Smug Bastard - Stacey Marie Brown Page 0,73

much Smith hated him. What Dan did.”

I did. But would Smith let his father die?

“Instead, Smith was building us a home. We wanted to start a family right away. But the business was not doing as well as he hoped. He thought he might have to sell the property.”

I tried not to react, thinking of him being a dad… of having a baby with her.

“I think you know Smith enough to realize he will do anything for those he loves.” She made it clear she was that person. “He wanted to give me the best, the home of our dreams. So… he started working with shady investors, fixing the books…” She pressed her lips like she had a juicy secret. “He stole from Bryan. Destroyed the company and the friendship.”

“What?” Shock punched my chest, stepping me back.

“I was devastated when I learned the truth… but was certain we could get through this. That my love would lead him to the right path again.” She sniffed, emotion flooding her eyes. “I’ve waited three years for him.”

“Three years?”

“Yes, my husband…” She paused. “Just got out of jail for embezzling and laundering money from his ex-best friend.”

“What?” I croaked, my brain not wanting to accept her statement. “No. I don’t believe you.” He always made it sound like she was the one who betrayed him, that she was the dishonest one.

“I thought you’d say that.” She opened her purse, drawing out what looked like folded newspaper clippings and what looked like an image, handing them to me. “And there’s more…”

Chapter 19

Smith

Fuck. My. Life.

My gaze scoured the grounds searching for the one girl I needed who wanted nothing to do with me.

“Is it true?” Kasey nipped on my heels like a yipping puppy. “Are you married?” Where the fuck did Kinsley go? The girl vanished like mist. “Smith!” Kasey grabbed my arm, stopping me.

“What?” I whirled around on her, causing her to shuffle back in fright, my anger palpable. Not that I would touch a hair on her head. Men who beat were weak and pathetic. I knew firsthand. I would not hesitate to destroy any man who abused a woman or child to make himself feel bigger or better.

But it was in that instant the difference between Kasey and Kinsley shined like night and day. I knew Kins would stand her ground, tipping up her eyebrow, looking like she could bat me down like a fly. And she would.

Kasey was all bark and no bite. And I liked women who sank their teeth into my skin, matched me every step. Challenged me.

“Are you married?” Grief batted Kasey’s lashes. “And… and did you sleep with my little sister?” She balled up her hands.

“Yes and yes.”

Abhorrence and anger blazed across her face. “I can’t believe you. You are disgusting!”

“Really?” I stepped up to her, watching how fast her false indignation flipped.

Fear and excitement fluttered her lungs. “I thought we had something.”

Leaning over, my teeth gritted together. “We’ve never had anything, Kasey. I told you back then, and I nicely tried to tell you again since we used to be friends and I deeply care for your family. But I’m not going to be so nice now. I don’t want you. I never have. The only girl I want right now won’t have anything to do with me because I shredded any chance to be with her and stomped all over it since I couldn’t be honest. So please, for once, stop thinking of yourself. Your sister does nothing but put you first, even when you have no right.”

“She knew I wanted you,” she spat back. “But she slept with you anyway. Betrayed me.”

“Betrayed you?” I snorted derisively. “Are you that fucking selfish?” I shook my head. “There was nothing to betray you with. I’m not sure where you got this notion in your head about us, but it’s just that… in your head. You haven’t seen me in nine years. We don’t even know each other anymore, if we ever did. But even back then I knew we would never work out.”

“You never gave it a chance,” she whispered.

“Kasey. Stop. I’m sorry if at any time I gave you the wrong impression. But there is nothing between us. And right now I’m just trying to figure my way out of the mess I made, trying to deal with a soon-to-be ex-wife and the woman I lo—” My sentence died, terror cutting off my voice like a microphone.

A tsunami of panic and realization battered down on