My drink sloshes when I slam it down. “Oh, I don’t know, maybe because I’ve had, like, three people try to kill me in the last few days.”
My ex shakes his head. “Rowan, I’m so sorry. I had no idea.” If I hadn’t seen the name on the check register, I might even believe him. The concern on his face is so infuriatingly sincere.
“The fuck you didn’t.”
“Language, sweet boy.” He approaches with his hand extended as if he’s going to place it on my forehead. “Clearly, you’re not feeling well.” He pulls out his phone. “I should have my doctor come and check you out.”
“Oh, fuck you. You know what?” For the first time in my life, I smack his hand away. “You’re nothing but a giant bag of lies inside a suit, aren’t you? It explains why you could never make eye contact with me when we were in bed. It probably also explains your disappointing penis.”
Honestly? At the time, I didn’t mind his size. But I’m fed up and I want my words to cut.
His fingers twitch, balling into a fist and releasing again. Guess I hit him where it hurts with that penis comment. “I know you’re upset, but that talk is inappropriate, especially when I’m only trying to help you.”
Not anyone’s sweet boy now, am I?
Though I’ll be honest. If Milo had stuck around, I wouldn’t have minded being his whore.
Tucker’s face is stormy, though. Red and mottled with anger I’ve never seen from him before, and it makes me wonder if itwas always there and he was just good at keeping the mask in place. Right now, he looks downright murderous.
Which doesn’t make me feel safer. Especially not when he reaches out and brushes a knuckle along my cheek.
I used to feel so treasured when he did that.
“Rowan, all I’ve ever wanted to do is take care of you.” But his expression doesn’t match his words.
“You don’t drug and kidnap a person you care for, Tucker.” Maybe I stayed too sheltered when I was younger, but about this I’m pretty damn sure.
His lips thin. The way his face changes in front of me reminds me of his glass tea kettle downstairs in his kitchen. The way the water would get cloudy as it heated, and then simmer, then great angry bubbles would form before steam poured out the top. Looks like we’re almost at the steam stage.
I don’t think I’ve ever seen Tucker angry before.
“Listen, I’ve been working toward this for decades, and I will not let you take it away from me. I’ve got friends backing me in prominent places. Accuse me of whatever you want. Nobody will believe you.”
I’m sure I’ve lost my mind. I’ve got no other explanation for why I say, “They might when I draw them a diagram of every mole on your dick.”
“You fucking—” His hands shoots out, fingers squeezing around my throat.
When I first met Tucker, I was smaller than him. Hadn’t hit my last growth spurt. Thinner, for sure. I’m bigger now, but he’s really squeezing hard. I’m trying to pull his hand away when he drops his drink and adds the other.
“You know what? You’re right, you little shit. I was going to leave for the airport, get on a plane, and your death was going to be staged to look like a tragic home invasion gone wrong. So sad that my intern was here when it happened. But I’m tired of you,and I’m especially tired of your smart mouth. Maybe if I want something done right, I need to do it myself.”
I struggle to pry his fingers free, but I can’t get enough leverage. With my size, I ought to be able to get him off me, but I’m still feeling the effects of those drugs. Spots dance in front of my eyes, and I’m honestly worried I might puke on him. Would serve him right.
My right arm drops. I’m trying to brace it behind me on the desk. Maybe I can use my body weight to—
My hand hits something hard. Something square, with what feels like a star shape on top. Like a paperweight that says #1 Dad. My fingers scrabble until I’ve got it in my grip.
I’m still looking into his furious eyes when I swing.
20
Notes:
Sorry this chapter is late. There was an alligator blocking me from entering my front door, so I hid in a tree until he left.
Milo
When I force my way into the office, I’m running on pure murderous rage. Hoping Rowan’s still alive. Ready to rip out the trachea of anyone who’s caused him harm.
