Total pages in book: 142
Estimated words: 132031 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 660(@200wpm)___ 528(@250wpm)___ 440(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 132031 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 660(@200wpm)___ 528(@250wpm)___ 440(@300wpm)
The words sounded stupid, like he was some sort of adolescent. He had to sound more convincing if he wanted anyone to believe him.
“Huh.” His old man made a squeaky noise with his teeth. “I figured you and Keyes were shacked up together somewhere with how protective you are over him.”
Instantly, Dev’s back went ramrod straight, his chest expanding. He cut a violent gaze toward his father. The old man hadn’t seen how protective Dev’s protective side could be. He was going to show him a trick or two soon enough. “We’re brothers. We’re supposed to have each other’s backs. The way you had Smoke’s back over Keyes every goddamn time.”
Fuck, he pivoted away, taking several steps closer to his sled, his fists flying out, fist-fighting the air in hopes of releasing any of the anger building inside him. He could kill that old man where he stood and be better for it.
“Only an observation,” his old man’s hand came up, trying to show something. Dev had no idea what. “I like some ass every once and again. Somethin’ about a hard body is appealing from time to time. Not somethin’ I’d bring to Thanksgivin’ dinner though.”
Dev got a wink after the last statement. A fucking wink. Did his father have facial tics he didn’t remember? What did that mean?
His fists fell to his sides. His breath panted in short bursts. If Dev could figure out how to close his ears and not actively hear another word that rolled from those lips, he would. His old man completely misread Dev’s seething and threw out a fist to bump in commiseration. Dev let it hang there between them.
There was literally no way he could bring himself to tap it back.
After his obstinance turned awkward, his father dropped his hand and tucked it into his pocket. The outside motion-detecting overhead light affixed to the building dimmed. He stared at his father in the dark. All feeling for the man was gone, nothing left behind. All he could think was how much he wished he could walk away.
“Your mother’s not gonna let me come to Thanksgivin’ unless I apologize to you. You know that’s not my way,” his old man said, staring him straight in the eyes. He kicked at the gravel on the lot. “But I should’ve held my temper. I got shit goin’ on…”
“Like what?” Dev pressed, completely out of character.
Maybe if he could get whatever information the feds wanted, he might never have to look at Cash or his sister again. He and the girls, maybe his mom, could hit the road. Start new somewhere else.
“Boy, you just don’t know. I need an active second,” his father said in a rare moment of honesty. “I’m gonna be true with you. Not to piss you off, just the facts. I like Diesel a lot better than I like you. He’s like the son I’ve never had. He holds himself together better than you do, but that second spot is rightfully yours. I want you, no I need you, to step up and take it.”
And there was the in Cash needed. He felt the shackles of the ruse tightening around his ankles, binding him into an unwanted life. He should say he’d do whatever his old man needed, be what the club needed him to be, and he would say it, just not right now. Too much bad had hit him at one time. He had to have a minute to settle in.
“So is this your apology?” Dev asked, digging his hands inside his jeans pockets to hide the fists.
“Yeah, I guess,” his old man said, looking dejected, maybe even crestfallen. “How’s it gonna work for you that Tena took off? Your mother shouldn’t have to raise your kids. Nobody raised my kids but me and your mama.”
Of course, he came with the bullshit.
Instead of explaining what a shitty life he’d had to live because his old man refused to ever be a true parent, Dev stalked toward his bike. “My kids are none of your damned business.” Right before Dev reached for his handlebars, he stopped and poked a finger into his own chest, surprised he didn’t break the digit with the force he used.
“Tena ain’t been any help to me in years. Mom wanted to spend time with the girls and asked me if she could, so back the fuck off.” His father’s hands lifted in the air in surrender again. “And from this point forward, you make another wisecrack about how I parent, and you’ll be eatin’ the pavement, I guarantee. Got it?”
Based on his father’s grin, he didn’t lay the threat down properly. The old man would learn soon enough. “Fair enough. That guy you’re datin’… He gonna be their new mama?”
The hate radiating over every pour in Dev’s body wanted him to execute one of his perfect right hooks, knock his old man’s lights out. He’d love to drop his father to his knees.