Page 27 of Hate So Deep

Caro eyes me doubtfully but doesn’t comment and thankfully, Rocket is oblivious when he says, “Hey, pretty girl.”

The endearment from a virtual stranger creates an ache beneath my skin that I push away as I run my finger down his chest and rasp, “Let’s go somewhere else.”

Rocket’s eyes darken and with a grin, he holds out his hand.

As we walk away, Caro murmurs, “I hope you know what you’re doing, girl.”

Ignoring her because fuck if I know, I glance back before we round the corner and meet Dirk’s dark stare.

His eyes blaze into mine and I force my lips into a sassy smile, before mouthing, “Fuck you.”

Ignoring the small thrill that races down my spine when he snarls, I stumble to a stop as my half-brother appears at his side, and he turns away.

After that, I proceed to brood the entire way to the next party. I hate to admit it, but Dirk’s words cut a hole in my soul because it’s like he can see right through me and knows that I’m lost.

I don’t understand what would inspire a man to not only cheat on his wife but create an entirely new family.

Apparently, we weren’t good enough but Colt fucking Theroux is.

Chapter 10

NOW

Lauren

I’m relieved to see Mom’s car when I get home. Although I’m unsettled by what Caro revealed, I am glad to have a direction.

As much as I dread having the conversation with Dirk, he’s going to know what’s going on soon anyway.

I can’t hide this forever.

After entering the code, I step inside, pausing to lock the door before moving down the hall.

Even though I grew up in this house and I know every object between here and the stairs, I still stumble over something laying on the floor before hitting the wall.

“Fuck me,” I grumble.

With one foot on the step, I pause though and turn back, eyeing the entry.

A single shoe sits on the Italian marble floor, revealing what I tripped over.

Hm. Did Mom leave that there?

Wrinkling my nose, I turn back to the stairs, but I can’t get that damn shoe out of my head, and I know I’ll be worried about that all night if I don’t pick it up.

With a groan, I stalk back to the shiny black heel and swipe it up before passing the stairway for the hall just beyond.

Even though it’s been months since my parents split, I still think of it as their room when I step down the hall.

Without Dad here and Buck no longer wandering the halls either, it’s so damn quiet.

The faint glow of the lamp in the master bedroom makes me pause and I glance at the shoe in my hand.

Is she awake?

It’s a small thing but I know giving her the shoe back to arrange neatly in the closet will soothe some of the stress radiating from her in waves.

Control freak, thy name is Sheila.

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