The Punk and the Plaything (When Rivals Play #3) - B.B. Reid Page 0,25
what it looked like.
After glancing at Sean, who offered nothing at all, Thomas met my gaze once more. “Watch your mouth, Jameson. That’s your aunt you’re talking about.”
“Suddenly, you’re concerned about her welfare? You’ve tucked her away and ignored her.”
“I’ll deal with my wife as I see fit when I see fit,” he rebutted.
I didn’t get the chance to call him an asshole before Sean left his place against the wall and began kneading my uncle’s shoulders. I squinted as confusion rippled through me at the display. “Clearly, I’m the reason the boy is challenging you, so I’ll go.”
I sneered at Sean when he smiled at me and wished he truly was dead. It was clear to me that he had both my aunt and uncle under some sort of spell.
“We’ll talk more later,” was all my uncle said in response.
Sean didn’t linger, but my murderous rage did long after he was gone. As someone who was usually up to no good, it was easy to spot another troublemaker.
“I’d say I’m surprised at you,” my uncle drawled once the door closed, “but I’d be lying to myself.” When I said nothing, he sighed and grabbed his suit jacket as he stood. “Very well. Let’s get started.”
After my uncle finally released me for the day, I went straight to Aunt Evelyn’s, wondering if I’d find Sean there. If my uncle insisted I get a head start learning how to lead this family, then I didn’t see why I couldn’t take some initiative.
Fortunately, when I arrived at the rental home, I only found my cousin sitting alone in the dark. Ever was slouched low, head resting against the back of the cushions with his eyes closed, but I could still see the scowl behind that perfectly blank expression.
“Still pouting, huh?”
“What are you doing here?” he asked without opening his eyes.
I took a seat on the extra-wide armchair and shrugged even though he couldn’t see me. “Checking on Aunt Evelyn since neither you or Uncle Thomas seem concerned.”
Slowly, his eyes opened, and that golden gaze of his glistened. I could tell he wanted to hit me, though he probably wanted to hit his father more.
His attention moved from my face, and I held my breath as he slowly took in my attire. I waited for him to say something—anything. After a few seconds, his eyes drifted shut again, and I swallowed the urge to scream at him. He knew, dammit. He had to know.
Our entire family was on pins and needles, waiting for the day Ever would just call us all on our shit. I think we were all hoping for it because none of us were too eager to sink the knife in his back any farther. He was one of our own, and no DNA test could convince us otherwise. Though Ever was a McNamara legally and in name, it wasn’t good enough for Conall, our great-great-grandfather who’d been dead and rotting for almost forty years. I didn’t want to disrespect the dead or anything, but seriously, fuck him.
“You can’t hide from her forever,” I said when the silence began to eat at me.
“I wasn’t planning to,” he mumbled.
“Then let me be more specific. You won’t be able to avoid her much longer without pissing her off.”
“I know that,” he snapped.
Deciding not to push, I grabbed the duffel at my feet and headed upstairs. After changing in one of the guest rooms, I returned to the living room to find Ever with one foot out the front door. I knew exactly where he was headed, and since he’d read my mind, I decided to catch a ride. Gas was freaking expensive.
Ever didn’t say a word when he looked over his shoulder and found me heading toward his matte green G-Wagon. The moment my ass hit the leather seat, I whipped out my phone.
Last chance… for old time’s sake.
Biting back a grin, I synced my Bluetooth and played What If I Was Nothing by All That Remains. Ten minutes later, we were walking through Brynwood’s front doors, and just as we were ready to go our separate ways, my phone chimed in my hand.
As if my dick had consciousness, it woke the fuck up. My hands shook as I stumbled to open the text app.
Disappointment whipped through me like a cold breeze when I saw it was only Four. However, that disappointment turned to concern when I actually read the message.