Total pages in book: 99
Estimated words: 94094 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 470(@200wpm)___ 376(@250wpm)___ 314(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 94094 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 470(@200wpm)___ 376(@250wpm)___ 314(@300wpm)
I place a hand over his. “I’m trying, Mr. Hennessy.”
He gives me a smile. “That’s all I ask and please call me Clooney.”
“Cee,” Gregor barks as he steps out of the house.
I turn to him, and he gestures with his head for me to come to him. I look to his father once more. He gives me a sad smile.
“One day, I’ll prove to him I meant no harm. Today’s just not that day. I hope you’ll start to join Sid for our lunches.”
“I’ll think about that. Thank you.”
* * *
Gregor
I’m still stewing about my father cornering Cee while I put Chloe down for a nap. I’ll never forgive him if he tries to get between us. I’m not the young man he once controlled.
I take a sip of my drink and stop glaring at my father. Dinner was civil but I don’t trust my father. He’s up to something.
I turn my attention to my brothers having what seems to be a heated conversation. I’m reminded that I’ve yet to get a chance to talk to Clay to find out what’s been going on with Ally or anything else. I start for Cane and Clay just as Cane storms off.
“What’s all that about?” I ask as I stop at Clay’s side. We watch Cane rush out of the house.
“He’s using,” Clay bites out.
I jerk my head back. I have a hard time believing that. I would know if Cane were using again. I think he’s hiding something, but I don’t think he’s snorting blow.
“You’re fucking bullshitting me, right?”
My words come out with as much disbelief as I feel. Cane may have tics from his past, but he’s not still using. He has a gambling problem. That’s his vice, not drugs.
“Nope, he owes, and he owes big. Those two think everyone around them to be idiots. She’s into some shit that’s taking a shitload of favors to try to get her out of,” Clay says and nods his head toward Ally.
I pull a hand down my face. “How much time do we have to fix this one?”
“Ally’s out of time. I’ve been keeping her hidden. I’ll tell you about that later. As for Cane, I think it’s time we fall back and let him figure shit out.”
I scowl at my brother and turn my glare on him. He sounds like my father. I’d never abandon Cane or Clay. I can’t believe Clay is even suggesting we abandon our baby brother.
“You sound like Dad,” I snarl. “I didn’t leave you to figure it out.”
“I wasn’t stuffing white powder up my nose either. He has a problem, gambling debts and crazy-ass girlfriends, fine. We can get him out of that shit any time. This other bullshit will have us digging a grave for him, not keeping him from one. It has to stop.”
I work my jaw. He has a point, but I’m not going to leave Cane out to dry. This is just one more thing I don’t need on my plate. If Cane is using, Chloe is going to kill me. I hope he’s not putting me in this fucked-up position.
“Fuck,” I blow out. “This is the last thing I need.”
“Tell me about it. I’m still trying to wrap my head around all of this shit you brought to our door.” He shakes his head.
“You?” I snort.
Telling my brothers out loud about how I’ve returned with a two-year-old was a lot for me. I can only imagine how they felt, especially Clay. He thinks it’s his job to fix and control everything. This he can’t fix and I’m the one who needs to be in control.
He pats me on the shoulder. “I’m here. Whatever you need. You did the right thing. She loves you.” He squeezes my shoulder.
I’m beginning to believe he might be right. I hadn’t planned for any of this, but it feels right. I love my wife and my daughter. I’ll spend the rest of my life making sure they’re both safe and happy.
“She’s mine. I didn’t plan any of this, but they’re both mine,” I affirm.
“Clay.” David rushes toward us, and I know this night is about to take another turn. The look on David’s face says it all.
“What now?” Clay grunts.
“You’re going to want to see this, boss,” David says, handing over a printed email.
Clayton takes the page and scans it. I move to read it over his shoulder. My eyes nearly bulge out of my head. I’m going to kill Cane and Ally before Cee gets a chance to. My head starts to ache.
“Un-fucking-believable,” I mutter.
Chapter 43
Lost Your Mind
Chloe
I’m trying my best to enjoy this shopping trip. However, it’s hard with my husband keeping things from me that I know have something to do with my sister. Gregor has been acting strange since dinner at his parents’ the other night.