Crown Jewel by Fern Michaels Read Free Book Online Page B

you. Like I said, what’s with this command performance?”
    â€œMy mother said you were a lowlife sack of shit,” Max said.
    Ricky threw his head back and laughed. “Both your mothers are right. Back then I was those things. Even more. That was then, this is now.”
    â€œYou paid for us all those years, right? Are you the one who paid for my car and college?” Tyler asked.
    â€œYeah. And now you figure because we’re twenty-three, finished with college, you can claim us? What’s wrong with this picture?” Max asked.
    â€œWhat’s wrong with the picture is that my brother, your uncle, died a few weeks ago. If he hadn’t died, I probably never would have sent my attorney to see you. My financial obligation to you ended when you graduated from college. I will provide for your mothers until the day I die. What else do you want to know?”
    â€œWhat do you want from us?” Tyler asked, his eyes spewing sparks.
    â€œI don’t want anything from either one of you. I hoped I could do something for you both. This may sound a little weird to you, but when my brother, your uncle, died so suddenly, I realized how fragile life really is. You’re my flesh and blood, and I wanted to see you. I want to help you in any way I can. I’m sure the attorney mentioned your inheritance from your uncle Philip.”
    â€œAnd that would be…what?” Tyler asked coldly. He slapped at his forehead. “I bet you want us to head up your fan club. No thanks. You can screw the inheritance, too.”
    Ricky ignored the comment. “I was hoping I could do something for you. My brother and I own two resorts in the islands. With his death, I’m taking them over and retiring from the film industry. I thought you might like to come aboard and work for me. Now, if you have nothing but contempt for movie stars and high-profile people, you might not want to work for me. You’ll be making four times the salary you’re earning in the corporate world, seeing as how you started out on the lowest rung. You get free room and board and plenty of time in the sun. The surfing’s great in the winter. The golf and tennis are even better. Your social life will increase by a hundred percent. If you don’t piss me off along the way, one day it will all be yours.”
    Ricky paused for a moment, looking at his sons, who gazed at him warily. “I’m going swimming. If you care to join me, there are suits in the cabana. My housekeeper will serve lunch by the pool. If you want to leave, leave. I made my offer. Take it or leave it.”
    He was shaking so badly when he entered the cabana, he could barely get his pants off.
    He headed for the Olympic-size pool, dived in, and swam its length. He climbed out of the pool when he saw his sons coming out of the cabana.
    â€œWhat are you getting out of this deal? Assuming we agree to any of this,” Max asked.
    â€œTwo good employees, I hope. There’s no room in my life for smart-asses, disrespect, or jealousy. We’re health-conscious around here,” Ricky said, picking up a vegetable wrap and biting down.
    â€œYou got any beer?” Tyler asked.
    â€œNo. I’m an alcoholic, so I don’t keep it around unless we’re having a party.”
    â€œIs there anything else we should know about you?” Max asked.
    â€œI was a drug addict until my brother straightened my ass out. I’ve been clean for over fifteen years.” There was no need to mention his little relapse.
    â€œThat’s it?” Tyler demanded.
    â€œI like women. I mean I really like women. Oh, yeah, I’m really rich. I’m walking away from Hollywood while I’m still on top. It’s time for me to give back. You fall into that category. Now you know everything there is to know about me. Isn’t it your turn to share a few things with me?”
    The two young men suddenly looked uncomfortable.