You Will Be Mine (Forever and Ever #7)(22)

My mom gave me a pissed look. “Because this asshole opened all my gifts then wrapped them back up! I caught him in the middle of the night.”

My dad landed the helicopter on the counter. “You can take back that purple turtle neck, by the way…”

She glared at him.

My dad put down the remote. “You have to try it. It’s so cool.”

“Maybe,” I said.

Now that his toy was down, he gave me his full attention. “Hey, sweetheart.” He pulled me into his arms and hugged me. “Merry Christmas.”

“Merry Christmas, Dad.”

He pulled away and stared at me. “You do something with your hair?”

“I got a haircut.”

“It looks nice.” My dad always tried to find something to talk to me about. Since we didn’t have a lot in common, it was hard for him. But I was glad he tried.

“Thanks. How’s the shop?”

“Booming, like usual.” He turned to Arsen. My dad was the same height as him. They were eye to eye. “I’m Ryan.” He extended his hand to shake Arsen’s. “It’s nice to meet you.”

Arsen reciprocated. “Arsen. Thank you for letting me stay with you.”

“No problem.” My dad dropped his hand then patted him on the shoulder. “Sweet jacket.”

Mom smiled. “Isn’t he pretty?”

“Me?” Dad asked.

“No, him.” She rolled her eyes. “Idiot.”

Ryan turned to Arsen. “Please excuse my wife. She’s a pedophile.”

“I am not!” she hissed.

“Well, I’m over eighteen so she’s good,” Arsen said.

My dad laughed. “You can have her, kid. I’m just not sure you can handle her. She slaps like she played it as a sport in high school.”

“You want me to slap you now?” Mom challenged.

“I dare you.” He crossed his arms over his chest and silently challenged her.

“You’re lucky it’s Christmas and we have a guest.”

“I don’t mind,” Arsen said with a laugh.

My mom pointed her finger at my dad. “I’ll get you…later.”

“So scared,” my dad said sarcastically.

She hit his arm. “Go get your son.”

“My son?” my dad asked. “You’re the one who pushed him out of your vag-vag.”

She gasped then slapped him across the face. “Don’t talk like that in front of our guest.”

“It’s fine, really.” Arsen couldn’t help but laugh.

“Now go get him!” My mom pointed toward Slade’s room.

My dad rubbed his cheek then kissed her hard on the lips. “Only because you have a fine ass.” Then he headed to Slade’s room.

My mom rolled her eyes. “Sorry about that…”

“It’s fine,” Arsen said. “More than fine, actually.”

I gave Arsen a triumphant look, silently telling him I was right about everything.

“What’s the big deal?” Slade said as he came out of his room. “I’ve seen my sister a million times. I know what she looks like.”

My dad pushed him forward. “Hug her and say merry Christmas.”

“Why don’t you do it?” Slade argued.

“I already did. Now it’s your turn.”

Slade finally reached me. He gave me a quick hug that was forced, and he barely touched me for a second before he pulled away. “Merry Christmas,” he said as he blatantly rolled his eyes.

“Merry Christmas,” I said with a laugh.

Slade noticed Arsen. “Who the hell is this guy?” He eyed his jacket. “And where did he get that?”

“He’s my boyfriend,” I said. “His name is Arsen.”

“Oh.” Slade studied him then turned to Dad. “Did you know about this?”

“Yes,” he answered.

“We told you about him a few days ago…” Mom said. “You were sitting on the couch with Trinity, making out…”

“Well, if Trinity is sitting on my lap, there’s a good chance I’m not listening to a word you say,” Slade said with a wink.

“Is that supposed to impress me?” Mom asked in an irritated voice.

Slade leaned toward my dad. “You should slip some rum in her drink.”

“Already did,” Dad whispered back.

Arsen watched their exchange with a smirk then extended his hand. “It’s nice to meet you.”

Slade took it. “You too, man.” Then he looked at me. “I didn’t know you had a boyfriend.”

“Yep.”

“For how long?” he asked.

I shrugged. “Awhile.”

“And you didn’t think to tell me this?” Slade asked.

“You didn’t tell anyone about Trinity,” I snapped.

“Well, that was totally different.”

“Not really,” I said.

“Who’s Trinity?” Arsen asked.

“My hot piece of ass,” Slade said.

Mom gave him a firm look. “Don’t talk about her like that.”