And now… I’m a homewrecker and didn’t even know it.
5
Rogue
“Just wanted to let you know that the permits finally came in,” King states. It took the fucker long enough. I was about ready to pay daddy dearest another visit. “But we still have a problem.”
My head cocks, waiting to hear what the fucker did now. “What’s that?”
“I got a call from the fire inspector. Keith said your dad showed up at his office today with a hefty wad of cash, telling him he needed to look more closely into our properties because he doesn’t think they’re up to code.” And just when I thought my dad knew what was good for him. “The bastard obviously doesn’t know where Keith’s loyalty lies. I paid the inspector double for informing me of the fact, but now it’s time to send your dad a real message.”
“I’ll handle it.” My jaw locks so tight a pain starts to throb at the corners of my cheeks.
“I know you will. And Rogue…” His eyes narrow in further. “One thing I don’t want you to ever forget is that we’re your family now. That good-for-nothing son of a bitch who brought you into this world can’t see past his own nose to spite his face. He has no fucking clue about the man you are. Just remember that.”
I tip my head, already knowing where my true blood lies, and William Zegman is about to learn that too. There’s no longer an ounce of loyalty or forgiveness that runs through my veins toward that man. He’s dead to me.
“I’m riding into town,” I tell him. I need to clear my head and think about how to handle this situation. It’s time to resort to other means. I just don’t know what’s going to hurt him the most. Taking his two legs will take away his ability to play golf, but then he’ll earn sympathy from everyone at the club, and that man doesn’t deserve an ounce of reverence. No, he needs to be taken down. “You need anything while I’m there?”
“Can you get an apple pie from the diner and the donuts Rory likes?” He smirks.
I swear, that girl has the biggest sweet tooth I’ve ever seen. “Will do.”
“And Rogue…” He stops me on my way out the door. “Take Bones and Dagger with you. With Montoya still out there, I don’t want any of my men riding alone.”
I know that’s not the only reason he wants them to join me.
“I just needto stop in here to get Rory a pie and some donuts.” I lock my kickstand in place and climb off my bike. “You two need anything?”
“I’ll come in. Need to use the pisser.” Dagger dismounts his bike and tugs his helmet off.
“I’ll watch our rides,” Bones grunts. He doesn’t trust a soul in this town. Neither do I.
The noise in the diner simmers as soon as we enter through the door. You could hear a fork drop, it grows so quiet. The townsfolk look nervous. All heads are turning in our direction. I scan the room, clocking every set of eyes in the place. As soon as I spot the table at the back, my gut fucking twists. Look what we have here. It’s the happy little family out for their Sunday lunch.
“Xander, dear,” my mother calls out, trying to prevent any scene before one occurs. Despite her hope that everyone in this town would forget we’re related, she hasn’t gotten her wish, so this is her attempt to head off any drama before she becomes the talk of the town. She’s always been one to worry about appearances more than her own kids, which is why she was quick to shun me when Dad decided I was no longer worthy of carrying the family name.
“It’s good to see you.” She plasters on her fake smile. “Come say a quick hello.”
If it weren’t for the fact that I need to have a word with my father, I would be walking straight to the counter and ordering the pie and donuts, ignoring the woman. But I have a message for my dear old dad.
“Look who came into town.” Mom tips her chin toward Kara and my brother.
The two people I hate most in this world.
“Hey, Xan. You’re looking well,” Kara says as her eyes travel over me slowly. If I were Davis, I’d be concerned with the way his wife is checking me out. It amazes me that back in the day, I actually found her to be attractive. Now, I can’t even stand the sight of her. She looks just like all those girls I grew up with at the country club. Fake eyelashes, big fake lips, too much makeupto hide any beauty she has left. Bleached blonde hair and clothes way too damn fancy for this diner. She’s managed to morph into my father’s mold of the perfect daughter-in-law. Now that she’s with the right son, he approves of her.
Davis wraps his arm around her shoulders, and it looks like that stiff collar buttoned around his neck is getting tighter. God, he’s such a fucker. I should’ve killed him when I had the chance.
“It looks like you’re still slummin’ it, brother.” His tone and his glare are smeared with the same disgust.
“I’m not your brother,” I grit. My true brothers would never betray me the way he did. It’s our club’s most sacred law. You never touch another man’s woman. My brother of all people should’ve honored that law.
“Xander,” my mother admonishes like I’m five.
My eyes snap to hers. “Still defending the wife fucker, huh?”
“You need to watch yourself,” my dad snaps.
