The Handler

Jeremy's POV

My work cell buzzes from the drawer and I ignore it in place of slathering cream all over my Jawline

Like an annoying fly, the cell buzzes again. I answer.

“What’d you want?”

“Manners boy!” A voice gone scratchy from seeing the bottom of a bottle for decades answers.

“Father,” I grit out.

He grunts and tries to stifle a cough, “What’s this I'm hearing?”

“What are you hearing?”

“You’re in a relationship?”

I grab the razor and methodically begin scraping off the shaving cream.

“Answer the goddamn question, Kila.”

“Yes.”

“How dare you! You piece of dogshit, I raised you to be a formidable ruler yet here you are, led by your cock, blinded by a piece—”

“I haven't forgotten your teachings, Father.” I cut him off.

“Then loose the girl.”

“No.”

“What did you say, boy?”

“I'm not getting rid of her, not yet.”

“What are you up to, Kila?”

“Nothing that'll affect you in the long run.”

“Who is that child?”

“The daughter of an acquaintance.”

“Wrap up your games, kid.