I turn back down and just stare at my dad. Really take him in. He’s a pathetic piece of shit.
“The only fucking reason you’re winning your bets now that I’m gone is ‘cause you’re betting on your other son fucking losing his fights, huh? The crowd must expect more from him since he’s riding onmycoattails. Too bad they’re gonna be disappointed.”
Gavin snarls and tries to throw himself over the back of the couch so he can hit me, but Ash catches him by the back of his t-shirt and throws him to the dirty carpeted floor easily.
“Watch it,” Ash growls low.
I turn back to my dad.
“Did you sell my phone yet?”
“N—no, I think your mom still has it somewhere,” my dad says, eyeing Ash warily.
“Good. Give me yours.”
“M—mine?”
“Did I stutter?” I roll my eyes. “I’m gonna copy over all the contacts I’ll need. I’ll give it back to you if you don’t cause any more goddamn fucking trouble.”
He hands it to me, and I shove it in my pocket.
My brother pushes himself up to his feet as I pass him, shoving me in the chest.
Ash is right there next to me, but I wave him off. I can handle my own brother.
“You don’t have to be the punching bag Dad bets on getting hit,” I murmur, my voice low.
“Oh, fuck off,” Gavin says, rolling my eyes. “Don’t pretend that you care.”
“I do,” I say, gritting my teeth together.
“Yeah, well I don’t give a shit.”
I shake my head.
“Fine then, get me my car keys,” I sigh.
He jerks his head back. “What? It’s my car now!”
“Not anymore. It’s my fucking car. Now go get the keys.”
“Like hell I will.”
“Go get him the keys,” Ash barks from behind me.
The command cracks through the air like a whip. My brother’s body jerks as he spins on his heel and starts marching towards the back of the house.
“Thanks,” I sigh, nodding to Ash.
“Starting to see why you like the kid so much. That beta’s far less annoying than your actual little brother,” he says, shrugging.
I guess Ash has a point. I never made the connection, until now.
“I’m gonna go follow him and make sure he actually grabs them,” Ash nods, slapping me on the shoulder. “Be right back.”
“Cool,” I nod.
After more sobbing from my mom, I manage to get my phone back and copy over all the contacts we need.
