Page 30 of The Ruckup
“You don’t have any fucking clue what you’re talking about.” My dad points at the living room, like Maddie’s still there. “The last thing that girl needs is you butting your nose into her shit.”
I scoff, stretching my arms wide. “You just wanted me to stand there like nothing was happening?” I shake my head. “No fucking way.”
Alexis takes a step toward me, zeroing in on the slight bit of damage I did to my knuckles when I slammed Drake against the glass. “What happened to your hands?”
My mother’s nostrils flare, her teeth barely separating as she says, “He beat the shit out of Maddie Miller’s husband.”
“Ex-fucking-husband.” I turn to my sister and Gavin. “She filed for divorce three months ago when he beat the shit out of her.” Lifting my chin, I narrow my eyes, daring them to argue with me. “So as far as I’m concerned, he got what he had coming.”
My dad lets out a bitter laugh. “He’s fucking dangerous, Leo. He’s already threatened to kill her, and he did it at the fucking courthouse in front of both their attorneys. You didn’t help her. You kicked the fucking hornet’s nest.”
“Isn’t it a good thing her ex knows what will happen if he tries to fuck with her again?” Gavin asks, giving me hope at least he’ll take my side.
Alexis shakes her head and my stomach sinks. “That’s not how it works with men like that. He’ll be even more dangerous now.” Her eyes meet mine. “Where is she now?”
I seal my lips, refusing to answer.
My mother tosses both hands up in the air. “For fuck’s sake.” She laughs, but it’s not an amused sound so much as an unhinged one. “She’s at your house, isn’t she, Leo?”
“I can’t just leave her at her apartment now that he’s found her.” I don’t see how they aren’t getting this. “You should be fucking happy I was there when he showed up. Otherwise, who knows what would have happened.”
“She would have called the police and let them handle it.” My mother’s voice gets louder as she continues. “He would have been arrested for violating a protection order and been booked in jail.” She advances on me, like she thinks she can take me on. “Now he’s plotting how to punish both of you for making him look weak.”
My dad rakes one hand through his hair. “I need to call Matt Miller back. See if there’s anything we can do since it’s your fault his daughter’s problems just got bigger.” He shoots me a glare. “If you’re smart, you’ll leave that girl alone before you make things even worse for her.” He storms off in the direction of his office.
My mother wipes at her eyes, giving me a final, withering glare before turning away. Pausing at where Alexis and Gavin stand, she says, “I’m sorry. I don’t feel much like celebrating this morning.”
I watch her leave the same way my dad went then lift my brows at my best friend and sister. “You two want to take a shot? Everyone else fucking does.”
Alexis shakes her head.
I turn to Gavin. “You?”
He matches my sister’s gesture, staying silent.
“Good.” I stalk past them, storming out the front door.
I was struggling with the way I saw my parents before.
Now, I’m struggling with whether or not I’ll ever be able to look at them the same again.
11
The Truth is Out
Maddie
I EXPECTED LEO’S family Christmas would take at least a few hours, so when he’s back home after less than thirty minutes, I’m surprised.
I also feel like shit, because I’m pretty sure I’m the reason the festivities were cut short.
When he stalks inside the house, looking ready to throw something, my stomach bottoms out. I’ve seen that look before, and it never ended well for me.
When Leo sees me standing in the kitchen, frozen in place, holding the large skillet I intended to use to make my breakfast, his feet fuse to the floor, big body stopping on a dime. His whole demeanor changes in a flash, the anger on his face smoothing out as his shoulders noticeably relax.
At the shift, I manage a deep breath. “They know what happened, don’t they?”
Leo tucks his chin in a small nod. “It seems like your parents called them.”
