Page 389 of Double or Nothing

Bryce’s eyes shine beside her, strong and proud as she defies the man who raised her.

“You were such an asshole that you set us both free,” she says. “Best thing you ever did, Dad. Showing us both your true colours was the most honourable thing you could’ve done, even if it does make you a prick. And now we’re here. Together. Exactly where we should be. Me, Jack, and Bryce.

The silence is magnificent.

I love her.

God, I love her.

“What the fuck is that supposed to mean?” Parker says.

“What do you think it means?”

Her father looks bemused. Floundering.

“Is this some three-way debauchery? Please, for God’s sake, Alice, it better not be. Heaven fucking forbid it.”

Eli clears his throat.

“God doesn’t give two flying fucks about who is fucking who, I can assure you of that. That’s people. And as for love, that’s not some holy law set in stone. It’s entirely subjective.”

“Shut up,” Parker says to him. “You have no idea what you’re talking about.”

“I have more idea than I’d like to.”

Parker switches his attention between Alice and Bryce like they’re two naughty kids.

“You have nothing. Neither of you. No positions. No reliable income. No understanding of the consequences.”

“They have me,” I say.

Parker’s gaze flits to me. “That is precisely my concern. You’ve done this to them. You’ve driven this disgusting set of circumstances!”

“I’m touched. Thank you for the accreditation.”

“What do you want?” he says. “Tell me, Reid. Name your price and you’ll have it.”

The question changes the room somehow. Christopher’s gaze flitting between all of us, like a lost puppy dog as his master takes action.

“What are you going on about?” I ask Mr Holier than Thou.

“Accept the takeover,” Parker says. “I want my daughter back. Name your price.”

He gestures towards Alice and Bryce as though they’re assets under negotiation.

“They’re dependent on you now,” he says. “What will it take for you to withdraw your support?”

I stare at him.

Fuck me. He genuinely believes this is how the world works.

Every loyalty rented.

Every relationship assigned a price.

“I don’t need anything from you,” I tell him. “You don’t have enough money in your grandiose bank account to govern my actions.”

“You expect me to believe that? Really? A charlatan like you, running a casino?”