“And you’re right. I didn’t share what happened with Gavin with you because you’re judgmental, and you never stopped to think that maybe he wasn’t a good person. Who are you to interfere in my life? What if he were abusive? Would that be enough for you? Would you feel better if I told you Gavin slapped me around? Does it make you proud to know that you could have brought an abuser back into my life?”
I should have thought before I spoke, because in the next instant, Rip is grabbing Gavin by his neck.
“Did he?” he asks, his voice low.
Gavin has now gone white as a sheet.
“No, baby, no. He didn’t. I was only trying to make a point. Please put him down.”
Rip lets him go, and Gavin drops to his knees, coughing.
“Let me give you some advice,” I say to Sylvie. I take advantage of Rip moving away from me and shove her so hard that she falls back in her seat. “Stay the fuck out of my business and handle the pile of shit you call a marriage, you jealous bitch.” I push her shoulder, but Dad steps between us.
“You’ve said your peace, Dandy. That’s enough.” Dad gestures toward Sylvie, who is now sobbing.
“I’m done.” I face Rip. “Let’s go.”
“We’re not going anywhere, but you are,” Rip says to Gavin. “Don’t make me track you down. You have three seconds to get out of my sight, or I’ll put a bullet in you.”
Gavin runs out without another word.
“I don’t want to be here,” I whisper to Rip. “Because I might not be able to stop myself from beating Sylvie’s ass.”
Chapter 56
Rip
I press my lips to her forehead. “I’m not going anywhere, and they are going to have to get over it.” She starts to speak, but I say, “Shhh. The kids are back, and I know you’re hungry. We’re about to make it really awkward for everyone.”
The last time she ate was at dinner last night. She turned down my offer of breakfast after we fucked on the bike because of these lunch plans.
I hold her until I feel a hand pulling on my arm. I look down at a little boy grinning up at me. He waves and smiles, but his eyes look puffy.
“You’re back.” He jumps in excitement. “Can you sit next to me? I want to look at your tattoos.”
“Sure, kid.” He follows me to the table, and I sit between Eden and the kid.
“Hi,” his sister says. She waves shyly before sitting next to her grandmother. Serena’s eyes lock with mine, but I look away. I’mnot here for her. I don’t have an issue with her unless she creates one. I could give a shit about her affair.
Sylvie has dried her tears and is trying to look cheerful for her kids. The kid next to me takes my arm and inspects it. His little hand glides over my tattoos. After a few moments, he jumps out of his seat and pulls something from his brother’s stroller on the other side of the table.
He comes back with a Ziplock bag full of markers. I don’t react when he takes one out and colors my arm. His sister notices and comes to our side, inspecting my other arm.
No one speaks until the waitress arrives and takes my order. I order two of what I want and an extra chicken meal.
“Did these hurt?” the little boy asks.
“Nah, kid,” I say.
“I want tattoos like this one day,” he says.
“Tim, don’t color his arm,” Sylvie says, but Tim ignores her. “Tim, did you hear me?”
“He’s letting me, Mommy,” the little boy says. His sister snatches one of the markers. “He’s nice.”
“I said—”
“It’s my fucking arm, and it’s fine,” I snap, having had enough of this woman.
