Page 63 of Sin Wagon
Claudia purses her lips, and her eyes narrow. “So you find out you have a daddy and all of a sudden you decide what? To play house? They’re going to grow tired of you, Delilah. A grown woman they all just found out about? You’re a novelty, nothing more. Eventually, you will lose your shine.”
Her words sting, but they also reveal her true nature—a woman who will never take responsibility, who will always push the blame onto others. She’s never been able to see beyond her own reflection, her own desires.
I clench my fists, fighting back the urge to demand answers. I want to ask her why she felt the need to destroy Jonas’ life, to frame him with false accusations just to cover her own failures. Why did she have to try and take away my newfound family, my father, the connection I’ve just started to embrace? Why is she so evil, so manipulative?
Instead, I hold it together and let my cold, detached tone do the talking.
“Someone’s feeling bitter. Jealous that you got kicked to the curb, and I got invited across the country? Tell me, Claudia, who is the novelty now?”
Her eyes flash with anger. She’s always hated when I challenge her. “Are they going to take care of you and the little bastard you created?”
Rage courses through me at the word she chose to use for my unborn child. But she’s angry, she always uses her words to hit hard and low. I can’t let her see how much it affects me. I need to just let it slide off my back.
Breathe, Delilah, breathe. She doesn’t deserve to see you break.
“The father is here actually, so not really a bastard.“ I watch her reaction carefully, knowing this next part will hit her like a freight train.
“Who?” Her voice is sharp, demanding, and I can see the wheels turning in her head.
“Wells. So since I’m carrying the next Covington heir, I guess the novelty won’t ever wear off.” A Cheshire-like smile spreads across my lips as Claudia pales. The shock on her face is priceless, and I savor the moment.
“That’s disgusting,” she hisses, her voice dripping with contempt.
“Well, Mother. You kept secrets. Not like I knew he was my uncle when I was fucking him.” The words taste bitter on my tongue, but it feels good to throw it back in her face.
“So what, Rhonda and Roy, are supporting you now? Lord knows you have no connections here.”
The fact that she evaded the part where she is semi to blame for the fact that I banged a man who later turned out to be my step-uncle doesn’t escape me. Once again Claudia can never accept responsibility for her actions.
“They are for now. Until I can go back to dancing.” I smile, knowing that will piss her off. I can practically feel her blood boiling from here.
Her face turns the same shade as a cherry. “You can’t.”
“I can. I hear Bigfoot is a nice and popping place.” I relish the way her face contorts with rage. This is a small victory, but it’s mine.
“You’ll ruin me, you little bitch.” Her eyes flash with a venomous anger I’ve known all too well.
I arch an eyebrow, trying to keep my voice steady despite the rage simmering beneath. “That’s the plan.”
I feel a sense of power I’ve never felt before.
“Why?”
“Because I hate you,” I spit, the words sliding easily off my tongue. “And for some reason, I clung to the idea that you’d be a mother, eventually. But now? I’m a mother and I could never be like you. So you’re simply irrelevant to me now.”
She stumbles backward, leaning against the shelf behind her. “How can I stop you? I’ll do anything. But I want you to never tell anyone who you belong to. We’re strangers passing on the street.” Her tone is pleading and I shake my head.
I can’t help the small, satisfied smile that curves my lips.
“Tell the truth about Jonas. We both know he didn’t lay a hand on you.”
“I can’t,” she whispers, looking around to see who’s near. “It’s a crime to file a false police report.”
“Well, you can do that or I’ll make sure all your lady friends know that your daughter is not only a stripper but carrying her uncle’s baby.”
Her face flushes with rage and fear, and she glares at me. “You’re evil, Delilah. I always knew you’d be my ruin.”
“Well, I learned from the best.” I snicker, casting her a victorious glare. “I learned it all from you.” My voice is cold, the hatred clear in every word. “But there’s one thing… tell me: why did you lie and frame Jonas? You could have just left Florida and acted like nothing ever happened. Why go to the lengths to file a report and, from the sounds of things, beat yourself up?”
