Sizzle (Bad Boy Rockers) (Volume 1)(13)

“Some guy code, I guess. Okay, never mind. It’s a lovely room and I could spend all day looking out of the window so don’t worry.”

Sitting on my bed, I watched Liam pace back and forth. He paused occasionally and I could have sworn that he wanted to say something, but he stayed silent.

“Do you mind if I rest till dinner. I’m tired after the ungodly hour you made me get up.” I yawned. Being tired wasn’t an exaggeration. Not only did I have a lot to take in about this family, I was expected to share space with the mysterious brother.

“Yeah, I’m going to hit the sack as well.” Liam turned to leave and if I wasn’t mistaken he looked relieved.

“What time’s dinner? Please tell me the dresses I bought will be okay to wear?”

“Dinners at seven and your dresses are fine, but for dinner I suggest you wear shoes instead of your boots. Mom would zero straight in to your foot wear...I’m sorry, Thalia.”

Liam walked back over to me and pulled me up from the bed and straight into his arms for a hug, which he kept brief. He then kissed me on the top of my head. Stepping back, he walked towards the door again, quickly exiting and closing it behind him with a thud.

I shook my head at the closed door. He was all over the place and I was even more confused about the relationship we had. Sighing, I tried to shut my brain down for a little while.

After a quick trip to the bathroom, I lay down on the bed and remembered I’d left my purse on the floor beside the table downstairs. I’d have to retrieve it later when I woke up because my body was too tired to move.





Chapter 10


Jack


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I pulled the bike up short on the opposite side of the river. Not enough distance from the house, but it would have to do. I needed space before I did or said something I’d end up regretting, or if I didn’t regret it, I’d still probably piss a lot of people off – starting with my parents.

Hell. I stripped, needing to burn my anger off, and the safest way to do that on the ranch, was to swim. I waded into the water, forgetting that this part of the river was always freezing, because the sun couldn’t get through to warm it up. With a deep breath I dived in and swam, and then swam some more.

My life was a mess. I couldn’t put my finger on the exact moment I started to lose control of my life, but it sure as hell happened. I was engaged – to be married. I knew what was expected of me after I’d qualified as a lawyer, plus everyone would expect me to have Mia pregnant. Fuck, I felt sick.

Since I was sixteen I’d always done what was expected of me. Instead of rebelling, which I’d wanted to do, I’d gone along with everyone’s plans so they’d leave my brother alone. They’d left him alone, but still treated me as though I was some big disappointment.

Liam was bringing his girlfriend home for the summer, and she’d been put in the room beside mine with a shared bathroom. Yeah, that was why I was so pissed. Add to that the fact that I’d been told to keep my hands off her and I couldn’t help seeing red.

I snorted in derision as my arms sliced through the cold water. As though, I was going to go after my brother’s girl. It was a total no-no. I was supposed to be getting married in just under two month’s time to Mia. That fact, I kept pushing to the back of my mind so I wouldn’t freak out. Mia was pretty, had a slight build, but had been brought up to never lift a finger. She had no interest in anything other than TV shows and going out with friends to dinner. Not a bar, but a restaurant.

She bored me within two minutes, but what the hell could I do? I’d been hoping Liam would hook up with her as he’d always had a crush on her when we were growing up. No matter how many times I’d told him to go for it with her, he’d ignored me and blown me off. So I’d ended up being pushed into an engagement and marriage that I didn’t want. There was no way to find my way out of it either, at least not without losing my tuition fees.

Yeah, that was what Dad was holding over me. If I married Mia and all would be fine; if I didn’t, then I could kiss my law degree goodbye. Even with a part-time job, I wouldn’t be able to afford the fees as well as living expenses.

Exhausted, I pulled myself out of the river and tried to shake the water from my body. I dressed quickly, which was easier said than done considering I was soaking wet and the denim didn’t want to cooperate.

With a heavy sigh, I climbed back onto my bike and started it up. I felt better for swimming off some of my frustration. I just hoped the calm I felt lasted me through the evening meal with Liam and his girl. I wondered what she looked like as I headed towards the barn. His usual taste in women wasn’t too good so hopefully this time he’d improved.

I concentrated on staying on the bridge as I roared over the river. I’d been planning on making a start on repairing the bridge, but I was in too much of a bad mood to be of much use. I just hoped it didn’t give out before I could get back to it, especially with anyone on it.

The barn was up ahead so I pulled my bike in through the back entrance and covered it up again with the sheeting I used to keep it hidden.

That done, I walked up to the house knowing my brother would already be there. As I pushed my way through the entrance to the kitchen, Liam was sitting drinking coffee. I removed my boots, dropping them to the mat, and stared at my brother.