Total pages in book: 101
Estimated words: 95559 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 478(@200wpm)___ 382(@250wpm)___ 319(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 95559 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 478(@200wpm)___ 382(@250wpm)___ 319(@300wpm)
“Actually, I think it’s in your best interest to watch yours.” Adam turns to me and continues. “You see, Thea, I really did need your help. It’s true, we have found Austin’s baby mama. We just didn’t know what her exact location would be this weekend. Your problem is you’re too trusting. How easily you turned your phone over to me so I could update my contact details. And how easily I managed to turn on the Find My Friends function.”
“And you,” Adam’s talking to Kyler now, a smirk forming on his face. “I knew I recognized you. I’d seen your face before, and it bugged the hell out of me. So, I dug out some of Austin’s belongings and there you are. In the background of a photo he has of a girl who is smiling lovingly at him through the camera lens.”
Slowly, and horrifyingly, the pieces start to fall into place: the times Adam mentioned he thought he had met Ky before, and how I dismissed him; the immediate contempt Adam felt for Ky without really knowing him; the comment Mr. Nelson said at Thanksgiving about the “trailer-park trash” and how he’s developing the mobile home park she lives in. The realization is a stark slap in the face and my stomach drops to the floor.
“No, Adam . . .”
“What the fuck are you talking about?”
Kyler’s and my words clash with each other, but it’s the gasp behind us followed by the sound of plates crashing the ground, that draws our attention.
Ally’s face is as white as a sheet, but it’s the sheer terror in her eyes which has us following her line of sight back to the entrance and to Carl and Andrea Nelson who’ve just walked in.
“Th-that man,” she cries, “No, no, no . . . he promised. He can’t take her. He can’t.”
“Ally, it’s okay, we’ll make him leave,” Ky’s by her now, bringing her into a protective hug and tucking her into his body.
“No, Kyler, you don’t understand. That man?” Ally slowly raises her hand and points at Mr. Nelson. “He’s Lacey’s grandfather.”
twenty-six
Kyler
Mr. Nelson and I have a stare down. He’s smug, pompous, and thinks he can do whatever the hell he pleases because he has money. Ally cries behind me, saying Lacey’s name repeatedly in between sobs. When I look at Thea, and subsequently Adam—who is just as arrogant as his father—I see nothing but red. Pure fucking hatred.
“Thea, take Ally and Lacey to the bathroom and lock the door. Do not open it for anyone but me.” Out of the corner of my eye, I see her nod and take off. Adam makes a move to follow her, but I step forward. “One more move from you, and I’ll end you.” The conceited bastard scoffs, and I step closer. I’m taller than him and much stronger. “Wanna find out if I can do it? I’ll even give you the first punch.”
“I’m not scared of you.”
“You should be.” Again, I step toward him, closing the gap between us.
“All right, boys, this isn’t a pissing contest.” Mr. Nelson touches my shoulder to move me away from his son. My arm flies up and knocks his arm away. He stares down at the ground and huffs. I don’t care if my reaction pisses him off. Behind him, his wife looks on, a look of either shock or contempt in her eyes. I don’t pretend to care what she’s thinking. She’ll be out of our lives soon enough.
I turn my focus on him and look into his soulless eyes. “What kind of man interrupts a child’s birthday party?” I ask him. “What kind of man tries to scare a mother? What kind of man—”
He holds his hands up. “My timing may be off, but I was assured this would be the best location.” He looks at his son, and for one iota of a second, I see a hint of sincerity in his eyes, but it’s gone in a flash. They planned this ambush and did it with my girlfriend's help.
“Everything okay here?” The manager comes up to us. I shake my head slowly.
“These people are harassing my family, and I’d like the police called.”
“What the fuck?” Adam blurts out while his father holds his hands up.
“Now hold on, we just want to talk,” he says.
“This isn’t the time or the place. This piece of shit you call a son knows where I live. I suggest you visit me there if you want to talk about my niece.”
Mr. Nelson scoffs. “Actually, I can speak to Ally whenever I want.”
“Actually,” I say with the harshest tone I can as I step toward him. “You can’t. Come near her, and she will press charges. Come near my niece, and I will end you. Do I make myself clear?” Neither acknowledges the threat I shouldn’t have made, but I said what I said.