Page 39 of Triple Power Play 3
“We all will. I’m not hiding anything.” I shrug a shoulder, not seeing the problem. “I’m also having a panic room installed.”
Reece perks up. “Primary bedroom? Or basement?”
“Nursery. If someone breaks in, Aurora is going for the baby. No reason to run back to the bedroom for safety.”
He raises his brows. “Smart.”
There’s a hard knock on the door, and Ethan slumps in the chair with a dramatic groan. “Fuck my life.”
“I must say, Ethan, this doesn’t suit you,” a deep voice emanates from beyond the door. Either Ethan’s ex is a man, or…that’s a man. “I expected better from you.”
“Seriously, Beth?” Ethan barks. “Now is not the time.”
Beth. Gross. I hate her already.
“Seriously, Ethan,” a woman, who can only be Beth, mocks in a snide tone. “She’s here with you?”
“That’s typically how relationships work, yes.”
“Is it not enough for you to flaunt your whore in front of me? You have to go around Boston doing it too?”
Her voice pierces the air, and I jump from my seat. Aurora doesn’t need to hear or deal with this shit.
“Bethany, calm down,” says the unknown guy. “Let me handle this.”
Before he canhandle it, I whip the door open, Reece behind me.
An older man with white hair glances between us while the ex plasters on a fake smile. They both share the same dull eyes and reek of vanity and old money.
Ethan’s face is flushed from his cheeks to the tips of his ears. I casually drape my arm over his shoulders; he shoots me a warning glare but doesn’t push me away.
Reece leans against the doorjamb, arms folded over his chest.
The man, whom I’m guessing is Beth’s father, settles his attention on me. “I’m sorry, son, but this is a private matter. None of your concern.”
Son. What a condescending asswipe.
“Well,Pops, that’s where you’re wrong. Your girl called my wife a whore, and that’s very much my concern.”
His bushy white brows nearly hit his receding hairline. “What? I thought…” He gestures to Ethan.
“Aurora is my wife and Ethan’s girlfriend. We’re together,” I clarify, motioning between us.
I feel Ethan’s stare burning a hole in the side of my face, but he doesn’t deny my words.
“We’re having a baby, and I’d greatly appreciate you not waking our girl.” See? I can be nice. I even add, “Thank you.”
Their heads snap back as their jaws hang open comically.
“Ethan, son, this can’t happen.” Pops shakes his head in disapproval. “We brought you into our family?—”
That does it. All niceness leaves my body, and ridiculousness creeps in. “Hold on.” I interrupt, raising a hand. “Hold on one damn minute.” I shut my eyes, inhaling deeply and exhaling slowly.
“What are you doing?” Ethan mutters, his tone laced with amusement—a tiny bit.
“I’m trying to muster a fuck to give.” I open my eyes and click my tongue. “Nope. I’ve got nothing,” I say for all to hear. “Not a single fuck to give. Looks like you’ll have tofuck offinstead.” I raise my voice, my patience eviscerated. “You’re not his family!”
Ethan pats my chest. “Okay, take the crazy down a notch.”
