Cock & Bull - Laura Barnard Page 0,69

have another go at me? Tell me to butt out of his business again? Tell me he’s moving out? Just the thought has my chest constricting in pain. How have I become so attached to this man in such a short space of time?

‘So it worked then?’ he says, wiping down a table, not actually looking at me.

Ah, so he did report his dad. He really does have no shame.

‘I can’t believe you did it without checking with me first.’

He has no idea the repercussions that could come from this. He had a right to be pissed at me, but that doesn’t excuse this.

He shrugs. ‘I knew you weren’t going to do it.’

Jeez, thanks for the faith in me.

‘Don’t you feel even a tiny bit bad?’ I can’t help but ask.

I mean, he’s linked to this guy by blood. But then I suppose my seven extra sisters are too. They’re invading my thoughts more and more lately.

He grins, looking at me endearingly, as if we didn’t fight at all last night.

‘No, but I can tell you do.’

I nod, hating that his smile lights up my evening. My cheeks burn. It bothers me that he can throw his dad to the dogs like that. It doesn’t give me confidence in trusting him if he doesn’t even have loyalty for his own father. Alarm bells are ringing, reminding me of how humiliated I felt after being taken for a mug by Garry.

‘I can’t help it. I mean, this is serious. We could have just taken your father’s livelihood away from him.’

He scoffs, shooting me an exasperated look. ‘Phoebe, he’s the one who started this. He’s been the one keeping everyone away from this place.’

I chew my lip, an uneasy feeling settling in my stomach. ‘Still.’

He grins. ‘You’re such a rule follower, aren’t you?’

Oh God, this again. My parents always complained that I accepted the limits society put upon me. It’s their fault for always getting me to see everyone’s good sides. See the potential beauty in them. Not that I expect to find much in Fergus.

‘I can’t help it. It’s just who I am.’ I fold my arms across my chest. If he doesn’t like me, tough. I’m not changing myself for him, or anyone.

‘It’s even weirder after meeting your parents,’ he continues, wiping down another table. ‘It’s not like you had a strict upbringing or anything.’

As he loves to remind me.

‘Yeah, but they also taught me to be a good person.’

I’m wondering if his dad ever bothered with that life lesson. I can’t imagine someone as ruthless as Fergus teaching morality lessons to his son.

He raises one eyebrow. ‘I’m sorry I said that about your dad. I think your parents are great. It’s just strange how different you are to them.’

I sigh, knowing he’s right. People always joked I was adopted. I’d laugh, but it hurt to be so openly different to my family. It would have been easier if I were adopted.

‘Yeah, well I’m sure a shrink would say I developed coping methods and gave myself boundaries to feel safe, seen as I was raised by such hippy, eco warriors.’

He laughs as he stacks the chairs on top of the table. ‘So you have thought about it then?’

I sigh, my fatigued muscles begging for this day to be over. ‘Can we please not talk about my parents?’

Hell, if he can take personal topics off the table so can I, God damn it.

‘Fine.’

I still need to apologise for last night. Regardless of whether he’s trying to gloss over it.

‘Look I’m really sorry for what I said last night,’ I blurt. ‘It was out of order and it really was none of my business.’

‘You’re right.’ He nods, his face suddenly serious.

Shit, he’s not going to make this any easier for me.

‘But…’ He looks at me expectantly. Obviously wanting me to ask him to continue.

I sigh and throw my cleaning cloth on the table. ‘But what?’ I ask, quickly losing my patience.

He smiles, but his eyes are dull, without their usual sparkle of mischief.

‘But… I do want to tell you something.’

‘Oh?’ I don’t move, for fear I’ll scare him away like an animal in the wild.

He takes a deep breath, raking his hand through his hair. It messes it up, just like how he looks first thing in the morning. Delicious. I let a pleased little sigh escape.

‘Well, I want you to know that my dad’s always treated me like a screw up. Like a nuisance.’

Ah, he’s starting to explain why he hates