Her Mischievous Prince (Book 3)

Jaxon There are three things I am crazy about in this world - drums, big bikes, and tattoos. Ever since I was young, I’ve been addicted to them. I learned to play the drums when I was eleven which I only did as a means to annoy my parents, of course. You see, they weren’t around a lot and didn’t pay much attention to me or my younger brother Lee if they were. So when my mom forced us to learn a musical instrument, because it would be such a travesty that only her children among her friends are not musical geniuses, I naturally chose the loudest I could think of while Lee chose a more conventional one which was the piano. He probably did that to please mom more than anything, but when my parents got divorced, Lee immediately stopped playing while I apparently made it my life’s career. I got my first tattoo at 18, had to keep bugging Colin to play as my guardian until he begrudgingly agreed- good times, and then I got my first bike shortly after that. Anyway, it’s been months since I’ve been on one of my babies, so since today officially marks our one and a half month break from band duties, Maverick and I decided to take a short cruise to Sky’s beach house cause why the f**k not? Nothing beats riding and surfing as a way of recovering from a grueling tour no matter how short or long it is plus Sky and Maddox are already on their way there. While we were semi-fine tuning our motorcycles, however, my father’s Bentley pulled up making me curse inwardly. Now, don’t get me wrong, I have a pretty okay relationship with my father, but honestly speaking, sometimes he just suffocates me with all this company politics and responsibilities mumbo-jumbo s**t that it makes me want to hurl sometimes. “Hey, Mr. P!” Maverick called out to my father who suddenly decided to grace us with his presence today of all days with his executive assistant-s***h-new wife of course. I don’t exactly know what came over these two, marrying each other like that. Like two drunk-ass teenagers who just thought getting married in Vegas was a good idea. I didn’t even have a clue that they were dating or f*****g whatever which way. It’s beyond me really plus I don’t even want to think about my father’s s*x life because - gross. All I know is what my father wants, my father gets including grooming me to take over his company when he retires. I honestly didn’t have a major issue with that, but if you ask me, I really just want to be the drummer of Lucid Mantra and not some work slave powerful CEO of a multibillion-dollar company. Besides, why can’t he groom my younger brother instead? Call me without dreams or structure. Call me happy-go-lucky or a bratty rich kid all you want and I won’t give a f**k. Besides, I made it pretty much on my own and accumulated tons of money through my own efforts by being a member of a world-renowned rock band and putting up two successful tattoo shops right after I got my first paycheck. So what I’m really trying to say is, running my father’s company is never going to be my first option. Also, in my mind, we’re always going to be Maddox, Sky, Maverick, and Jaxon even when we all become wrinkly and gray. "To what do I owe the pleasure of this visit dad? If you're looking for the wedding present, I'm still having it wrapped." He smirked and just walked past me eyeing my bike with interest and I know exactly what he's thinking. Yup! She's a beauty. “Maverick, son,” My dad greeted in his low husky voice as they shook hands. “Have you met my wife Elvie?” My father pulled his new wife to his side as he introduced Maverick to her. A look of surprise briefly crossed my best friend’s face which he was able to mask with his boy next door smile then he stretched his hand out to shake my new stepmother’s hand in greeting. I busied myself with my Harley-Davidson while they made small talks, not bothering to jump in. It wasn’t because I didn’t like Elvie, I mean though we’re not close, I’ve known her for a very long time and she’s pretty nice, but it was mainly because I never liked small talks. I find them exhausting, to be honest. It’s like you say hey to someone and after he or she says hey back and then what? You smile awkwardly at each other with no teeth showing until one of you gives up, that’s what. So, I guess I should tell you something about Elvie - based on what I know - which is very limited. She’s from the Philippines but I think she grew up here, she’s attractive and a pleasant woman, she got married once, but then her husband died years ago, has been my father’s assistant since I was around thirteen, and... well, I think that’s it. Like I said, very limited. In my defense though, I just never really had the chance nor the time to hang out with her. I basically stir clear of my father’s office and avoid it like my life depended on it even at times when he requires me to do some "office work". “I hope you’ve already cleared your schedule for three weeks starting tomorrow, son,” My father suddenly addressed and I looked at him with a confused stare. “Uh, come again, dad?” I asked. “The vacation... we’re visiting the lake house... I told you about this two days ago,” he protested with a serious stare, and both Maverick and I exchanged side glances. “I’m sorry dad. I swear I wasn’t drunk two days ago, but I can’t seem to remember having a conversation about clearing my schedule much more going on vacation. Maybe you thought you were talking to me, but in reality, you were talking to Lee? Besides, three whole weeks couped up in one house would drive us all insane don't you think?" My father sighed in disappointment. “Regardless of what you think, we’re spending quality time together as a family." The heck? Quality time as a family? What is he talking about? As far as I know, business comes first for him, not family, so this proposal for me is the stupidest thing. He must be high or something. "Me, Elvie, Lee, you, and Riley, we're all going.” I arched a brow at the mention of Riley. “Riley?” I questioned “My daughter,” Elvie shyly mentioned. Alright... adding that to the list of what I know about her then. “I didn’t know you have a daughter. How old is she?” I inquired for no particular reason. “25,” she answered. “Ah,” I simply said and nodded because I don’t know what else to say and she answered with a toothless smile I was talking about earlier. See? Aren’t small talks dumb? “I won’t take no for an answer, you better be there. Maverick, you’re welcome to join if you want,” my father uttered. Frankly, I'm not even a bit surprised that he'd invite Maverick because out of the other members of the band, he's my dad's favorite. How could he not be the favorite? The guy's practically a saint. “Thanks, Mr. P. I’d love to, but unfortunately I have a few things lined up for me a day after tomorrow until the next coming weeks,” Maverick confidently answered with a wide apologetic smile. Liar. I’m pretty sure that aside from visiting his clubs, he won’t be doing s**t for the rest of our break. I think he just doesn’t want to join the shitshow that’s about to go down. “Sure, maybe next time then. Jaxon, I’m expecting you to be there tomorrow.” My father ordered with a curt nod. “Tomorrow? But I have...” I wasn’t able to finish what I was going to say because my father gave me the “don’t even think about it look”. “Yeah,” I conceded knowing that it’s not a good idea to argue with Xavier Prince especially when he came in person and there are people around. Satisfied with my answer, he then added, “Well, I’ll leave you boys to whatever it is you’re doing.” He gave me a clap on the shoulder then moved to shake Maverick’s hand before walking back to his car hand in hand with Elvie. And once they have driven away, Maverick gave a long whistle before turning back to me. “Wow, he must really want you to be there if he came in person to make sure you'll drag your own ass there. Also, wife?” I shook my head and sighed wiping my oil-stained hands. “Yeah... don’t look at me like that. I didn’t know s**t too. I only learned about it an hour after they got married. I'm still thinking it's a huge prank or whatever which is why I still can't imagine it. You heard it right? Quality time as a family. s**t,” I truthfully answered before throwing my leg over my Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight. I looked at Maverick and asked, “Are we going or what?” He gave me a smirk then wore his helmet before answering. “Going.” Our bikes roared to life and then we were off.