“You’ll learn to respect me and obey or you’ll suffer daily,” he said tonelessly.
I wasn’t sure how long it went on, but it felt like forever. I wondered how much water he had left. Every so often he’d tease me with air by lifting the towel, but it was never long enough.
CHAPTER 11
NAZAI
“She’s fine, from what I can tell,” Lucas commented, pulling his stethoscope from Cashlynn’s chest. She was hunched over, breathing heavily while rubbing her bruised wrists.
Once I figured she got the point, I ended her suffering and freed her. She broke out in a fit of coughs instantly, gasping for air. Her skin was flushed and her breathing staggered.
“You’re lucky no fluid got trapped in her lungs.” He glared at me before standing up. I waved him off, leveling my eyes on Cashlynn.
Her head drooped forward and slowly lifted. Her tired, red eyes met mine.
A lopsided grin suddenly split my face. I stepped closer and reached for her collar, running my hand over it. “You’re gonna pay off however much it’s gonna cost to get my car fixed. That was a custom job.”
“I’m not doing shit.” She slapped my hand away, wheezing slightly.
I reached for her nipple, pinching it, causing her eyes to flutter.
“Don’t fucking touch me! You almost drowned me.”
“If I wanted to drown you, you would be dead.” I hooked a finger under the collar and yanked her forward. “Just remember that next time. I’ll let you know how you can pay for the damages.” I ran my eyes over her body. My dick took notice of her naked form and stiffened.
“Kiss my ass,” she spat through clenched teeth.
A lopsided smile formed on my face. “In due time, Cashlynn, I will. I plan on tasting every inch of you in fact.”
“On that note, I’m out. I’ll see you at the party.” Lucas headed for the door.
Cashlynn blinked a few times. Creases formed in her forehead. “You’re insane. You just tried to drown me and now you’re acting normal.” Smirking, I released her and stepped back.
“You’re lucky I don’t force you to your knees and fuck that pretty little mouth, show you what this ‘limp dick’ can do.” Her eyes flashed and her cheeks reddened more. “Get dressed. It’s almost time for the party and we can’t be late. You’ll ride with me,” I let her know. Maybe my actions were confusing, but I couldn’t help it. One moment I wanted to wring Cashlynn’s neck, the next I wanted her under me moaning while I fucked her mercilessly. Either way, playing with her was becoming the most entertainment I’d had in a while.
____
“As you know, me and my beautiful wife just celebrated our twenty-fifth anniversary.” Mom blushed as Dad lovingly gazed into her eyes. “While I’m enjoying my retirement, I’m happy to announce my son has finally found someone to settle down and start his future with. I pray you two have a fruitful marriage as me and your mother have. I see nothing but more success in your future, my son.” Dad turned and looked at me while everyone around us started clapping. Mom had insisted on throwing an engagement party, and how she’d gotten everything together so quickly I did not know, but I’d learned not to question her madness. The event was filled with many people, a few close associates and business partners, and a few press members. I had been trained for the press since I was a kid because of the spotlight Dad always had on him. It only got worse once he published his case studies, using his psychology minor to his advantage.
My brothers stood at my side, along with Cashlynn, Carson, and River. Cashlynn protested coming up here with me at first, not wanting to be in the spotlight, but I didn’t give her much choice. After what happened back at the house yesterday, she had stayed out my way. It was a fight to get her to even agree to come tonight. So far she had refused to let me touch her. I ignored that too, of course.
Grabbing Cashlynn’s hand, I pulled her up to the podium. Reporters threw questions and took pictures as I shook hands with my dad then took the mic.
“Growing up I always watched my dad and admired the kind of husband and father he was. I saw how strong my mom was and how she held my dad down even when things got tough. The two of them were a power couple that I always knew I wanted to be like when my time came.” My words weren’t a complete lie. My smile broadened. “He was always a fair man and hardworking, making me want to be just like him when I grew up. When I first started my nightclub, The District, it was to honor my padre and the legacy he’s been building.” I turned to my dad and he stared at me with pride in his eyes. Sometimes things got rocky with us but I knew, no matter what, he always had my back. “I won’t let you down, Pops. You built this family on your back with hard work, blood, and sacrifices and I plan on doing the same with my own family.”
“I’m proud of you, hijo.” He stepped forward, pulling me into a fatherly hug and patting my back. More claps exploded around us.
“Mr. Tavarez, rumor is you’re retiring from law soon. Is that correct?” a reporter asked.
I stepped to the side so Dad could take the mic. Better him than me.
“Yes, that’s true. I’ve served my time in the justice field and now I’m handing my reins over.”
“Nazai, are you taking over?”
My dad’s eyes flashed momentarily when he turned to look at me before facing the crowd again.
“No, as you all know, my son Ezra has been working at my firm for some time now. He will take over once I officially step down.” I know it still upset my dad that I refused to step up and follow his lead with a law degree, but being in a courtroom all day was never something I saw for myself. We fought about it often when I first graduated high school. Ezra, although he didn’t seem like it from the outside looking in, always admired that part of my dad’s life. So it only made sense he was the one who took over.
