“Jesus Christ, Bree, the Primal Howlers are not friendlies.”
“You seem to have me at a disadvantage,” Stoney said.
“Stop poking the bear,” I warned, then focused on my brother who still had his gun pointed at Stoney. “Luca, put the fucking gun away. I’m serious.”
My brother frowned, but slid the gun back into his holster.
“What are you doing here?” I asked.
“Some asshole breaks into your house and you’re asking me whatI’mdoing here?” he growled. “What the fuck ishedoing here?”
“Since he’s Fox’s biological father, I thought he might be able to help.”
“If he wanted to help with his kid he shoulda done it earlier,” Luca snapped. “Fucking deadbeat.”
“Luca!” I admonished, turning to Stoney. “No offense. Luca’s still processing.”
“Offense completely taken,” Stoney retorted. “And I’m startin’ to get pissed off. But first, I’d rather we not refer to me as the biological father until I get some scientific proof.”
I nodded.
“You can get the fuck out now,” Luca said, rudely. “I’ll take care of my sister.”
“Yeah, you did a great job of that,” Stoney sneered. “Your man didn’t even notice mine dealing with the shithead who broke in.”
“And where is this said shithead?” Luca challenged.
“How the hell should I know?”
“If you know something or you’re harboring a fugitive—”
“The only thing I’m harborin’ is a deep, intense desire to beat the living shi—”
“Stop,” I ordered. “Both of you.”
“Pack a bag, you’re coming to my place,” Luca said, and I felt Stoney bristle beside me.
“I was going to call Viv.”
“You’re not going to Viviana’s after a night like this, Bree. You’ll be safe with me.”
“Will she?” Stoney challenged.
“Man, who the fuck are you other than some scumbag who fucked my sister once?”
“Now I’m done bein’ nice,” Stoney growled. “And don’t think that gun and badge can save you from an ass whipping forever.”
“Are you threatening an officer of the law?”
“No, just tryin’ to teach an asshole a little respect. Somethin’ they obviously don’t teach at the Academy.”
“Respect is earned, motherfucker, and you haven’t earned shit,” Luca snapped. “Case in point, you didn’t care enough about Ria to take care of your responsibilities, so there’s no way in hell you’re getting anywhere near Sabrina.”
“Oh my god, Luca, knock it off. You don’t have any say in who gets near me.” I groaned. “That sounded all kinds of wrong. Stop. Both of you just stop. I’ll grab a couple of things and come with you, Luca. Just don’t tell Mom and Dad. They don’t need to worry.”
“Agreed,” Luca said, his eyes still glaring at Stoney.
“Can I trust you not to kill each other while I pack a bag?”
