Page 4 of Into These Eyes
Who the hell does this new woman think she is? Is she trying to replace my mother? Is that why he’s pulled away from me instead of being the supportive father he’s always been? Was he cheating on Mum … while she wasdying?
If I ever find that woman in this house,nearthis house, my father better be standing in the way, or I don’t know what the fuck I’ll do to her.
Apparently, I don’t need to go running to make my heart pound. I take a step right into his personal space and jab a finger into his sternum. “Or were you screwing the whore behind Mum’s back all along?”
“Enough! Don’tevertalk about her like that again.” His palms slam into my chest, knocking me back. My legs hit the edge of the bed. The moment my arse hits the mattress, I bounce up. I don’t even think. My fist smashes into his face, my knuckles cracking with the force.
Clasping his cheek, he staggers back. I shake with a rage I’ve never known. Heart jackhammering, I grab his shirt and pull back my throbbing fist, ready to strike him again.
His stunned eyes lock with mine.
Finally, he sees me.
Right when I don’t want him to.
A fleeting moment of guilt washes over me, but I tamp it down. That punch was for Mum. He deserved it.
“Gavin …” he breathes, shocking me with the look on his face.
He’s afraid. Of me.
I shove him away and back up. I want to tell him I hate him, but I hold back. Mum’s right here with me, a reminder that I’ll never know when it might be the last time I see someone, the last words I say to them.
Hand burning, I catch a different look on his bruised face. Disappointment.
Fuck that.He’sthe disappointment.
I shoulder past him, desperate to get away.
Storming through the house, fury racing through my veins, I fling open the front door. And run.
Chapter 3
Jamie
Istand in the doorway of my parents’ bedroom and watch my mother, Matilda. Mattie to everyone who knows her. She sits at her dressing table in a silk robe, hair freshly blow dried into a new, elegant style she’s adopted lately. At thirty-four, she’s stunning. If I look as good as she does when I’m her age, I’ll be pretty freaking happy. I suppose it doesn’t hurt that there’s only eighteen years between us.
At seventeen, Mum accidentally found herself pregnant with me. My dad had done the honourable thing and married her, and against all odds, they’re still together.
Now that I’m only a year away from seventeen, I find it impossible to imagine myself in the same situation. I’m in awe of Mum having the strength to handle such a life-altering event. I only care about which boys I like at school, what to wear each day and what party I’ll be allowed to attend next. The thought of raising a baby sends chills down my spine. Though I’m sure I’ll want one in the future, now definitely isn’t that time.
“Jamie, honey? What’re you doing there?”
I snap out of my thoughts and catch Mum’s eye in the mirror. Remembering what brought me here in the first place, I sigh, stomp into the room and flop on my parents’ bed.
“Anika again,” I grumble.
Mum’s shoulders slump a little as she applies foundation. “What’s she done now?”
“I’m so sick of her going into my room. Why can’t she get it through her head that she’s not allowed in there?”
Mum blends the foundation onto her face, then picks up some powder. “She’s two, Jamie. That’s why.”
“I know, but—”
“Hey, hon,” Dad says, winking at me as he saunters in. Crossing the room, he stops behind Mum and places a sweet kiss on her neck.
Whenever they’re affectionate with each other, I get a warm, gooey feeling. The way they’re so happy together makes me feel safe and loved. I can’t imagine them ever divorcing like so many of my friends’ parents. No, mine are the exception. They might have ruined my standards, though. I’m not sure I’ll ever find a man who’ll love me the way Dad loves Mum.
