Total pages in book: 69
Estimated words: 65872 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 329(@200wpm)___ 263(@250wpm)___ 220(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 65872 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 329(@200wpm)___ 263(@250wpm)___ 220(@300wpm)
“You keep touching me like that, woman, and we’re going back to that tiny ass bed.”
“You say that like you think I won’t agree—”
“Mom, Dad, you’re embarrassing us,” T whines, making us both laugh.
“Living with them growing up should have scarred me for life,” Dom adds, walking over to King.
“Maybe that’s why you’ve been such an asshole,” King suggests. I watch the interaction carefully. I’m not sure how all this is going to pan out, but I know my family is trying to accept King. It will be up to him if he accepts it.
“Thea argues that I was just born that way,” Dom responds, not taking offense at all. In fact, he’s smiling.
“Could be a family trait,” King baits.
“I’d take offense to that, but since you’re family, I can’t really.”
“I’m not family,” King denies at once, his body tensing.
“You are, whether you want to admit it or not. I should have welcomed you sooner. I just kind of hated you.”
“I’m used to the hate,” King shrugs.
“Yeah, well, all I saw when I looked at you was the man my brother picked over me. That shit stung.”
I clear my throat. “Would it be possible for us to have the conference room for a bit?” I address Hangman.
“Sure,” he agrees, and everyone disburses. Hangman walks up to where King and Dom are standing. “When you’re ready, I can tell you more about your mother and what happened to her. You never have to take me up on the offer, but if you want to, you know where to find me.”
“You knew my mother?”
“Mavis had a long history with several clubs. She tended to leave chaos wherever she went.”
King snorts. “I find that hard to believe,” the man answers.
“I don’t have a horse in the race. Still, the offer stands if you change your mind,” Hangman responds, then walks out, leaving me in the room with Nicole, our two boys, and the man who hates me.
Fuck.
Chapter 23
Dom
I look around the room slowly. I can tell King is fighting to keep from running out of the room. I figure he’s fighting with himself, but I also know he won’t show weakness in front of Dad. He’s got that West pride. I should know, having more than my fair share. I don’t know what’s going to happen, but I hope that eventually King lets go of his anger. If he doesn’t, it will eat him alive—much like mine did when I found out about Gabby’s lies. It almost cost me my shot at happiness. If I hadn’t pulled my head out of my ass and claimed my Thea, I’m not sure I’d be standing here right now. I was getting to the point where even crawling out of bed was hard to do.
“You two staying here for the family talk?” Dad asks, looking toward me and T.
“T can if he wants to be here for King. I think I’m out of here. I heard most of it when I was a kid—more than enough to be honest. Besides, I can do the math. It’s not like you cheated on Mom. I think it’s something you all need to address, not me,” I answer, when the room stays quiet. “I’d like time for us to get to know one another, King. I know you hate my father and me too, for that matter. I understand it, but I’m here and I’d like the chance that you’ve already given T.”
“Dom—” King starts to interrupt, but I shake my head.
“I know T is the better man. Fuck, he’s better than all three of us put together. Still, I’d like the chance, whenever you’re ready.”
King doesn’t reply, but then again, I didn’t expect him to. I had my say, however, and that’s all you can do sometimes. I walk over to my parents and lean down to kiss my mom. “So, fucking glad you’re back, Mom,” I rumble out, hugging her tight.
“Like my boys would ever let anything happen to me. All of my boys,” she says, as we pull apart. Her gaze is locked on King as she delivers her response. It’s clear she’s claiming the man as one of her own. I smirk at the poor bastard. He could probably hold a grudge against my old man for the rest of his life. I could see it happening. But if King thinks he can hold out against my mother, he really needs to face reality. He can’t get away from her. Mom is a mini-tornado, and she collects people like some women collect jewelry. She’ll win him over. It’s just a matter of time.
Once I get to the door, I stop and look back at King. “Oh, you haven’t met our sister yet. She’s a lot like Dad, with a temper to match.” King frowns but doesn’t say anything. “She’s going to want to meet you. Don’t let her attitude fool you. Underneath, she’s more like Mom and, as mad as you are about the past, Kayden will want to lay claim to you as a brother. She will want you in her life. Don’t break her heart. As much as I understand your anger, you hurt our sister, and all bets are off.”