Page 103 of Anteros' Return

“Yes, I’m all fucking in with Emily and Liam.”

“But wait, when?!” he asked.

“Not yet. We just found our footing as a couple. I just needed you to know that I wasn’t planning on upping and leaving.”

“Good on ya, man.” Harry shook my hand, seeming genuinely happy for Em and me.

“Anyway, I have to explain myself to your parents when they’re home from their cruise. Plus, ask your dad’s permission once we’re all good again.” I smiled at the thought.

“My parents already know everything. I explained it all, as did Emily, and they understand.”

“Good to know. Thanks for that. When are they back?” I felt as though they’d been away since before I got back and was genuinely curious.

“Next week, actually. Just in time for Emily’s bakery surprise. You still want us to come by after you’ve given her it?”

“Yeah, I can’t wait to see her face.” I beamed as I finished off my beer.

“Honestly, Beck, she’s going to love it. I don’t think she’ll begin to believe you did that for her.”

“Harry, I’d do anything for her, and also Liam.” I was about to continue my sentence when I felt the hairs on the back of my neck stand on end and not in a good way.

“Do anything for them, would you?” His snide voice grated on me as he spoke.

That fucking twat Mike. How wonderful.

“Do one, Mike,” Harry demanded, his tone no longer chipper and excited.

“I see you jumped back to his side as well.” Mike scoffed.

I stood from the bar stool, turning to face the wanker that tried to ruin my life. “Listen, Mike, I’m over your fucking games. When are you going to do as I said and fuck off?”

“When Emily realises you’re a waste of time and energy.” God, this man didn’t take the hint, did he?

“You sound like a broken record. You fucked it up for yourself the second you opened that stupid arse mouth of yours.” I stepped towards him as he remained glued to his spot. “Emily is mine. She always was and always will be. Nobody, and I repeat no-fucking-body, will stand between us again, especially not a twat like you.” I paused for a second, waiting for his response as I saw his brain practically ticking and thinking of something to say. “Liam is our son. He is nothing to you, just as Em is. You don’t know them, you don’t speak to them. In fact, don’t even think about them. They’re my family. Fuck off and find your own.”

“Fuck o—” he started but then was interrupted by Harry.

“You heard him, Mike. Move the fuck on and leave my sister, nephew, and Beck alone. It’s about time you realised she was always too good for you. You never stood a chance against Beck, but you already knew that. That’s why you did what you did.” Harry stood beside me, putting on a united front which clearly pissed off Mike.

“Woah, what did I miss?” Ollie arrived, giving Mike his best side-eye. “Oh, guys, the twat is here.” He laughed as he signalled for another beer. “Do us a favour and fuck off, Mike.” He pointed to the door with his thumb and gave a smug look.

“That’s it then, is it? He’s forgiven just like that?!” Mike seethed, slamming his fist on the bar, attracting a few disapproving looks.

“There was nothing to forgive. He had no fucking clue he was having a baby with my sister, and that was because of you and your web of lies.” Harry shut him down immediately.

“He’s like fucking Spiderman with his web of lies, ain’t he?” Ollie cackled, only just managing to get his sentence out.

“Don’t insult Spiderman like that, mate.” I laughed which only tickled Ollie more.

“Ah, shit, sorry.”

“Emily will see you’re not enough for them,” Mike spat, cracking his neck to the side.

“Even so, I will spend the rest of my life trying to be worthy of them, so piss off and cry into your pillow elsewhere.” I turned my back to him as he grabbed my shoulder with anger. “Take your fucking hand off me, Mike,” I warned.

“How’s it feel to know I could have fucked Emily if she’d have let me? I bet she’s a good shag, ain’t she?”

That was it. I’d had enough of his shit. My blood was boiling hearing him speak shit about my woman. No fucker disrespected her that way. I felt the adrenaline surge through my veins as I swung my fist with precision and force, connecting squarely with Mike's jaw. The satisfying thud echoed in the room as his eyes widened in shock.T he impact knocked him off balance, sending him sprawling to the floor. My heart raced as I stood over him, my knuckles tingling from the impact.

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