I huff and stuff my hands in my pockets. “Fine. It’s done.”
He stares at me for a few long moments, then says, “Dammit, Declan. What did you do?”
“I ain’t do shit!”
“Liar,” he practically roars. “Did you fucking hurt that guy?” I’m silent, making him curse. “Listen, I like to tighten people up when they fuck with me just like you do, but that fucker is in debt. He’ll look for a reason to sue you. Fucking assault? That’s ground to sue.” He shoves a hand in his hair. “Just when I think you’ll?—”
“I’ll what?” I ask, going toe-to-toe with my brother. “I’llbe more like you? Newsflash motherfucker, that ain’t happening. Stop trying to make me fit into your fucking box!”
“I’m trying to get you to be fucking smart, Declan. One day, someone is going to show you that you need to.”
“Someone like you? Not fucking likely. Anyone that crosses me knows what I’ll do to them.”
Carter glares at me, his chest heaving.
He opens his mouth, but Kai puts a hand on his shoulder. “Chill, Car. It’s not that serious.”
I round on Kai. “Did I ask for your fucking help?”
Kai blusters, his face turning red. “Don’t start your shit with me, Declan. I’ll put you on your ass like Carter should have years ago.”
“Yeah? Then fucking do it.”
Carter grabs me by my arm and drags me away, almost making me trip over my feet. “I’ve already told you about starting shit with my husband. Keep it up and Iwillknock you the fuck out.” He shoves me toward my car. “Get the fuck out of here. When you fucking chill out and act like a fucking adult, we can talk.”
“Fuck you, Carter.” I look over his shoulder at Kai. “And fuck you too, St. Clair.” Straightening my jacket, I turn and head to my car.
When I’m near Austin and Donny I tell them, “You’re done for the day. I’m going home.”
“Boss,” they both say and get in their car.
I peel out, no destination in mind. I don’t want to go home, and I don’t want to go back to work either.
Angry energy surges through me, both at that fucking letter left on my car and toward my brother and his stupid fucking husband.
I drive recklessly down the street, weaving in and out of traffic. More than a few horns blare at me and I give them alla middle finger salute, fucking daring someone to have goddamn road rage today so I can unload a clip in them.
When I pull up to a red light, my phone buzzes in my pocket. I pull it out and scowl when I see Nico’s number pop up.
I answer the phone via my Bluetooth and bark, “What?”
“Someone’s testy,” he says in that teasing, singsong voice I fucking hate. I swear, if his dick and ass weren’t so good, I’d be fucking done with him. Nico gets under my skin and not in a good way. But I need his help and I need his closeness until I get over my pain of losing Hen. Then I’ll drop this motherfucker and never look back.
Growling, I bark, “What the fuck do you want?”
“What’s up?” His voice turns serious.
“Got another letter.”
“Ah. Come by the mansion in like an hour.”
“No fucking way. My brother?—”
“Your brother heard me tell you to come spar with me sometime. You’re in a mood and he’ll just think you wanna throw some punches. It’s cool. Go get changed and come over. We’ll be alone. We can talk then and figure some shit out.”
“Yeah, whatever.” I hang up and pull a U-turn in the middle of the road, not giving a shit that I’m cutting people off.
Beating the shit out of Nico—mainly because of his slick-ass mouth, but also so I can calm the fuck down—will be good for me. It’ll help clear my mind and I can think of a game plan.
