Page 171 of Make Me Trust Again
John’s eyes widen, breath hitching as I lean down and growl softly in warning. “You’ll get her name out of your fucking mouth, O’Neil.”
Slowly, the corner of his mouth lifts. “Or what?”
With how close we’re standing, I can smell whiskey on his breath. The guy’s drunk, and it isn’t even the end of the workday.
“Or I’ll do it for you.” Fuck being levelheaded. I’m done with him and his antics. “This is your last warning. One more disrespectful word about Rose or Kyle, and it’ll be the last thing that comes out of your mouth.”
John’s eyes narrow. “She’s my wife, maybe you should remember that.”
“Ex-wife,” I remind him, tightening my grip on him. We’re so close our noses are brushing. “Maybeyoushould remember that. Besides, didn’t you find yourself a new fiancée? Maybe you should focus on her and leave Rose and Kyle in peace.”
“You’d like that, wouldn’t you?” John smirks, amusement dancing in his irises. “We might be over, but she’ll never get rid of me.” He jabs his finger into my chest. “She was mine first, asshole. You’d better remember that. You might fuck her, but she’s my wife, and Kyle’s my son.”
Shadow barks, and John jumps slightly in surprise, his smile falling as his gaze darts over my shoulder where Shadow’s watching him through the closed window. “I’d look over that beast of yours. Wouldn’t want somebody to put it down for being dangerous.”
I step in his line of sight, glaring at him. “They’re people, not property.”
“They’remine,” he cackles, and there is almost a wild look on his face. “Play house all you want, but I’m not going anywhere. You’re not getting rid of me that easily.” John jerks out of my grasp and leans closer, hatred shining in his gaze. “This isn’t done, Williams.”
Without waiting for an answer, he turns around and marches away.
My heart is beating wildly inside my chest as I watch after him for a while longer, his threat still hanging in the air.
No, I don’t think it’s done either.
Pulling the door open, I’m assaulted by Shadow’s tongue as she sniffs and licks at my face.
“I’m fine,” I mutter, rubbing her between her ears before I push her back to the passenger seat so I can slip inside.
My brain is still going over the interaction as I make my way back home, that feeling of unease crawling under my skin and making me feel unsettled.
I don’t bother going to my house when I park, but instead, I go straight to the cottage to find Rose and Kyle sitting at the dining table and working on his homework.
My shoulders relax the moment I lay my eyes on the two of them, that vice grip clutching at my stomach easing away, if only slightly.
They’re fine.
For now.
Rose’s back is to me, so Kyle spots me first and grins widely.
“Hey, Chase!”
“Hi.”
Rose turns around, smiling softly.“How’s your mom?”
My brows furrow in confusion, but then I remember I was there earlier. It somehow feels like it was longer than that.
“Today’s a good day.”Leaning down, I press my mouth against the top of her head, inhaling her sweet scent.“What are you guys up to?”
“Homework,”Kyle grumbles, clearly unhappy.“I have to read.”
His nose scrunches, and I can’t help but chuckle.“Reading, the horror.”
Rose nudges me with her elbow.“Don’t encourage him.”
I school my features.“I wouldn’t dare.”
