Page 22 of Anteros' Return

“With all due respect, I wouldn’t have listened to you back then. And I don’t see why I should now either.” I squared up to him, suddenly not caring about getting into an argument with him. Crutches or not.

“Because in a few weeks you’ll be on your way back to Spain, and they’ll be forgotten about once again. And then I’ll be the one picking up the pieces just like I did almost nine years ago.”

He fisted my hoodie, his knuckles white with rage, and for a moment, I thought he would follow through and knock me out. But before anything could escalate, Emily was there, pulling him away. It wasn’t to protect me. It was to prevent him from making a mistake he couldn’t take back.

“Harry, let’s just get Liam and go,” she urged, her voice firm yet full of concern. She pushed him back gently, her eyes softening as she met his gaze. “Please.”

Harry hesitated, his anger faltering under her plea. Finally, he stepped back, but not without throwing one last glare in my direction. “Your cards are marked, Ashmore,” he said, his voice low and venomous, each word laced with an unspoken threat.

“Mummy! I scored a hat trick, did you see?” Liam came bounding up to the three of us, unaware of what unfolded between us less than a minute ago.

“I saw, baby. You were amazing.” She flung her arms around him, lifting him up into her hold.

“Coach gave me the player of the match!”

“It was truly deserved, Liam. You played a great game.” I smiled, shaking off Harry’s warning, though the irritation from his words still buzzed just underneath my skin.

“Thanks,” his reply was a lot softer than his usual snippy attitude.

“Thank you, Mr. Ashmore. He’ll see you on Monday for training.” Emily half smiled, not wanting her son to think there was anything wrong. Or that we had history. Every piece of me hated that she referred to me asMr. Ashmore.

I watched the three of them walk away as Liam threw his head back with laughter, and that’s when it hit me like a fucking truck at full speed. I had missed out on all those precious years. Years I knew I’d never get back but years I knew I could make up for.

“Shall we head for a celebratory lunch?” Daniel asked, slapping his palm on my shoulder.

“You know what, as great as that sounds, I think I need to speak to my parents.” I replied as Daniel looked at me with a quizzical look. “Liam is my boy, my son.”

“Mate, I?—-”

“I know his intake information had no father’s name, but the dates are the perfect match and Emily was the love of my life. She wouldn’t have been with someone else.” I sighed, pinching the bridge of my nose. “My parents knew she was pregnant. They must have, so why didn’t they tell me? And why don’t they have a relationship with my son?”

“Only they have the answers you need, mate.”

“You’re right. I guess I’m just scared of what they’ll say.” I sighed.

“Come on, let me give you a ride back.” After we collected our stuff from the match and all the kids were with their parents, Daniel strolled back to his car with me following. “By the way, who’s taking you to get this cast off?”

“I was going to go on my own. I don’t need anybody fussing.”

“Tough. I’m taking you, you’re not going alone.” Daniel responded.

“You won’t let me decline that either, will you?” I chuckled.

“Will I fuck.” He laughed a throaty laugh.

9

Isettled down into the booth at the local game centre where we’d taken Liam for a milkshake to celebrate.

“Oreo for the star, banana for you, and strawberry for me.” Harry placed our milkshakes on the table. Liam wasted no time in diving straight in, giving himself an obvious brain freeze.

“Uncle Harry, can I have some coins to play on the football shoot out?”

“Haven’t you scored enough today?” he teased.

“Nope, I have not.” Liam beamed, holding out his hand, his fingers wiggling and impatient for coins.

Harry handed him some pound coins to keep him occupied for a while before turning his attention back to me.

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