Total pages in book: 60
Estimated words: 55171 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 276(@200wpm)___ 221(@250wpm)___ 184(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 55171 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 276(@200wpm)___ 221(@250wpm)___ 184(@300wpm)
“Well, it’s not like Zach is going to pay half like we bargained when we planned the wedding. So, excuse the fuck out of me if I’m trying to make sure I can survive in order to pay something off that I didn’t want in the damn first place.” Stormy hops down from her seat, starting to get closer to Zach and his mom. I hold her back even if my hand is itching to come down on her ass.
“What do you mean, you had a vasectomy? Why does that even matter?” Laura says, ignoring Stormy. I sure as fuck haven’t. We’ll be getting back to that subject as soon as these fucks get out of here.
“How could you have a vasectomy without telling me? You said you wanted kids, that we’d have a future,” Mel exclaims.
“I said I wanted kids. I didn’t say when. I’d have gotten a reversal, but now that’s out, and so am I.” He turns on his heel to leave. Melissa is reaching for his arm, but he’s shaking her off with each step he takes. Mel wants his attention so bad she keeps after him.
“We’re talking about this. You kept something from me that I could have helped you with.” I bend down to whisper into Stormy’s ear.
“No, no way. You’ve helped me in more ways than those assholes ever have. I’m going to pay it off. Everything else, the deposits handled. I’ll pay those back to my mom, and I’ll deal with the ceremony.”
“Yes, you will, little girl. I’m not responsible for your debt,” Laura interrupts.
“Get fucked, lady.” I look directly at Laura. Her son is creating more damn drama, and she’s worried about a debt Stormy is going to attempt to handle on her own. Absolutely the fuck not.
“You can’t talk to me like that.” My arm is still wrapped around Stormy’s chest, holding her in place. Anger is vibrating off her waves. Now I’m done, completely fucking done.
“Listen the fuck up, right the fuck now!” I get everyone’s attention. Barbie smirks. She knows when I’ve met my threshold and is already reaching for the bat we keep behind the bar. “Get the fuck out of my bar now. Everyone fucking out.” I point at Laura. “Including you. Your fucking son will pay half, or he’ll deal with me. As for you, go figure out why your son decided to have an affair with my niece while being engaged.”
That shuts her up. Barbie grabs Jack’s hand. The other patrons are already leaving. A good thing it’s mainly the usual bar goers, or I’d be fucked. It’s also a Tuesday evening, so it’s slow as hell.
“We’re not done here,” Laura stammers.
“Out, get the hell out.” I walk closer, keeping Stormy in front of me the entire time. No way am I letting her go right now. I’m liable to do something to the cunt in front of us, and then I’d be in jail. Never once have I wanted to hit a woman in my life. Laura has made me re-think it one too many times.
“You heard the man. I’m locking up. The bar is closed for the night.” Barbie comes around the bar, bat in her hand, and everyone scatters like cockroaches. I don’t move a muscle until the last person leaves, waiting for Barbie to lock the wood door, and when she does, I’ll take this a lot fucking further. I’m going to let Stormy know exactly the man I am. Taking care of her is as easy as breathing, and it’s time she realizes that. Tonight.
28
STORMY
“Strip, baby girl, now.” Griff lets go of me, moving until he’s standing in front of me, hands on his hips and a look in his eyes I can’t determine.
“Griff, I was going to tell you. Promise. I was trying to figure out how to open my books or ask for a job here at the bar.” My words don’t help the situation, not at all. Griff walks me toward me, one step forward from him is one step backward for myself. He doesn’t stop until my back meets the bar. His hand goes to my shirt. It appears if I’m not going to strip, he is going to do it for me.
“I don’t like that at all. You working more means less time for us. You give me a lot, baby girl. Let me help you.” My arms rise without hesitation, leaving me in my bra and skirt. A look that clearly Griff likes with the way he’s eyeing me up and down.
“Not enough, not nearly enough.” I feel like there are times I’m lacking bringing anything to the table, money especially.
“You give me a lot, and not in the financial aspect, because I give zero fucks about that. It’s the soft touches, the cooked dinners, the way you love Finn like he’s your own dog, and Stormy,”—his hand cups my cheek, thumb sliding over my lower lip as he continues— “the way you say daddy. Fuck, it makes me come undone. You give me everything.”