The Hot Alphas Collection: Bad Boy Romance Read Online Free

Daddy.”
     
    “Taylor, I thought I'd come over and we can talk about your art show.”
     
    I looked over at Ivy and she hooked her fingers into the corners of her mouth and stretched, sticking out her tongue. Ivy always tried to get me to laugh with funny faces and it never worked. She wasn't nearly as funny as she thought she was.
     
    “Now is not a very good time, Daddy.”
     
    “Nonsense, Taylor. I'm already on my way. See you in twenty minutes.”
     
    Arguing with my father was like talking to a brick wall. My dad never took no for an answer. I'd hate to actually work for him.
     
    I clicked my phone off. “Sorry Ivy but my dad is coming over.”
     
    “You're very popular today. Should I make an appointment for next time?”
     
    “Very funny, Ivy. I'm sorry we have to cut this short.”
     
    Ivy hugged me close. “Just make sure to stay away from Carter. Once he gets his claws in you, he'll never let go.”
     
    “Don't worry. My entire focus will be on getting this painting done.”
     
    “Still got nothing?” Ivy walked into the living room where the canvas was covered with a brown tarp.
     
    I pulled off the tarp and revealed the blank canvas. “My finest masterpiece yet.”
     
    Ivy bit down on a fingernail, studying the white rectangle. “There's something about it that just pulls you in.” She tried to keep a straight face but failed.
     
    I pushed her away. “Get out of here before my father comes over.”
     
    “All right. I understand. I'll get out of your hair.”
     
    I walked Ivy to the front door. “Thank you for worrying about me and coming over. And for the talk. I really needed it.”
     
    “Any time. Just remember to stay away from Carter.”
     
    I rolled my eyes. “Yes, Mom.” I closed the door before Ivy could say anything else.
     
    I checked my phone and it had been five minutes since my father had called. I only had fifteen minutes to make this place look spotless. Artists aren't know for being clean. I also had to get rid of any trace that Carter had been here.
     
    I stormed through the apartment, dusting and picking up all my paints and brushes. My bedroom was a disaster—sheets and pillows strewn about the room. A smile appeared across my face. Carter was so damn good in the sack.
     
    I made my bed in record time and was able to fix my hair and makeup by the time my father knocked on the door. I looked at the apartment one last time and took a deep breath before opening the door.
     
    “Hi, Daddy!” My father stood in the doorway wearing a black expensive suit. His head was full of gray hair that was combed to the side. He was always so proud that he hadn't lost any hair yet.
     
    “Taylor,” he announced, taking me into his arms.
     
    My father walked inside and took in the surroundings. “Did you have somebody over here?”
     
    How did he always know?
     
    “Yeah, Ivy was over when you called.”
     
    He seemed satisfied by the answer and moved over to the couch. “I wanted to congratulate you on getting into the art show. I'm really proud of you, Taylor.”
     
    I joined him on a brown chair next to the couch. “Thanks, Daddy. That really means a lot even if you were the one that got me in.” I couldn't tell if he was being sarcastic or not. My father always wished he could have a son. A man to take over his growing empire.
     
    When I told him that I didn't want to follow in his footsteps and pursue art instead, he tried to cut me off. It took a lot of convincing but he finally came around. But I knew deep down that he really didn't approve of my lifestyle.
     
    “I heard some distressing news today,” he said, folding his leg over the other. “Your old ex-boyfriend, Carter, got out of jail.”
     
    My whole body froze. So that's the real reason my father came over. I couldn't let him know that he had already been around to see me. Carter and my father were mortal enemies. “How did he get out so soon?”
     
    Lying to my father was the last thing I