It Started with a Bang by Piper James

Chapter Twenty-Seven

Annabelle

Ifound myself smiling as I made the drive to work and thoughts of Ryder danced through my head. And I wasn’t just thinking about the sex, either, though I’d be lying if I said that particular aspect of our relationship didn’t occupy a majority of the real estate in my mind. But it was more than that.

I’d had a lot of fun with him outside of the bedroom, too. We talked and laughed—a lot—and he had this protective streak that I definitely didn’t hate. I’d caught him more than once being solicitous to older people in the casino, he was a good tipper, and, best of all, he was good with my dog.

He’d certainly earned my trust—I’d never let anyone drive Sugar before, and I had no misgivings handing over the keys this morning.

This was the first time I’d felt this way about a man, and I tried like hell to not think about the fact that this deal had an expiration date. I refused to obsess over whether or not Ryder would be a part of my future and tried to just enjoy him while he was here.

I tried. But despite my valiant efforts, thoughts of him packing up and leaving, going back to California to never be seen again kept creeping in and trying to ruin the Ryder-high I was riding this morning. And those thoughts led to even worse ones—the reason why I set up this deal to begin with.

My father.

I was going to tell him about the wedding today, and I knew it was going to turn into an ugly confrontation. Most of my conversations with him ended up that way, but this one was going to be nastier than most.

Because while I was technically doing what he ordered me to do, nothing was ever that cut and dry with Dad. He’d be upset that I eloped, of that I was certain. He would’ve insisted on a big, fancy wedding with photo spreads in magazines and extensive posts on society blogs. A quickie wedding in Vegas would embarrass him.

But he was just going to have to get over it. It was a done deal. I followed his edict and got married. Now, he needed to follow up on his end of the deal and put me in charge of Parker Industries.

If only things were that simple.

* * *

“What do you mean,you got married?”

My father’s roar almost made me flinch internally, but I managed to keep my face impassive. I knew this would be his initial reaction, and that I’d have to work to get him to see reason. But facing him with his angry, red face and balled up fists put me on edge despite being prepared for it. I shifted nervously in my chair, hoping he wouldn’t notice.

“I’m married,” I repeated, holding up my left hand so he could see the wedding band and diamond engagement ring on my finger. “You said I had six months, so when Ryder proposed, I accepted.”

“Are you in love with him?” he asked, truly shocking me.

“Don’t pretend you care about love,” I tossed back at him.

“Oh, I don’t,” he assured me. “That particular emotion is for fools and dreamers. I only asked because I wanted to know if you were idiotic enough to think you were in love. I taught you better than that.”

“We’re compatible. He’s a good man, and yes, I…care about him.”

My father didn’t seem to catch the little hitch in my voice, thank God. He must’ve really been worked up, because tiny cues like that were like blood in the water for him. And he never missed an opportunity to go in for the kill.

“Well, you can just get the marriage annulled,” he declared.

“What?” I barked, finally losing my cool. “You demanded I get married, Dad. Why would you want me to end it?”

“You did not consult me on your choice,” he said, his voice tinged with finality.

Pressure built in my head, making my face hot and sweaty. The man knew no bounds. I was so close to saying fuck it all and storming out. I didn’t need him, his acceptance, or his approval.

The only thing that stopped me was my desire to run this company and take it in the direction I wanted. I could see the finish line from here. If I could just pull this off and get Dad to accept Ryder, I’d have everything I’d ever wanted.

“Well, an annulment is out of the question,” I said. “And I’m not divorcing him, either. We are a good match, and if you’d just give him a chance, I’m sure he would impress you.”

I hated the fact that I had to try to sell Ryder to him, but what I said was true. I couldn’t imagine anyone not being impressed with the man.

“Did you have him sign a prenup?” he asked, narrowing his gaze as he ignored my statement.

“No,” I said quietly, my eyes downcast.

Of course, I had, but if I admitted that to Dad, he’d want to see it. And that couldn’t happen, or he’d see the part about the fake, one-year marriage. Better he think I was careless than this calculating.

“You idiot!” he shouted, and this time I flinched outwardly as well as inwardly. “What the fuck were you thinking, Annabelle? I know you are not that stupid.”

The verbal abuse had my temper rising, and I jumped to my feet. “I am not an idiot, Father. What I am is married, per your demands. If it doesn’t work out, I’ll deal with the fallout of no financial protection. I’m sure Marshall and Max would help me.”

I managed to refrain from smirking as I threw out my brothers’ names. I knew them being lawyers in another state really irked him, and the reminder would only serve to piss him off even further. But at this point, I didn’t give a shit. He was crossing the line, tossing out personal insults.

“Do not mention those traitors to me,” he growled. “And we have the best lawyers money can buy here at Parker Industries. There is no reason to involve your brothers in this.”

I thought I almost heard a tiny edge of fear in his voice, like he was afraid of what Max and Marshall would do if they found out he was forcing me, their baby sister, to get married. Like he knew they’d retaliate, and it wouldn’t be pleasant for him.

Well, too late, old man, I thought. He would have already heard from Marshall if I hadn’t been so firm with him and determined to handle Dad on my own.

“Set up an appointment for your husband with my secretary,” Dad said, pulling me from my thoughts.

“What? Why?” I asked.

“I want to talk to him,” he said. “If he can impress me, I’ll accept this marriage and turn the company over by next quarter.”

“You will?” I asked, my mouth falling open.

I assumed I’d have to be married at least a year. That Dad would string me along and dangle the company just out of reach for the next several months, at the very least. But the next quarter was only seven weeks away.

Could Parker Industries really be mine that soon?

My excitement dimmed quickly, though. How was I supposed to ask Ryder to demean himself by kowtowing to my father? Sure, he’d have to appear to have a strong backbone to impress Dad, but in the end, he’d have to defer to the man to get his ultimate approval.

“You are dismissed,” Dad said, and I nodded before climbing to my feet and heading for the door. “Oh, an Annabelle?”

“Yes?” I replied, turning my head to look at him.

“I’m going to need a copy of your marriage certificate.”

I nodded and walked out, not needing further explanation. Of course, he wanted proof. He wasn’t going to just see a ring and take my word for it. That would require trust and love, of which my father knew nothing.

I went back to my office and brooded, not getting much work done for the rest of the day. I knew Ryder would help me out by meeting with my dad—I was fast learning that was just his nature. But I didn’t want to ask him to do it. It felt like too much.

My father would grill him, insult him, and intentionally try to anger him. Putting someone on edge and throwing them off-kilter was his favorite way to do business. Nothing was off-limits as long as it gave Jaxson Parker the edge he needed to win.

And I really didn’t want to submit Ryder to that.

But what else was I supposed to do? Dad made his demands clear. Ryder and I would cooperate, or no company. There was nothing else to do.

I had to talk to my husband.