Burn (Breathless #3)(76)

She sniffed delicately and then schooled her features. He could swear she was actually trying to appear . . . nice. Beseeching even. His nape prickled because she resembled a bloodthirsty vampire closing in on the kill.

“I wanted to apologize for my unfortunate behavior earlier in the week.”

Color rose in her cheeks and it looked as though the words nearly choked her. They probably had. Issuing an apology was not something she ever did.

“Apology accepted. Now if that’s all?”

Anger flashed in her eyes briefly before she pushed it away, once again composing herself to look more congenial.

“Your grandfather would like to have us all for dinner. Brittany too. He—and I—would like it very much if you would come. Your brothers and their wives and children will be there too, of course.”

Ash’s eyes narrowed. “No chance in hell.”

His father cleared his throat, speaking for the first time.

“I wish you’d reconsider, son.”

Ash stared at him in disgust. “‘Son’? When have I ever been your son? Suppose you cut the crap and tell me exactly what it is you want here. Because it sure as hell isn’t some family quality time over dinner.”

His mother’s lips thinned and her eyes flashed. This time she did nothing to try and hide her annoyance.

“He’s going to change his will. He’s pissed because our family has gone to hell as he put it. He’s not happy with Brittany’s defection. Said if I was more of a mother then my children wouldn’t all despise me. He’s made noises about how we should start to support ourselves and that he’s tired of dumping money into a nest of vipers. He said that if a mother and father can’t even keep their family together then why should he reward us by leaving us everything.”

Ash laughed and it only pissed his mother off even more.

“This affects you too,” she hissed. “And Brittany! If he cuts us out of his will, he cuts everyone. You won’t get a dime and neither will Brittany.”

Ash shook his head, still chuckling. “Maybe you haven’t been listening to me all these years, Mother dear. I don’t give a flying f**k about the old man’s money. I never have. It comes with too many strings. Just as everything with you has strings.”

“If you don’t care then at least think about how this will affect your sister. She won’t get anything either.”

“I’ll provide for Brittany so she never has to give a f**k about the old man’s money or strings either,” Ash said icily. “She doesn’t want to be part of this toxic family any more than I do. She wanted out. I gave her that option.”

His mother’s fingers balled into tight fists at her sides. Then she turned to his father and all but shouted at him.

“Do something, William! Don’t just stand there like a coward. We’ll be ruined if he changes his will!”

“There’s nothing he can do,” Ash said calmly. “There is nothing either of you can possibly say that will make me go play nice with the family. I don’t give a f**k about my brothers or the fact that they can’t support their wives and children. I don’t give a f**k about you and dear old dad. You made your bed and you can f**king lie in it. Brittany and I will be just fine.”

“I hate you,” his mother hissed.

He flinched, even though he knew as much. But somehow hearing those words from the woman who gave him life cut deep.

“Elizabeth, stop it,” his father snapped. “You don’t mean that. He’s our son for God’s sake. Is it any wonder he won’t have anything to do with either of us? Think about what you’re saying.”

But Ash knew she meant every word. It was there in her eyes. It had always been there since the day he’d brushed his family off and made his own way in the world.

“I think it’s time you left,” Ash said quietly. “And don’t come back. You aren’t welcome here. You aren’t welcome on any of the properties I own. And here’s a warning. Stay the hell away from Brittany. Stay the hell away from me. And you sure as f**k better stay the hell away from Josie and the rest of my family. You spread your poison to any of them and I’ll come after you. I’ll take everything away from you. Furthermore, I’ll make certain that the old man does change his will and leaves you nothing. If you don’t think I’m deadly serious, just try me.”

“You’re bluffing,” his mother spat.

Ash raised one eyebrow and engaged in a stare down. He didn’t say anything. He didn’t have to. She blanched and then looked away, her face going pale as she realized just how serious he was.

When she glanced back at him, she looked . . . old. Haggard and defeated. She took a step forward, her hand going to his arm. It took everything he had not to flinch away.

“Ash, please. I’m begging you. Don’t do this. If you want us to back off, we will. I’ll never come around again. Not even to Brittany. If you’ll get him to change his mind. If you’ll just come to one dinner, I swear you’ll never see us again unless you want to. I’ll issue that promise in writing. Whatever you want. Don’t let your hatred of me ruin your brothers’ lives. Think of their children. Their wives. Think of your father and me. We’ll have nothing.”

“Don’t let her f**k with your head, Ash,” Gabe growled, speaking up for the first time.