“Don’t start with me.” My words were abrupt, harsh, but not venomous enough. While he was older, we’d been close almost all our lives. We gave each other hell when necessary, but right now, I had no patience left to hear yet another criticism.
“You’re out of control, Montgomery. Your anger is off the fucking chain. One day, you’re going to hurt someone you care about.”
“That motherfucker stole from us. His gambling is the issue.”
“Did you ask him why he needs extra money all of a sudden?”
My brother’s question caught me off guard. “Women? Drugs?”
He turned to face me, placing his hand on my arm. “His wife has cancer. His insurance is shit. He was trying to win money, not lose it.” Another shake of his head, another disgusted look and my brother left me standing alone feeling sorry for myself.
What the fuck was going on with me?
I watched as he walked away, not once turning back. It was as if my entire family had turned their backs on me.
Well, to hell with them. I didn’t need anyone. Not a goddamn person.
Bourbon sloshed over the edge of my tumbler as I ambled to the door, determined to keep it in my hand. I was a thirsty manand no unwanted visitor would keep me from enjoying my drink. I threw open the door without bothering to check the security cameras.
The damage had already been done.
“Alexander. Surprise, surprise.” He wore the same expression of disdain I’d seen in Sinclair earlier.
It was obvious he wasn’t in the mood for my sarcasm. “Can I come in or would you prefer wallowing in self-pity while drinking yourself into oblivion alone?”
“Suit yourself and I’m not wallowing in self-pity.” I didn’t wait for him or care if he followed, which I knew he would. Alexander always had the last word.
“Bullshit,” he said, right behind me like I knew he would be.
That didn’t stop me from returning to my living room, immediately heading for the bar. I leaned the cane against the side and grabbed the bottle. “Would you like a drink, big bro?”
“This isn’t a social call.”
I laughed. “Big business at…” When I pulled my arm free, I was forced to blink twice to read the time on my watch. So the alcohol had dulled some pain. So what? “Midnight. Wow, your sweet bride let you off your leash for another night.”
“My sweet bride is fucking pissed I had to leave her in bed to come here and have a long chat with your sorry ass.”
“There’s such a thing as cellphones,” I barked in return.
“Yeah? Well, since I tried calling four fucking times, I decided driving to your house would be more productive.”
A slow and steady cringe rolled through me. “Sorry. I just needed some time alone. Busy day.”
“I gathered.” He studied me the same way Sinclair had done earlier. Pity. My own family pitied me. “I heard about today.”
“Fucking snitch. Gio needs to learn his place.”
“Your Capo will take your secrets to the grave and hell if I know why. Lately, you treat him like shit.” Alexander glared at me. “You treat everyone like shit.”
“That’s bull!” Huffing, I looked away. “So my own brother decided you needed to know my business. Fucking fantastic.”
The tension was as thick as the air outside. Yet another goddamn thunderstorm. Another reminder. I rubbed my leg, the ache always more intense when it rained. Alexander noticed, shaking his head even after I stopped.
“Did you ever stop and think Sinclair might be worried about you? We all are.”
“I’m fine.” The lie wasn’t getting any easier. I guzzled half my drink. Even alcohol didn’t have the same effect. I’d replaced pain pills with a steady flow of whiskey, but nothing helped.
“No, you’re not and your entire family is sick of your suffering. Part of the misery you’ve entwined yourself in is mental and emotional.”
