Total pages in book: 101
Estimated words: 97426 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 487(@200wpm)___ 390(@250wpm)___ 325(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 97426 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 487(@200wpm)___ 390(@250wpm)___ 325(@300wpm)
I turn to look over Shawna’s shoulder and find him standing behind her with a scowl as he stares at her.
“You could’ve taken it without me,” he grumbles.
Shawna dips her head and stumbles as Josh brushes by her. He shoots out a hand to steady her, not taking his eyes off her. I lift a brow.
I follow him with my gaze as he joins us for the picture. There is something different about him, but I can’t be sure he’s who Uncle Blake was talking about. My attention is pulled away by AJ squealing in Skittles’s arms. He’s reaching for me this time.
“I’ve got him,” I say and pluck him from her arms.
The kid is almost as big as she is. I don’t know for the life of me why these little women insist on carrying him around. I chuckle to myself as I fix his little suit.
“Um, it might be a better pic if you guys smile,” Shawna calls from behind her camera.
“Take the picture. We ain’t about to smile,” Pit says.
“She’s just doing her job,” Kelex says.
All heads snap in his direction, and we all look at him in shock. Kelex is one of the first to call out some asshole shit.
“Smile, boys. We’re only doing this once,” Skittles says.
“You got that right,” Pit grumbles.
“Unless… I mean, there are two assholes who are still single, for now,” Skittles purrs.
“Whatever,” Kelex says.
“I get that Kelex is one. Who’s the other?” Tak asks.
“She’s talking about Ox,” Pit says. “Keep up, kid. He’s one of us.”
I don’t have time to get choked up or respond. I’ve never tried to insert myself into their crew. I had no idea Pit or Skittles considered me a part of the assholes.
“Wet,” AJ says and frowns as he squirms in my hold.
Shit, it’s been a while since I last saw someone take him for a change. I spot his bag by the head table and start for it. I’m on my way there when I overhear Shawna and Kelex.
“Hi, can I help you?” she says nervously to him.
“Run.”
She furrows her brows and frowns at him.
“What?” she breathes.
“Run… run away,” he repeats.
I snort and shake my head. Maybe he hasn’t changed. I stop to look at him.
“You’re a dick.”
“It’s for her own good,” he says with a shrug.
“You’re still a dick.”
“Yeah, and that kid looks like you. Good luck with those child support payments. When she finds out who you really are, it’s going to hurt,” he says and winks at me.
“What did you say?”
“Pit isn’t the only one who knows shit, remember? You, of all people, know this. No hagamos estupideces. No tengo tiempo para tontos.”
“Then why talk to me like you’re stupid? I’ve got your dummy,” I snarl.
“Relax. I just wanted to see how good your Greek is. Besides, it’s almost time for the games to end. We all have decisions to make, primo.”
With that, he pats me on the shoulder and walks off. I stand staring after him. He knows.
I can’t help wondering how long he’s known and who told him. When he walks by Uncle Blake and squeezes his shoulder, I wonder if that’s my answer.
However, I can’t be sure because Uncle Blake still hasn’t revealed the truth to me. I bite back my questions and get to AJ’s bag. I’ve waited this long. What’s a little longer?
Chapter 24
Happy Birthday
Anthony
A month later…
“Thanks for doing this, Ox. His mom was so upset. You saved the day.”
I nod for her to follow me out into the living room so we don’t wake AJ as he sleeps in my bed. I just brought them in from their flight. He fell asleep in his car seat in my truck.
I turn to Kid as we enter the living room. “Any time. She’s a single mom who has to put food on the table. Those people don’t give two shits about my little buddy’s birthday or her feelings.”
It’s fucked up but true. AJ’s mom had to work this weekend. It’s his first birthday and given her hours, she would miss most of it. Instead of the kid missing out on his big day, I offered to take him for the weekend and spoil him rotten.
“This means a lot to her. She’s grateful for the interest you’ve taken in her son. She said to send you thanks.”
“No thanks needed, but you can tell her she’s welcome. I’m glad I could help and I’m grateful for her trust. Besides, the little guy has wormed his way into my heart.”
“I think the feeling is mutual. So what do you guys have planned?”
“I got him a Power Wheels. Well, I may have gotten him a few. I couldn’t decide on which one, so I got them all.”
She lifts a brow at me. “All?”
“Yeah, I saw the Bentley and Benz first. Then Pit pointed out the Lambo and the Benz SUV, so I got those too.”