Page 119 of Intolerable Bishop

“What,” she asked, her voice low when I refused to let go.

“You’ve created an issue.” I glanced down, and as she became aware of what I meant, her face turned a deep pink, which only made my situation worse.

“That is not my fault,” she said.

“Oh, yes, it is. Have you looked at yourself in a mirror today?”

“I mean…yes…but….”

“No buts, all fact. You have no idea what I’m picturing right now.” She swallowed, and there was a flash of desire in her eyes, but she quickly looked away. Fuck. Fuck. Fuck.

“Is everything okay,” Blake asked as he walked up beside me.

“Yup, just chatting,” I answered, not bothering to look at him.

“You sure? You have that, ‘I’m going to do something I shouldn’t,’ look.” I glared at him as he tossed a grape into his mouth. “Just saying. You’re drawing attention.”

I glanced around, and sure enough, the people standing closest were staring, including my father and a furious Vicky. Great. Fucking great. Locking eyes with Ren again, I took a deep breath and forced my hand away from her body. I would’ve had an easier time cutting it off.

“Don’t move. I need a minute.”

“Just one,” she teased, and I snorted.

“Don’t start with me on my birthday, Princess. I’m likely to take what I really want for a gift,” I said, and then looked at the napkin I was still holding with the stupid pastries. I had no idea what was more shocking. The fact that I still had them in my hand or that I hadn’t crushed them into oblivion.

“You really think it would be that easy? I’ve proven that it’s not.”

I smirked. “Let’s just say I’m feeling lucky.”

She held up a finger, and I wanted to bite it and suck on it to see if she’d moan. “Because it’s your birthday, I’ll give your cocky, assholish-ness a pass.”

I groaned. “Please don’t say the word cock,” I said, smiling. But my smile quickly fell as I spotted a new guest. “Jesus-fucking-Christ.”

“What?” Ren turned around to see who I was looking at.

“My mother.”

“But…I thought….” Ren started, but I walked away as I stalked toward my mother. If my father wanted a scene from me, he was about to get it.

AUGUST 27 – SATURDAY 7:10 PM

Ren

Where were the guys? I didn’t see Blake anywhere, but Theo and Liam were near the wall in what seemed like a heated discussion. Dammit. Glancing at Nash’s back as he practically pushed people out of the way, I knew interrupting them was the only option.

Before I reached them, I caught the tail end of the convo. “Fine, if that’s how you want to be, then I guess you’re right, we’re over,” Theo said and stormed off.

Liam watched him leave, and my hand curled into a fist. “What the hell,” I hissed. “Did you just break up with Theo?” Liam’s head turned in my direction. “Are you stupid? Yeah, I said it.” Pointing the way Theo had gone, I lowered my voice and growled. “He’s the best thing that has ever happened to you, and he loves you. Do you really hate me so much that you would ruin the best thing in your life to keep me away from Theo?”

His face turned murderous, but I didn’t care. I was so angry that I forgot the reason I marched over here in the first place.

“I didn’t break up with him. I gave him my class ring, but he refuses to take it or wear it because of you. So, give yourself a pat on the back. You got what you really wanted.”

My mouth dropped, and it felt like he slapped me as he marched off. What the hell? What was Theo thinking? Oh, my head hurt.

“How dare you,” Nash yelled, and I whipped around. Oh shit. Everyone went quiet as he faced off with the elegantly dressed woman wearing the same arrogant expression as Nash. Here I thought he got that look from his father. Pushing my way through the crowd, I tried to reach Nash before there was bloodshed. “How dare you show up here on my birthday. You have no right.”

“I’m your mother. Of course, I have the right,” she said, seemingly unfazed by her volatile and very pissed son.