Page 5 of Deceived Wrath

"It's not that simple. If I don't have a relationship with him, then I don't have a relationship with Amber and Skye, and they are the most important people in my life. Other than you, of course."

Zoe holds a hand over her heart. "I'm honored."

"The worst part is I don't even know how they're doing, you know? They're so young, and they've already been through so much. I don't want this fight between me and their dad to hurt them even more."

"I'm sure they're fine. Kids are tough."

I don't know how we got onto the subject, but I'm starting to feel that familiar ache in my chest that tells me it's time to screw the lid back on my feelings before they bubble over and consume me for good.

I don't have much in life, but those two are my life, and not being able to see them, talk to them, or be in their lives... it might be what breaks me.

But that can't happen now, or even here.

So, I subtly wipe away my tears and force myself to smile, even though I know Zoe can see right through it.

"So... dancing next week, huh?"

Zoe's face breaks out into a smile, letting me know the subject has officially been dropped.

"I'm going to hold you to it this time. And I'm also lending you an outfit."

"I have clothes."

She rolls her eyes. "I know, that's the problem."

"Remind me again why we're friends?"

"Because I have wine."

"Come on, let's wash the bleach off before you turn bald."

She jumps to her feet and bumps her hip to mine. "You know, if Britney can rock it, so can I."

Even when it feels like my life is nothing but a dumpster fire, which is most of the time, somehow Zoe manages to put a smile on my face. I don't care that it's forced. I've always been one to believe in the old fake it till you make it.

I'm just hoping that at some point, I willactuallymake it.

Of course, the jury is still out on that one.

Chapter Two

CORMAC

"I guessI have some explaining to do."

"Yeah, no shit." Kieran's eyes are narrow slits.

We might be standing in the middle of a marquee that looks like a snowman threw up on it, surrounded by wedding guests in various states of intoxication, but from the look on my brother's face, I know that won't be enough to get him to drop the subject of my secret love child.

But I only have myself to blame. I was the one stupid enough to leave my phone lying around with a background picture that would spark some curiosity, so it looks like we're going to have this conversation whether I want to or not.

I force myself to take a breath and look my brother in the eye, trying to ignore the panic clawing at my insides as the words sit heavy on my tongue.

"I...have a son."

For a beat, Kieran says nothing. But I can see in his eyes that he's weighing the pros and cons of beating the shit out of me in frontof his entire wedding party. Maybe it wasn't such a bad idea to have this conversation here after all.

"I gathered that." He folds his arms over his chest.