LOGINShare
03
Last Updated:
2024-10-29 19:42:56“King would not like it.” Oh.
So it is back to my dad again.
Seems I am out for blood, though, because I still refuse to drop it. “How about you?”
“How about me?”
“Would you like it if I had a boyfriend?”
He pauses, then says, “I would be neutral.”
Right.
Of course, he would.
Why would the king of the jungle look in the direction of a stray cub when he has countless lionesses by his side?
The breaking sound in my chest that I felt when I thought he did not show up returns and I dig the edge of my phone into my ribcage as I struggle to maintain a neutral façade.
This would be the perfect time for me to stuff myself with some vanilla ice cream or a milkshake while I hide in the closet.
“Happy birthday, Genevieve.” He reaches into his pocket and produces a small blue box and tosses it my way.
I let the phone fall to my lap so I can catch it. Receiving a gift from him is almost enough to make me forget about his words. About the apathy everyone in the media talks about.
Almost.
“Can I open it?”
“Sure.”
I did not even open my other presents, but the ones that I have from Dan are always first on my list. In the past, he’s always gotten me toys and books. This is not the packaging of either of those.
Inside, I find a gold link bracelet with a scale charm hanging from the chain. I let it dangle between my fingers and smile. “It is so beautiful.”
“My assistant picked it out.”
I drag my gaze from the bracelet to him.
He’s letting me know that he would never pick something like this for me, but whatever, he’s the one who bought it and that is all that matters.
“It is still beautiful. Thank you.” “King said you want to study law.”
“Yeah. He’s my role model.” And you.
I do not say that, though, because in some way, it feels like he’s put up walls in the span of seconds. The tightening in his jaw and face scare me.
But apparently, they do not scare me enough, because I blurt out, “Can you help me put it on?”
“No.”
It is a point-blank refusal that makes me wince. Usually, he does not refuse my requests, not that I make them often. Even though I have known Dan all my life, I was always intimidated by him one way or another.
Like people are intimidated by my dad, I guess.
“Why not?”
“You can do it on your own.” His expression closes and I know he’s done with any type of conversation and will leave, shutting all the doors in my face.
And if he goes, my plan for today will be an epic failure.
If he goes, I will have nothing.
He still does not see me as an adult. He still thinks I am a kid, and if I do not do something about it, that will never change.
If I do not do something about it, I know, I just know that I will regret it for the rest of my life.
So I gather the remnants of my courage and let my phone and the box fall to the swing as I stand up.
Thanks to Dad’s genes, I am not short by any means, but I still barely reach Dan’s shoulders, even with heels on. Oh, and I am so tiny compared to his broad build and mass of toned muscles.
But I do not let that stop me and I step closer until my heaving breasts nearly graze his chest. Until the fabric of my dress is mere inches away from his tailored jacket.
It is not the first time I have been this close to him, but it is the first time under these new circumstances and in the midst of all the zaps and jolts and dreams that he’s always the main character of.
Dreams that leave me soaked and aching for a single touch.
“What do you think you are doing?” His voice is as stiff as his body, but he does not step back or push me away.
He remains there like a sturdy wall that I always want to climb.
“Can not you help me put the bracelet on?”
“I said no.”
“What’s wrong with doing it?” I pause at my own words.
Doing it.
Me and Dan.
Dan and me doing it.
Shit. I need to rinse my mind with bleach and hope all the dirty thoughts disappear.
“Go back to your party, Genevieve.”
I twist my lips in disapproval. He never calls me by the nickname everyone uses for me, and I hate it.
Genevieve sounds impersonal and detached.
Putting distance between us is the last thing I want, so I push my body forward, toying with an invisible line where his world is separated from mine.
I am crushing that line, decimating it, burning it to ashes.
Because I am an adult now and I can do that.
“I want to be right here, Dan.”
His thick brows dip in the middle. “What did you just call me?”
“Dan,” I say, lower this time, a little bit uncertain, a little bit scared. Because, holy shit, his deep, rough voice and the tightness in his body can be terrifying.
My thoughts are confirmed when he says firmly, with an authoritativeness that strikes me straight in my bones, “It is Uncle Dan.”
“I do not want to call you that anymore.”
“It is not up to you to decide. It is Uncle Dan, got it?”
I swallow at his non-negotiable tone and the firm edge to it. No wonder he’s a force to be reckoned with in the courtroom. If I were a criminal, I would be on my knees right now.
Hell, I would be on my knees even without the criminal part.
“Answer me, Genevieve.”
“Yeah. Okay. Got it.”
He narrows his eyes at that and I know he hates it, my using two or three different terms for the same thing. He told me so once, to measure my words before letting them loose, but I am not as disciplined or as assertive as he is. Never was and probably never will be.
But a part of me longs to be, because if I am, he’ll see me as a woman, not a kid.
A woman.
But instead of commenting on my words, he says, “Now go back to your birthday party.”
“I do not want to.”
“Genevieve,” he warns.
“I want a birthday present.”
“I already gave you one.”
“The bracelet does not count, because it was picked out by your assistant.” I do not actually think that at all, but he does not need to know that.
He releases a breath. “What do you want?”
“Can I have anything?”
“Within reason.”
“You told me once that reason is subjective. That means what you see as reason is entirely different from what I do.”
“Correct.”
“Then do not say I acted unreasonably, okay?”
Before he can form thoughts or theories, I grab the lapel of his jacket, flatten my breasts against his chest, and get on my tiptoes.
The moment my lips touch his, I think I have reached another level of existence—one I had no idea existed. They are so soft and warm but have an underlying hardness like the rest of him.
I move my mouth against his closed one and even dart my tongue out to lick his lower lip. It is hesitant and awkward at best, but I do not stop.
I can not.
God. He tastes even better than my forbidden fantasies.
He does not open his mouth or kiss me back, and his entire body turns to granite against mine.
Since I have witnessed him box with Dad countless times, I know he has a body of steel, but actually feeling his abs contracting against me is an experience all on its own.
If I could stay here for a lifetime, I would choose to in a heartbeat.
Hell, I am ready to accept the inevitable bursts of emptiness if it means I get to live this moment over and over again. If I get to exist here for whatever remaining years I have to live.
However, my small moment of ecstasy is brought to a halt when I am pulled back by a fistful of my hair.
I tilt my head back to keep it from pulling as I stare at his harsh eyes. There is a savage darkness in them that matches the tightness of his fingers in my hair. It is a black, deep current and I am trapped right in the middle of it.
“Do not ever do that again. Understood?”
My lips tremble and I can not help licking them—and his taste. Dan’s eyes zero in on the gesture and a muscle tightens in his solid jaw. It is such a small movement, but it feels so huge right now, so important.
“Say you understand, Genevieve,” he says, still staring at my lips before he slides his gaze to my mismatched eyes.
“I-I understand.”
If I expected those words to placate him, they do not. His jaw flexes one more time and he shoves me away, releasing his firm, delicious hold on my hair.
He shakes his head at me once, then turns around and leaves. His strides are long and sure, but there is something different this time; like the tension in his shoulders.
I watch his back, licking my lips and fingering the bracelet, and a tear slides down my cheek as I murmur,
“Happy birthday to me.”
Related chapters
MY DAD'S BEST FRIEND 04
TWO YEARS LATERDANIEL The shrill ring of my fucking cell phone shatters the tranquility of the room, rousing me from my slumber with a jolt of confusion. Shit.Groggily, I fumble for the device, shielding my face with a pillow, only to realize it is not mine. As the scent of an alluring perfume fills my senses, I am instantly wide awake, my curiosity piqued.With a mischievous grin playing on my lips, I took a moment to bask in the lingering aroma, allowing it to electrify my senses and awaken my weary mind. My eyes fixate on the pillow, still clutching it in my hand, desperate for answers."Who are you?" I mutter aloud, my mind a whirlwind of fragmented memories. My back being scratched. Toes curling against the sheet. Blond hair splayed across the pillow...The remnants of a wild night of drinking taunt me, leaving me grappling with the hazy recollections of an enigmatic woman.'I found myself between her legs, and the intensity of her gaze made it clear that I was exactly where
MY DAD'S BEST FRIEND 05
Loving someone romantically who doesn't reciprocate your feelings can be a deeply challenging and emotional experience. Unrequited love, as it is often called, can be both beautiful and painful, a complex mix of hope and despair.When you find yourself in a situation where your heart yearns for someone who doesn't share the same romantic feelings, it can be easy to get lost in a whirlwind of emotions. You might be drawn to their every word and gesture, finding solace in their presence, even if it's as a friend. The intensity of your feelings can be overwhelming, making it hard to let go.But unrequited love can also teach us important lessons about self-discovery and resilience. It's a test of our emotional strength and the ability to cope with disappointment. It can lead to personal growth as we learn to value ourselves and understand that our worth is not determined by someone else's affections.In some cases, unrequited love can evolve into a deep, lasting friendship. While the rom
MY DAD'S BEST FRIEND 06
Though it should not be, because I got over him, you know. It is for the best, anyway, since Dad would go berserk, so everything is fine.I am fine.I have been telling myself that for two years, but it is never felt true. I guess that is because he’s Dan.The same Dan who taught me to control the emptiness inside me and turn it into a strength.“That hollowness never goes away. It is part of who you are now, whether you like it or not,” he said on my fifteenth birthday when he found me hiding in Dad’s wine cellar. That is what I do when it gets to be too much and I do not want to upset Dad—I hide.That day was one of those overwhelming days. I hated it, my birthday, and myself. I felt like that abandoned newborn baby on the side of the road again, even though I remembered none of it. I felt like an unwanted presence and it made me empty. So empty that I couldn’t breathe and had to hold in the tears when Dad sang me Happy Birthday.It was the day I realized that despite having the bes
MY DAD'S BEST FRIEND 07
It is not worth jeopardizing our partnership and friendship for it. Though friendship might not be entirely accurate; we’re still rivals in a way. We still compete and fight and call each other on our shit.But like yin and yang, we complete each other. Where he’s quiet, I am loud. Where he’s cold, I can be hot-blooded, which makes our partnership extremely profitable.When Dan and I are on a mission, nothing can stop us.Or at least, I thought so until this morning.Until the fucking phone call I had not so long ago.Until I realized the actual danger to my daughter’s life.The daughter I did not think I wanted when she showed up at my door. But one look into her innocent rainbow eyes made me fall in love when I thought I wasn’t capable of the emotion. I never even considered giving her away, I couldn’t. She was a part of me and I knew I had to protect her. It did not matter that I was young and reckless at the time. It did not matter that I knew shit about raising a child.Living wi
MY DAD'S BEST FRIEND 08
In the golden rays of the setting sun, I found myself standing on the precipice of change, the very edge of a new beginning. The wind whispered secrets in my ear, and the world seemed to hold its breath, as if anticipating the momentous shift about to unfold.As I gazed into the horizon, I couldn't help but think of all the dreams and aspirations that had carried me to this point. The journey had been tumultuous, filled with trials and triumphs, and it was the fire within me that had kept me pushing forward. The fire of hope, of unrelenting determination, and the belief that I was destined for something greater.In my heart, a storm of emotions swirled - a heady mix of excitement, fear, and anticipation. The unknown stretched out before me like an uncharted sea, its depths hiding treasures and challenges in equal measure. But I was ready, armed with the courage of a thousand warriors and the resolve of a soul unbreakable.With every step I took, the ground beneath me seemed to vibrate
MY DAD'S BEST FRIEND 09
My fingers falter and something stings my skin. I must’ve cut myself on the glass, but I do not pay attention to it as I stare at the man whose long legs eat up the distance in no time.Even the way he walks is unique. Only, he does not walk, he strides, always with some sort of purpose. His movements are purposeful, confident, and so damn masculine. Everything about him is manly, hard, and tenacious. It is present in every line of his face, every flutter of his lashes.It is in the way his broad shoulders stretch his tailored black jacket. The put-together look does not fool me, though, because I am well aware of what lurks beneath it.Muscles. Whether it is his chest, abdomen, biceps, or strong thighs. I know because I have watched him box with Dad many times, half-naked, and he gave me my first view of male beauty. I have seen his cut abdomen and bulging muscles. I have seen his fluid movements and quick reflexes.Young girls my age only have eyes for teenage boys and jocks, but I
MY DAD'S BEST FRIEND 10
DANIELcoma.The doctor is telling us that Krew is in avegetative state. He’s saying things about swelling in the brain due to the impact and that he might wake up in the next few days, weeks, or never.This hotshot surgeon spent hours working on my friend with his people, and yet he still couldn’t bring him back.He was in the operating room for hours, just to tell us that King might or might not wake up. I do not miss the fake sympathy or his attempts not to give hope.But even if I grab and shake him, then punch him in the face, it will not bring King back, and it sure as fuck will not serve any purpose. Except for maybe getting rid of some of my pentup frustration.Genevieve listens to the doctor’s words with her lips slightly parted. They are lifeless and pale, like the rest of her face. She clinks the nails of her thumbs and forefingers together in a frantic, almost manic type of way. It is a nervous habit she’s had since she was a kid—since she learned the truth about her moth
MY DAD'S BEST FRIEND 11
She shakes her head again, but it is meek, weak, just like she is beneath my touch. Until now, I have never noticed how small she actually is compared to me.How fragile.Actually, I did once. When she was pressed up against me with her lips on mine.But I should not be thinking about that. I should not be thinking about how small my best friend’s daughter is or how she feels in my hold when we’re in front of his hospital room.A muscle clenches in my jaw and I loosen my hold on her shoulders, starting to step away from her.I am unprepared for what she does, though.Completely and utterly taken off guard.Just like two fucking years ago.Genevieve lunges at me and wraps both arms around my waist. And as if that is not enough, she stuffs her face in my chest—her damp face.I can feel the moisture clinging to my shirt and seeping onto my skin. But it does not stop there, no. It is like acid, melting away the flesh and bones and reaching for an organ I thought only functioned to pump bl
Latest chapter
MY DAD'S BEST FRIEND 67
ONE YEAR LATERon’t cry…I am here…” I croak, patting my hand “D on a chubby chest and holding another chubby bottom so she can suck on my breast.Only…I am not holding anything. I am not sitting down either and I am only touching the mattress.I startle, my eyes flying open.Our bedroom comes into sight with the pulled-down curtains that make it dark even though the clock on the wall reads ten in the morning. I fumble for the baby monitor, my heart beating so loudly, I hear it in my ears.Holy shit.Shit.Where are my babies? I clearly remember falling asleep breastfeeding Lily and rocking Logan back to sleep around two in the morning.Did I lose them somehow? Dan spends one night working late in the office, one night, and I lose our twins?They are three months old—I think I got pregnant that day before Dan’s birthday a year ago. As soon as we found out the news, I was ecstatic, but that can not be said about everyone else. Dad wondered if I was going to be fine with law school and e
MY DAD'S BEST FRIEND 66
THREE YEARS LATERSomething is evidently amiss, and the signs of its presence are glaringly conspicuous. The unmistakable manifestation of this disquieting anomaly lies in the unequivocal fact that Genevieve, a typically unwavering and unswerving companion, has taken a perplexing turn towards avoidance when it comes to me.A deviation of this nature is an anomaly in itself, as Genevieve has historically been impervious to any inclinations towards avoidance, even in those moments when my behavior has teetered on the precipice of insensitivity and provoked her ire. Instead of retreating or descending into a sullen disposition, she would typically seek solace on my lap, insisting that I impart lessons on decorum and propriety. However, the current situation presents a stark contrast, as she has continued to maintain a conspicuous distance from my presence for a duration spanning two whole days. This departure from her established demeanor is compounded by another observation that is not
MY DAD'S BEST FRIEND 65
GENEVIEVEIn the end, love's difficulties remind us that love is not meant to be perfect; it's meant to be real. It's not about avoiding conflicts or challenges but about navigating them together, hand in hand. It's about finding the courage to confront the issues that arise and the humility to recognize our own flaws.Through the difficulties of love, we discover that love is a dynamic force, ever-changing and evolving. It's a journey of self-discovery and a shared adventure with another person. It's about learning, growing, and evolving together.Love's difficulties may test our patience and resolve, but they can also deepen our emotional connection. They make the moments of laughter and tenderness all the more precious. The difficulties are like the shadows that define the contours of the relationship, making it multi-dimensional and unique.Ultimately, love's difficulties are part of the intricate mosaic of life, and they are a testament to our humanity. They remind us that love i
MY DAD'S BEST FRIEND 64
DANIELknew this would be hard, but I did not think it would be this fucking unbearable.There is always been an emptiness inside me—it comes with all the baggage of being an unwanted child. But I have managed it well through the years.Or, I thought I had.Turns out, I was only numbing it with no way to effectively deal with it. Which is why I am here, in the middle of nowhere.On the mountain.I have done a lot of hiking and thinking, mostly about her.The girl I left behind without a word because her dick of a father is testing me.“Stay away for a while and take the time off as an overdue vacation,” he told me that day. “If she’s really serious about you, she will not move on. But if she does move on, you will fuck off from her life.”He also wants ten percent of my shares, which will give him the majority in W&S. We agreed to never sell our shares to outsiders or each other in order to keep an equal power balance. But he’s using the circumstances to twist my arm.I agreed anyway.
MY DAD'S BEST FRIEND 63
In the tapestry of love, the difficulties form intricate patterns, weaving together the fabric of our experiences and memories. It's in the trials and tribulations that we discover the resilience of the human spirit, the ability to bounce back from heartache and forge ahead with newfound strength.The journey of love teaches us that perfection is not the goal, but rather, it's the acceptance of imperfections and the willingness to work through them. It's about recognizing that no relationship is without its share of obstacles, and that the process of overcoming them is where we find growth and deep connection.Overcoming the difficulties of love requires a commitment to self-improvement, patience, and a profound understanding of our partner. It's about listening, compromising, and showing kindness even when emotions run high. It's about finding the balance between individual growth and the growth of the relationship itself.In the end, love's difficulties are an invitation to embrace
MY DAD'S BEST FRIEND 62
GENEVIEVEate is gone.He disappeared the same day my life shattered topieces after I learned I have had a mother all along who did not know I existed.The same day my dad threatened to remove her from my life again.The same day I cried until there were no tears left, then instead of going home, I went to Dan’s apartment because I needed him. Not anyone else, just him.He’s the only one who’s able to chase away the chaos and make me feel at peace.He’s the only one I think of when my world splinters to pieces. It is not that he mends it together—he’s not my fixer. He’s just the other half who helps me in being me.In fighting away the emptiness.But he wasn’t there and his phone was turned off.So I called Sebastian and he said he had no clue where his uncle was. He still does not. Because Dan left nothing behind and the perpetrator is my father.I could feel it deep down in my heart that Dad had something to do with it. Not only did he drive Dan away, but he also made him the devil
MY DAD'S BEST FRIEND 61
DANIELknew something was wrong the moment I saw Genevieve sneaking up behind a car.Then came King’s fucking loud voice, because he does not know how to stay quiet.Then Aspen’s full-body shudder as she barely remains upright.But the only person I care about is the girl who’s standing in front of them, her mouth falling open and her nails clinking against each other fast, as if she’s on a mission to injure herself.I step to her side, holding her elbow because she’s on the verge of something, and it is not something good.Her gaze slides to mine and it is a myriad of confused, muted colors as she gulps. “Dan…they said…Dad…called her my mother. It is not true, right?”I tighten my jaw, then glare at King, who’s clenching his fists because he knows he fucked up. He couldn’t just keep quiet. No, he had to make a scene and have her find out this way.He hasn’t been subtle at all since he woke up from the coma. Even I could see that his animosity toward Aspen was uncalled for. She hit ba
MY DAD'S BEST FRIEND 60
He wraps an arm around my waist and pulls me to the edge. My fingers splay out on his shoulders and then I am kissing him again because I love it. I love how his tongue toys with mine and how he nibbles on my lips, letting me know who’s in control.And he is, because I completely let go and I still feel powerful as fuck. He makes me feel it with the way he worships my body, the way his hands are all over my breasts, my waist, and my thighs as if he can never get enough of me.He makes me feel powerful by wanting me with a ferociousness that turns him animalistic, and I get off on that.I get off on how he wants me, not caring about the consequences or what the world thinks of us.While he’s still kissing me, he frees his cock and lifts me slightly off the table so he can drive inside me.“Oh, God,” I mumble against his lips, my eyelids slowly closing.“No. Look at me while I fuck you, wife.”I open my eyes and our gazes lock as he thrusts into me slow and long and deep. So deep that h
MY DAD'S BEST FRIEND 59
The complexities and difficulties of love also underscore its uniqueness and value. Love is not a one-size-fits-all emotion; it's a highly personalized experience that varies from one relationship to another. Each relationship comes with its own set of trials and tribulations, but these challenges can be the very catalysts for profound connection and personal growth.One of the most remarkable aspects of love is its ability to evolve and mature over time. As a relationship weathers storms and navigates the ups and downs of life, it can deepen and become more profound. The difficulties faced together can serve as the building blocks of resilience, forming a bond that can withstand even the harshest of trials.Moreover, love has the power to teach us valuable life lessons. It teaches us patience and the importance of compromise. It encourages us to let go of our ego and prioritize the happiness and well-being of our partner. Love fosters empathy, as we learn to see the world through the
