whines. “We’re in Vegas, babe. You can’t just stay in your room all night. Don’t you want to go see that circus shit?”