Chapter 29: Games (Alex's POV) I continued listening while Carter stepped away and began dialing Zach's number. "You want your son's property without his permission?" "Yes. Can you make that happen?" Dad, say no. "Any real estate agent can make that happen. If your son agrees." "And if he doesn't? Any ways nobody else has to know about?" My dad cleared his throat, "Are you asking me to help you obtain property that isn't yours illegally?" he asked. "Yes, I am." "Why a gym?" Exactly my question. "He's twenty years old. He doesn't need that gym. I'm interested in building there. Something instead of his pathetic little gym." "Like?" "Like a clinic for myself. Or an office." "An office? I thought you're a doctor?" He laughed, "I am. There's a little side business I run." Something illegal I bet. "Why don't you think your son should be running that gym?" "Well, he bought it with my money, and he's only twenty. He can find a job anywhere else." "Does he owe you the money he used to buy the gym?" "No, he's already repaid his debts." Zach owes him nothing. "He owes you no money, the gym is under his name, he's kept the facility in perfect condition, and nobody seems to have any objections to it. You could get property anywhere else, and much larger than that. Why that gym?" "Because it's his. It's easier to take," he answered nonchalantly. "It's easier to take if he gives it up. Which by the looks of it, is not going to happen." "Then we make it happen." "I'm afraid I can't do that. It's illegal and that is not what I do. You can find another real estate agent who will be willing to do that for you. I'm afraid that isn't me. See yourself out, please." I let out a sigh of relief before running back to the kitchen as the door opened. Carter ran up to me and grabbed my hand. "Let's go, come on." "Where are we going?" I asked as Clark appeared. Carter waited till he left. "To the gym. Now." We got out and into his car and he drove straight to the gym. When we got there, I noticed a black car parked. He was here. We ran inside and up to the top where Zach normally was. He was standing there talking to Clark. If he persuaded him, there's no going back. The only reason I was worried and actually cared was because I knew Zach wasn't a bad guy. If he was, he would've taken advantage of me being alone at that party. But he didn't. Instead, he led me back to Carter. "Zach!" I called out, instantly regretting it when Clark turned to glare at me. "Carter, we're not training today," he replied. "I know. I need to talk to you. Now." "Give me ten-" "Now, Zach," I said. He walked over in confusion and stood in front of us. "What?" he asked in confusion. "Do not say yes," Carter said. "What are you talking about?" "Whatever it is that he's offering you. Do not say yes," Carter repeated. "He wants the gym, doesn't he? What did he say he'll give you?" I asked. "More than what I currently have, why do you know this?" he asked me. "Because he came to my dad. He wants this place only because it's yours and that makes it all the more easier for him. He's willing to do whatever it takes to get it, Zach. Even break the law. He's playing games with you. He'll take the gym and leave you with nothing," I explained. "You're not a kid anymore, Zach. You have to find your own way, make your money, and have your own place. You're moving out soon, once he takes the gym, you'll have nothing left. He's playing you. Do not give this place up. You made it what it is and you love what you do. Don't let it go," Carter explained. He eyed us suspiciously before turning around and glancing at Clark who was shooting daggers at us. "You heard this yourself?" he asked me. "I swear to God," I nodded. "Did your dad agree?" he questioned. "No, he said he wouldn't do it because it isn't legal. He may even try threatening you into taking the place. Zach, don't let it happen," I sighed. "What is he offering you?" Carter asked. "My grandparents' house in Cali," he answered. "Who owns it right now?" I asked. "He does." "Why would he give you an entire house in exchange for a gym? Think about it," I replied. He scratched the back of his head before glancing back and forth between us and his sad excuse of a father. "I'm trusting you. Both of you. Don't make me regret it," he mumbled before walking over to him. We sighed in relief in sync while I watched as Zach talked while shaking his head when his dad tried to reason. Finally, he left, kicking the bench on his way out and killing us with his looks. Zach walked over to us while staring at the retreating figure of his father. "Zach, if you let this place go, you wouldn't have a way to make your own money," Carter stated. "And it's because of this place that you paid off your debts to him. Isn't it?" I asked while he stared at me. "The money you borrowed from him when you bought this place, you were able to pay back. If you still owed him money, he would use that against you to take the gym from you. But you don't owe him anything. That's why he can't do anything," I explained. "I should seriously move out faster," he mumbled, "Thanks," he said. "You're welcome," I replied. "I would hug you but… I'll just hug Carter instead," he shrugged before hugging him. I laughed while shaking my head, looking around the place again. "I have to get back to work. I'll see you two Friday," he said. "You're coming?" Carter asked. "Yup, I have a house in that neighborhood now. I must attend," he winked before disappearing. "He bought an entire house in that neighborhood?" I asked in disbelief. "Yup," Carter nodded before turning to me, "Come on. I'll drop you home." Once he pulled into my driveway, I hopped out and walked over to his side, leaning in through his window. "I'll see you tomorrow. Night," I smiled. "Hey," he grabbed my wrist. "What happened earlier before your dad showed up…" Uh oh. It's so awkward talking about an intimate moment after it's happened. Did he not like it? "Please feel free to do that again. Any given time," he smirked. "Oh," I said, surprised. "What 'oh?'" he chuckled. "Hudson used to hate when I did that. So I never did," I said. "Hudson is stupid. And the past. You're all mine now," he smirked before pulling me into a kiss. I smiled against his lips before pulling his bottom lip with my teeth softly. I didn't miss the way he almost moaned. Nice to know I have that effect on him. I pulled away before leaning forward beside his ear, "See you tomorrow." "You're really going to leave me like that?" he sighed. "Now you have something to think about tonight," I smirked, "Bye." I skipped up the steps and into my house where I sat Mr. Reed sitting and talking to my dad. His car wasn't out there. "Mr. Reed. Hi," I smiled. He nodded at me while they both stood up. "I hope to see you on Friday, Alex. Goodnight," he smiled before my dad showed him out. My dad turned around to face me, eyeing me suspiciously. "You went to tell Clark's son," he stated knowingly. "I had to, dad. He's a nice guy. He doesn't deserve what his dad is trying to do to him," I explained. "I know. There's a reason I left that door slightly open. I was hoping you'd listen in. Come on, let's have dinner," he said. "You knew I would listen?" I gasped. "Of course, I did. You are my daughter after all. Oh, chicken wings," he grinned. I smacked his hand away. "Those were for Carter. But you can have a few," I shrugged. "You and Carter," he sighed, shaking his head. "What about us?" I asked. "That boy is so in love with you. It's astonishing you don't see it. It blows my mind," he chuckled. "What are you talking about?" I questioned. "Have you seen the way that boy looks at you? The things he does for you? It's the little things that matter, sweetheart. Years down the line, it won't matter what dress he bought you or how many places he took you to. It's the little things," he nodded, "The little things your mother forgot," he frowned. "You should get a girlfriend," I said bluntly. "Excuse me?" "I'm serious. You can still find someone. Just make sure she isn't a snobby gold digger. Otherwise, we'd have issues." He laughed while shaking his head at me. "I wish everyone a daughter like you. I love you, Alex," he grinned. "Love you too, dad. And anyway, if everyone had a daughter like me, you wouldn't be so lucky." . . . .