Total pages in book: 101
Estimated words: 98255 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 491(@200wpm)___ 393(@250wpm)___ 328(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 98255 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 491(@200wpm)___ 393(@250wpm)___ 328(@300wpm)
Opening her front door, Ernie and Bruno were there to greet her.
“Disgusting. I cannot believe you adopted those filthy animals.”
“They’re not filthy animals. You’re good boys, aren’t you?” Aria kissed their heads and then made her way into the kitchen.
She heard her mother close the door.
Opening one of the cupboards, Aria grabbed some dog food and their two bowls. Her mother’s annoying little tsk followed her.
She spun around to her mother and held her hands out. “What do you want? What have I done wrong now?”
“Do you have any idea what that vicious rumor has done to Isabella?” Joan asked.
“What rumor?” Aria asked, but she had a rough idea which one.
Joan growled. “You know which one, Missy, and don’t you dare take that tone with me.”
“You’re in my house, asking me about a rumor that I’m part of, but instead of coming to ask me how I’m holding up, you only care what’s going on with Isabella.”
“She is married. Pregnant, Aria, I’m not sure you understand the severity of the situation.”
“Oh, I understand it. So long as Isabella is fine, you don’t give a crap about me. I’m not perfect, I’m not beautiful.”
“How could you do this to her?” Joan asked. “Is it because she has a lovely husband? Is it out of jealousy? Spite?”
“I wasn’t the one that made her screw Grant!” Aria yelled. “I wasn’t the one to tell that rumor to anyone. But thanks, Mom, thanks for showing me once again that I’m not a good enough daughter for you. That I will never be good enough. That I don’t measure up to Isabella’s standards. You know what, get the fuck out of my house.” Aria had never cursed. She had never yelled at her mother. This was a first.
Joan’s mouth opened and closed. “You have no idea who you’re talking to!”
“Funny you should say that. I never thought a mother should treat her daughter the way you do me. I guess you don’t know who you’re talking to either. Get out of my house. You’re not welcome here. I don’t want to ever see you again.”
Her head lifted.
“I cannot believe he went from Isabella to you.”
“Get out,” Aria said.
Joan turned on her heel and Aria followed her, slamming the door closed as she did so. Her hands shook, her heart raced. Pressing her back against the door, she tried to take a deep breath, but it was impossible. She felt sick to her stomach.
Her mother had come to accuse her. Not to console her, but to point the finger. She just couldn’t take it anymore. Years of being ignored, of being told how she didn’t measure up, and she finally had enough.
Joan Taylor had said her last words to her. Aria was never going to forgive her.
Ernie and Bruno came toward her and snuggled up against her. Aria laughed. “I still have you two boys, don’t I?” Aria asked.
They each put their head on her knees and she couldn’t help but laugh. “I love you guys too. So much.” She pressed kisses to their heads.
****
Grant didn’t like this. Going to an abandoned farm was not fun. Nothing good ever came from a building that looked like it had been haunted for generations. He didn’t scare easily but he didn’t like Bull’s plan. It was thoughtless.
Running a hand down his face, he turned as he heard a car approaching. He could die today. Miguel could have been lying about his offer and all of this could be just to lure him out here to die.
He couldn’t help but think about Aria.
He’d called Jase and the personal trainer had confirmed the rumors were spread around town. Aria would be alone when all of this happened. He had no choice but to call Lidia and ask her to keep an eye on his woman for him. Lidia had promised him a quick swift kick in the balls was heading his way. He didn’t care, so long as Aria was protected. He’d take any punishment she was willing to dish out.
“Grant, we meet again,” Miguel said.
“And as you can see, I came alone, but you decided to bring a party.”
Miguel chuckled. “You’re young and still foolish. You remind me of Julio. Search him.”
Grant glared at Miguel, but lifted his hands, locking them together and placing them behind his head. Next, he spread his legs wide.
“Go ahead. Be a little paranoid. It’s textbook, right?”
“Betrayal happens in all forms.”
“Trust me, I get it,” Grant said, thinking of Bull spreading the rumors about him and Isabella.
He’d wanted to break his brother’s face. Using his woman’s pain like that.
“Your brother has betrayed you?”
“Took my woman from me,” Grant said. Might as well stick to truth. He and Bull had been through a lot together, and something told Grant that Miguel wouldn’t believe that he’d suddenly turned from the club. If Grant hadn’t left the MC before now, he wouldn’t just magically do it, not even for control of the club.