Because of Low (Sea Breeze #2)(47)

His mouth formed a tight line and I could see my comment about his paid for toy bothered him.

“Let’s leave her out of this, shall we. There are things you don’t know and until you’re my age and have walked in my shoes then you’ll never understand.”

A red haze settled over my vision.

“Your mother and I have been living as roommates for so long Marcus. She was wrapped up in her world and I was busy with work making it possible for her to live the charmed life she’s lived. Making it possible for Amanda to have everything she desires. And I’d have done the same for you had you let me. Your refusal to let me help you with anything bothers me. You’re my son. I want you to have the best. I can supply the best. But you’ve fought me every step of the way. That isn’t the point,” he waved his hand as if swatting those words away. “Your mother and I no longer make each other happy. Our marriage was over long before I moved on. I need affection---”

“Stop,” I snarled standing up. I couldn’t listen to this anymore.

“I.Don’t. Care. About. Your. Needs.” I bit out each word with as much venom in my voice as I could manage. “I only care about the woman who dedicated her life to making a home for me and Amanda. Making a home for you. Nothing she did warranted you running off and f*cking a girl half your age. Do you really think she loves you? Really? That’s stupid and pathetic. She wants your money, you stupid ass wipe.”

Dad shot out of his chair, slamming it against the wall behind him. “I will not listen to you call me names. You are my son. I deserve more respect than that.”

A sickened angry laugh bubbled out of me and I shook my head. “Any respect I may have held for you was killed the moment you betrayed my mother.”

I didn’t wait for a response. I jerked open his door and slammed it in my wake needing to let some of my fury loose before I exploded. Customers and salesmen jumped and spun around to stare at the spectacle I was causing. I hoped they all left without buying a damn thing. Slicing my heated gaze through the showroom I found the girl responsible for all this. She was watching me with a shocked almost fearful expression. I wanted to hurt her. Slam her against a wall and scream at her. But I couldn’t. So I settled for words.

“Suck him dry while you can because you won’t be young forever. He’ll leave you one day too. For someone younger. A zebra doesn’t change his stripes and I can assure you there is nothing about you that’s special. You’re just a young piece of ass.”

Her jaw dropped open at my words and I heard gasp from others who’d heard me. Good. My father would think twice before he called and requested I meet with him again.

Storming out of the dealership I turned my truck toward Live Bay. It was early but I needed a beer. No, I needed a damn shot of whiskey. Several shots of whiskey.





Willow



“Hey Low,” Preston’s voice startled me and I spun around to find him standing behind me with his hands tucked into the pockets of his jeans, frowning.

“Preston, hello.”

He glanced around the almost empty restaurant. It was time for me to get off and I’d called Marcus but he hadn’t answered. I was getting ready to start walking. Calling Cage was out of the question. Maybe Marcus sent Preston. I sure hoped so. I was exhausted and walking was the last thing I wanted to do.

“You about done here?” he asked bringing his attention back to me.

“Yep, I was just about to leave. Did Marcus send you to get me?”

Preston’s frown deepened, “Well, not exactly. He’s next door at the bar.”

He was? Why hadn’t he answered my calls? “Okay,” I replied waiting for more of an explanation.

Preston sighed, “He’s trashed. Like drunk off his ass, doesn’t know what the hell he’s doing, trashed.”

Alarmed, I untied my apron and threw it in the dirty basket and started for the door. Preston followed me.

“Before you see him like this you should know he met with his dad today and it was brutal. He went directly to the bar and he’s been there ever since. He’s got a lot of family issues right now and all the pressure is on him to keep his mom and sister from falling apart. Don’t be mad at him. Just, understand okay.”

The pleading tone in Preston’s voice scared me. I mentally prepared myself for the worst as I opened the door to the bar and stepped inside, scanning the crowd for my drunk boyfriend.

“Rock has him. I called Rock first. Ginger, the bartender tonight called me and I called Rock. He came with me.”

I found Rock first and he was sitting at a booth off to the side away from the dance floor and he was alone. I made a beeline for Rock. His eyes met mine and I could see the apologetic expression before he even spoke. My heart was racing in my chest. Where was he? Surely Rock wouldn’t let him leave? Drive drunk?

“Where?” I asked the minute I got to his booth.

Rock pointed his mug toward the dance floor. Spinning around I immediately found him.

He was dancing with Jess and she was humping his leg while he held onto her hips and grinned like he was having the time of his life. Furious, I stalked out to the dance floor. That bitch had pushed me too far. I didn’t care whose cousin she was. I’d had it. Marcus was mine. Bloodshot green eyes met mine as I stopped behind Jess. Grabbing her shoulder I jerked her back with all the strength I could muster. Stumbling back I heard her shocked squeal.