Chapter 26

Wiping my clammy hands at the side of the red wine dress I released a breath, waiting for one of the servants to answer the door. Wes stood beside me looking as calm as always and looking irresistible, I thought with appreciation. His long, muscular legs were cladded in dark trousers, the soft emerald dress shirt clung to his broad shoulders outlining his upper body, the first two buttons were undone allowing a glimpse of the sun-kissed skin beneath the fabric. His hair was in it's usually tousled style that added to the edgy aura Wes gave off, the bronze of his skin seemed lighter compared to the coal like color of his hair. There was a slight prickle of a five o'clock shadow peppering across his squared jaw, his pink lips spread into a smirk and I found those shadowy grey eyes on me.

"It's no polite to stare." he winked

"You look nice." I said and averted my faze to my trembling fingers

Self consciously I ran a hand over my knee high dress, the silky fabric tickling my skin. It was a simple dress, sleeveless with a slight plunge from the back and a decent dip from the chest that I considered sexy, yet classy. The silky fabric clung to my curves like a second skin adding to the nerves racking my body, especially since I have worn this dress in years. My body obviously changed since than because my breasts were spilling out from the top and the area around my hips felt tighter than I remember, and I found myself wondering why I chose this dress.

"And you look yummy." he retorted, in a husky tone that made my cheeks flare

Oh yes, now I remember why I chose this dress.

The door opening saved me from responding to his comment, the young maid gave Wes a long look, devouring him with her eyes for a moment before gesturing for us to enter. Stepping in through the threshold I couldn't blame the girl as she started after him with longing, Wes was a nun's secret wet dream. Placing my hand over his forearm I couldn't help the sudden flare of jealousy as she followed behind us looking as if she could swallow him whole.

The sound of laughter filled the long hallway as he neared the dinning room, halting I tightened my grip on Wes's arm. He blinked down at me confusingly, "There's something you should know about my father before we go in there."

I bit my lip, trying to find the easiest and less harsh approach to explain my father's twisted personality "He has a tendency to make people uncomfortable." I said, finally settled on the carefully chosen words.

"Uncomfortable, how?" he asked

"Well.." I pulled my free hand through the loose hair hanging off my shoulder, meeting Wes's confused gaze I sighed defeatedly. There was no way around this. "My father is a douche." I admitted "He's rude, snobby, obnoxious and in no way does he try to hide his bad qualities and well I'm worried he might-"

"Take a jab at me?" Wes finished with a raised brow

I nodded, watching for Wes to freak out and turn on his heels. My father -when not begging me for money- is a royal pain in the ass, his bad manners towards people lower than him -money wise- was embarrassing and cruel. He treats others as if they are nothing but a speck of dust on his satin suits, not even bothering to lower his pointed nose in their direction. Growing up I never understood why he treated people the way he did and was always humiliated when he attacked the servants when none of his 'friends' were around.

"Please don't listen to anything he says." I pleaded, gripping his long, thick fingers "He can be a real jerk at times and I know he'll take a blow at you." I blurted, squeezing his fingers desperately

His fingers rolled across my palm, sliding his warm hand over mine as he entwined our fingers his piercing cloudy eyes locking with mine "I can handle your father." he assured me and squeezed my hand gently as he started forward.

Sucking in a lung full if air I felt my heart pound against my chest as the dark wood of the dinning table came to view, the laughter quieted down as the maid announced our arrival. My mother stood up first to greet us, kissing both cheeks and running a hand alongside Wes's jaw "You look dashing darling." she gushed

Wes flashed a flirtatious smirk and replied "Thank you ma'am."

The crimson color shading her cheeks contrasted the pale blue short sleeved dress she wore, fanning her heated face she took her seat as Stacy sashayed over from her seat with Greg on her tail. My eyes narrowed as she leaned in to kiss my cheeks "Khloe you look nice." she sneered and turned to Wes with a sliver of hunger in her glimmering eyes, much like the maid.

Shooting me a small smirk she leaned in to kiss Wes's cheeks, purposely slumping her shoulders so the large V between her breasts opened providing a generous view of her silicon filled breasts. Slut, I hissed in my head as I gritted my teeth.

"Hello." Wes said, dodging her pouty lips. Stacy stared confusingly at Wes ,who craned his face out of reach much to my delight. Biting my lip I wanted to laugh when Stacy stomped back to her seat, disappointed that she didn't get her way.

"Khloe." Greg greeted in a bored tone and a small nod, returning the gesture I felt Wes stiffen beside me.

"Nice to see you again." Greg spoke to Wes with much more glee than when he greeted me.

"Like wise." Wes replied in a tight voice, he stuck his hand out for Greg to shake. Greg's smile dropped as Wes's tanned hand enclosed over his smaller one, the look of pain etched on his face making it obvious that Wes was hurting him. Greg tugged his hand back, his eyes wide as he returned to his seat.

"I don't like him." Wes mumbled when I placed my hand on his forearm. I smiled knowing precisely why his opinion of Greg changed, guiding him to the two empty seats beside my mother I smiled when he pulled out my chair, the gentlemen behavior was definitely something I could get use to. Wes's eyes were trained on Greg taking in every fidgety movement the small man made from across the large table. Lowering my head I suppressed the urge to laugh at Greg's petrified expression, if I knew Wes would act like this I would have told him about Greg and I at the engagement party. Picturing the man squirming in front of hundreds of reports would definitely make for an amusing sight. Unfolding the ivory napkin from the plate in front of me I placed it on my lap and motioned for Wes to do the same.

"You're late."

The sound of disapproval in his voice was sharp, as if he were readying to lecture me about timing like when I was younger. Tilting my head up I meet his hardened stare with one of my own "Hello father." I forced the words out, aware that he didn't greet us like the others.

His dark emerald eyes swept over me before they turned to Wes and narrowed "I presume you're the boyfriend." he stated, not bothering to hide his displeasure

"Yes, sir." Wes replied politely

My father pressed his thinning lips together, his cat like eyes gliding over Wes like a critic at a restaurant, taking in every inch of him as I expected. Clenching my fists on my lap I ignored the maids as they placed our dinners before us and the zesty aroma of freshly baked salmon and lemon. I heard Wes thank the women before cutting into the fish unaware of the deadly gaze staring him down across the table. My father's eyes narrowed to thin slits as Wes ignored him completely and I couldn't help but smirk at his annoyance, one thing he hates is being ignored.

"So Wesley, what do you do for a living?" my father asked in a cool tone that pissed me off

"It's Wes." I hissed darkly

"Khloe." my mother called out in a soft, warning tone I knew too well.

Pressing my lips together, I reached for my fork and knife never pulling my gaze from my father who had the balls to smirk at me, pleased that he had won the small battle. Stabbing the steaming fish in front of me I awaited Wes's answer. He cleared his throat before speaking "I'm a bartender, at my family's restaurant."

My father scoffed "So you serve drinks?"

"There's more than that to it but yes, in a way I do." Wes replied with a small chuckle

Pursing his thin lips my father responded in a flat voice "I see." He reached for his wine glass finally pulling his gaze from Wes, release a small sigh under my breath I turned my attention back to my plate. The silence hung in the air, thick and awkward. Sparing a glance above my plate I caught a glimpse of Stacy scraping her fork across the top of the salmon, her features scrunched up in disgust. The down side to being a model, I thought with a smirk as I placed a chunk of the fish in my mouth.

The clanking of metal rang through the quiet room, another reminder why I avoided such dinners. Endless silence, bitter comebacks, and of course the much enjoyed cheap shots at my 'sad' life.

The sound of a voice being cleared captured my attention as well as everyone around me "So Wes.." my father spat the name out as if it offended him "I understand you have been with my daughter for a few months now?"

"Yes." Wes nodded. Placing my fork down I observed my father as he leaned his elbow on the table, the corners of his eyes crinkling as his thin mouth spread into a pleased smile. Warily I straightened my posture readying myself for the upcoming battle brewing ahead.

"Than you are aware of our family's wealth."

As the words passed his lips the clanking of utensils halted and the return of silence followed. From the corner of my eye I spotted my mother wringing her fingers nervously on her lap as she looked between my father and I. I opened my mouth to tell my father to keep his pointy nose out of my business when Wes placed a warm hand over mine, startled at the unnecessary contact I faced Wes with a questioning expression. He gave a small squeeze of assurance and faced my father, his features eerily serious.

"Mr. Sparks, you don't know anything about neither I or my relationship with your daughter and for you to make such an accusation is rude. If you would like to know why I'm with your daughter I'd gladly answer that question and it has nothing to do with money." he paused, sparing a quick glance in my direction. I sucked in a breath at the gentle look he gave me, as if he were giving a silent answer that my family couldn't hear. "There's no way any one wouldn't want to be with her." he added with another squeeze of my hand

My heart fluttered, mimicking the wings of a hummingbird due to the simple complement that sunk down to the coldest, detached parts of my heart. Involuntarily my fingers clasped over his longer ones, the action coming to me like a natural instinct. Sadly no one has spoken such sweet words to me let alone in front of others, it was another first that Wes has taken. Swallowing past the lump in my throat I hesitantly tilted my chin up, enough for me to lock gazes with a pair of misty shade of grey that caused my heart to pitter patter.

"How sweet."

My mother's voice pierced the moment, looking away from his heated gaze I cleared my throat hoping to rid the emotions closing around my throat.

"Did you plan that small speech?" my father sneered, leaning back into his seat he kept his eyes trained on Wes waiting for his response.

"John." my mother's stern voice traveled down the long finning table, effectively wiping the smug look off my father's face.

Turning her attention to Wes she apologized in the overly sweet tone I despised so much and quickly steered the conversation back on track with countless question to both Wes and Greg who seemed a bit jittery during the meal. It was a tactic my mother used on the occasions when my father decided to be a royal pain in the ass, she keeps the topic light. Never pushing too hard but never allowing my father to slip a snippy comment in. It never ceased to amaze me how my mother could laugh and smile as if nothing was wrong with us, even during her shitty marriage and constant affairs she kept the grin on for show. No one heard her crying in the middle of the bight when all the servants went to bed, or saw the empty bottles of wine in the bathroom garbage on weekends when my father was coped up at a cheap motel fùcking his latest catch. She hid every imperfection behind the pearly smile, the same smile that fueled my rage towards my mother.

"Stacy tells me you helped choose the flowers yesterday, well what are they?" my mother anxiously

Wes craned his neck in my direction, it was a slight change of plans but I didn't want to explain now. Mouthing 'later' I answered my mother, explaining the specially decorated roses that were ordered for the wedding. My mother gasped placing a hand on her chest like the romantic that she is when I explained how there would be an array of gold and there would be an arch of silver glittered roses over Greg and Stacy during the wedding dinner.

"The theme is silver and gold." Stacy interjected "You should see the table lining mom, it's so beautiful and the design the wedding planner drew up for the wedding is breathtaking." she gushed happily

For a brief moment I forgot that Stacy was a royal bitch, who had the nerve to not only sleep with my boyfriend and date him but now be engaged to him. I pushed aside her sly smiles when people noticed her and barely spot me, right now that Stacy wasn't here. Sitting before me was a woman glowing with joy as she planned her first wedding, the dreamy look in her eyes almost made the he'll she put me through because of her relationship worth it -almost.

"I was able to schedule an appointment for the dress fittings later this week." Stacy stated her emerald gems gleaming excitedly "I can't wait to get my dress." she squeaked

"Send my secretary the details and I'll try to make it." I said over my glass

"Surely you can take time out of your day for this." my mother said, the displeasure laced in her words clear as day

"This has been an especially hectic two weeks and I can't just leave unexpectedly, mother." I retorted

Pressing her pale pink lips together she merely nodded and I was grateful she didn't press on about having a responsibility to this family -which I've gone above and beyond to honor. Lifting my glass back to my lips I took a small sip wishing the sweet liquid would turn into the bitter vodka that I needed at the moment. Anything to help me survive this dinner.

"Business is going good than, yes?" Greg asked, finally able to meet my gaze for the first time tonight

I gave a small nod "It makes for more work though."

"And what's wrong with that?" my father laughed, the rich sound bounced off the pale blue walls as Greg's laughter followed with less enthusiasm. "Honestly Khloe you shouldn't be complaining when you receive a hefty sum, I'm sure." he added jokingly

You would know, I thought bitterly.

Brushing a strand of my blonde hair behind my ear I fixed my gaze on my father who had the expression of the cat who ate the canary. I wanted to desperately ask how he enjoyed my 'hefty' salary but refrained from doing so when my mother glanced my way, her caramel eyes filled with worry as the topic treaded back to me. Biting the inside of my cheek I fought back the venom bubbling on my tongue like acid, for my mother's sake. My father being here could not be easy for her but being the flawless, socialite that she is, she couldn't show an ounce of discomfort.

"Still I would have preferred you entered the political world rather than keep your nose buried in books for a living." he snorted amusingly

I flexed my fingers before answering "Not all of us are lucky to be natural manipulative, liars and that is what you need for that occupation, right dad?."

The last word came out as a hiss, that I hadn't intended for but than again I never truly considered the man as a father, he is more of a distant great uncle.

He ran a hand over the front of his metallic colored suit that screamed designer, his eyes narrowing to slits "Your talents are being wasted on bullshit books when you could be running as mayor or even governor by now."

"John." my mother said as a warning that fell on deaf ears

He leaned forward so his palms rested on the table, looking as if he were going to stand "I didn't waste all those years dragging you along with me so you could go correcting some bullshit books that no one even reads anymore."

"I never wanted to follow you to work, as I recall I told you I didn't want to be a mayor or senator or anything else you wanted me to be." I shot back

A crimson color flooded his cheeks the same way mine did when he grew frustrated or angry "I taught you all I know." he barked "All that you are is because I made you that way!"

His hand came down on the table, the impact causing the wine glasses to tilt as the utensils clanked together.

"Oh well thank you so much dad, because it's every child's dream to spend weekends studying the US government. Every child's wish to be told she can't go to the park with the other children because her father wants to drill lies into her head. Really thank you so much." I hissed venomously

"You ungrateful brat." he growled, rising to his full height. One of the many last resort tactics he uses when an argument isn't going his way, it was something I picked up on when I was younger. Rising to my feet I fixed my eyes on his, refusing to cower beneath those thin slitted eyes that shined with disappointment. The same eyes that guilted me into following his every command when I was younger, it led to a point where I no longer recognized myself.

"Daddy, please." Stacy whispered across the table in hopes of calming him down

Pinning her with a murderous glare he turned back to me, his upper lip curled in disgust "You could never be like your sister and accept the gifts we gave you? You always had to chase what you couldn't have."

"What you gave me?" I laughed humorlessly, the cruel sound resembling that of a villain from a movie "All you gave me was an unwanted insight on the dirty secrets of your life. If anyone chased what they couldn't have it is you!" I spat angrily "You are a lying, cheating, man who has manipulated and bullied me my whole life."

"Khloe, honey calm down." my mother cooed but I couldn't stop.

The pure white rage surging through my veins wouldn't allow me to calm down or even shut my mouth as the memories of my father's infidelities flashed in my mind like a silent film. Each moment burned in my mind, the look of surprise on both his and the new slut beneath him. The places I found them through out my childhood, around the house where he should be most ashamed of, his office when I stopped by to watch him work. With secretaries, interns, servants, colleagues, the list was endless and so were the times I caught him red handed.

The guilt that ate at my insides when I'd see my mother smiling in his direction, clueless as to what he has been up to. His brides to keep me quiet and that damned promise he made every time. He'll never do it again. They all contributed to urging me to continue, to embarrass him and expose him for the slime ball he is.

"Don't you ever try taking credit for what I am today, because this." I hissed and jabbed my chest "Is what I've done, not you. I worked my ass off to get where I am. So don't you fùcking dare pride yourself in thinking you helped me in any way." I shouted as my throat closed up with the tears threatening to fall at any moment

He blinked shockingly at me as if this were the first time he'd ever heard me speak, his gem like eyes wider than I'd ever seen them and Stacy's held the identical taken back expression. Beside her Greg gaped his fork hanging in mid air, his eyes trained on me like I had sprouted a second head. Many because when we went out I allowed my father to trample on my life when ever he liked. This out burst was out of character, even I knew that but I couldn't sit down and pretend as if I'm okay with my father attacking me. I shouldn't have to deal with it.

"Khloe." my mother called out her eyes soft with concern as she started toward me

My eyes dropped to Wes who's dark brows were pulled downwards as he pieced the argument together and in the process piecing parts of the fùcked up family I never wanted him to know about. He fixed his grayish-blue eyes on mine, the understanding floating in there depths enough to puncture the sensitive damn holding back the waterworks. His bronze hand slid across the table top in search for mine as a way of comfort, his finger tips barely brushed my small finger when I snatched my arm out of reach as if he had seared me with the feathery touch.

"Sweetheart." My mother was at my side her frail hands reaching out to touch my shoulder which was the last thing I wanted.

"Don't." I warned stepping away from her reach, watching as Wes stood up from his seat a look of concern on his face. Taking a few steps backwards I sent a dark glare at my father who was blinking the last of his shock away "All of you just leave me alone." I spat despising him more for scratching at an old wound but even more for making me seem so vulnerable in front of so many people, one of which is Wes who has never seen me like this. Vulnerable, helpless to the past and weak.

Pushing away from the table I stormed out of the room, drowning out everything as I rushed down the corridor and up the stairs. Tears blurred my vision as I passed each door that held an unwanted memory until I reached the small library upstairs, my old refuge. Wiping at my cheeks I sauntered further into the room till I came upon a slight jagged bookcase, sliding through the small opening I slid against the wall till my butt touched the ground and allowed the tears to fall freely.

Crying for the old me, who was dragged into a mess she didn't understand. For the family I wished I had, for my mother who cried for years for the same reason and finally for the way the past still held a firm grip on me now.

Wes's POV

"I'm going to-"

"No." Khloe's mom interrupted with a shake of her head, her soft toffee colored eyes glinting with tears "I know where she's gone, you stay here darling." she assured me and turned on her heels, following the same path Khloe ran off to moments ago.

Running a hand through my hair I bit back a curse as I fought the nagging voice that screamed for me to follow after her. I've never seen her so worked up, not even when I first moved into the building and I blasted my stereo. This was a whole other level of pissed off.

"We should go." Greg coughed as he stood up

Stacy followed with her head hanging low, her red hair covering most of her face but the frown was evident behind the curtain of hair. Collecting her bag off the ground she walked over to her father and placed a kiss on her father's head. Muttering a goodbye she brush passed me without attempting to kiss me unlike earlier -much to my relief. Greg shook the older man's hand his eyes roaming anywhere but at the other man's eyes.

"Have a good night." he announced to both John and I. As he passed me and whispered "Good luck."

"Take a seat boy." John called out

"No thanks, I think I'll wait in the living room." I responded and turned away from the man before I speak my mind.

Walking across the short hallway I entered a room decorated in rich wood furniture, the dark molasses like shades blending well with the gold lining the expensive sofa and armchair. Dropping on the armchair I pressed two fingers to my temples processing what just exploded at the dinner table. Everything seemed fine one moment than the next it was like I stepped into a twisted reality show.

I'm not a genius but after what little Khloe mentioned her childhood doesn't seem like what I thought it was. I knew she was rich and figured she was just another spoiled brat who received everything her greedy heart desired like any other rich kid but now. I shook my head, Khloe seems to have a more complicated past than I originally thought. First Greg ditching her for her sister and now her father treating her like a some toy that he controls rather than his own flesh and blood.

Speaking of the tyrant, he walked in his head held high and proud as if he hadn't just made his daughter run off nearly in tears. He ran he hand over the front of his silky suit as he took a seat on the sofa, he leaned forward to pour himself a cup of bourbon. The amber colored liquid swishes against the glass nearly half way "Drink?" he offered the glass

"No, thanks." I declined his offer rudely

"Suit yourself." he snorted and took a generous sip. Leaning further against the sofa he narrowed his eyes at me almost as if he were analyzing me. His eyes resembled the ones of a cat, sly and unpredictable.

"Now that we're alone I want to ask you again. What do you want from my daughter?" he asked bluntly

"What?" I growled, unable to stop myself from glaring at the older man

He leaned forward, probing his elbows on his knees "That speech was bullshit and both you and I know it, so what is it you want? Money, fame, a boost in life?" he asked, one salt and pepper brow lifting in a silent questioning

Shifting my position so I was sitting straight up I shook my head, my upper lip curling in disgust "Your daughter is a one of a kind person who is successful, beautiful, independent woman who has more grit than anyone I've known. If her personality isn't enough to satisfy you then just look at her. She's beautiful."

To my undisguised shock the man rolled his eyes, literally turning them in a full circle.

"Stacy is the pretty woman boy, Khloe is the smart one." he said in a 'no duh' tone that irked me more than the eye roll "Greg went out with her to reach higher in the political latter with a helpful boost from me of course and Tyler well..," he chuckled, the twinkle in his eyes caused a disturbing feeling to settle in my chest "Tyler is a whole other fùcked up story."

"What is wrong with you?" I asked with another shake of my head

The man talked about two men who used his daughter for personal gain and basically threw her aside and the son of a bitch is laughing like it's some sort of joke. Not soon after we arrived I decided I didn't like the guy, sitting at the top of the table with his nose pointed up as if he couldn't be bothered to greet his daughter and than to hear him take a jab at Khloe. But right now hearing him speak about Khloe as if she were some toy meant to be lend out for men to hurt her caused a bitter loathing to form towards him. It isn't enough he subjected Khloe to witness his cheating, as she said but he doesn't seem to care who hurts her and with whom.

"It's true and I bet Khloe's probably thinking the same thing? Waiting for you to take demand from her, so what is it your looking for from my daughter?" he asked once more

"I want her." I announced and stood up, my entire frame vibrating with rage towards him. My face scrunched up in unmasked disgust when he chuckled at my answer as if it were impossible to consider.

"You are a disgusting human being and a pathetic excuse for a father if you can honestly sit there and laugh at something so serious. Your daughter is a special person who deserves better than the men that have been in her life, you included. It's true I don't know you but after what you've displayed tonight I can honestly and proudly say I don't like you."

He blinked surprisingly, his eyes widening a fraction obviously not expecting me to be honest and I sure the fùck am not about to apologize to the díck. If anything he's lucky I don't express to him just how much I despise him.

"How dare you speak to me like this in my own house?" he boomed, heat flooding to his cheeks

"This isn't your house, it's your ex wife's and if it weren't for Khloe i would never bother blinking in your direction, sir." I added the last part for good measure

His cheeks grew a darker shade of red and for a brief moment I thought steam would shoot out from his ears. Proud that I managed to rifle him up a bit I started toward the door "Now if you'd excuse me I'm going to go find my girlfriend."

Leaving the fuming, red faced man behind I started up the stairs where I last saw Khloe, my only though on the blonde vixen.

************

I apologize for the delay but do remember I have a life outside of wattpad and thank you all for being so patient :) I know you're all eager to tell me your opinion so go my lovelies....