Page 17 of Dominate
Hayden hits me with a warning look for cursing in front of Rocky. Thankfully, she’s completely lost in her toys and not in a repeating mood.
Tanner chuckles like a moron. “I’m only joking. It’s clear you’ve shagged her considering how possessive she was over you at the hospital. Bloody hell, it was kind of hot.”
My nostrils flare and with one look, Tanner holds his hands up in surrender.
“Christ, calm yourself, bro. If I didn’t know any better, I’d say you two are in looove.” He drags out the last word dramatically and redirects his attention back to the television.
His comment has my shoulders tensing. Before I left Sloan’s house, there was a shift in our relationship. But I haven’t had a chance to discuss it with her, and I’d rather not be concussed when we do talk about where we stand with each other.
I can feel Camden’s eyes on me from the other end of the couch when he asks, “So, are you bringing her on this trip Vi is planning?”
My jaw tightens. “I’m not sure.”
“Why not?”
“Because we haven’t discussed it.”
“Why not?”
“Because we’ve had a bit going on as of late, Camden. Jesus Christ. Back off!”
Cam recoils and thankfully has the decency to close his mouth for a minute. Perhaps a bit more of a mess around the house isn’t all it’s cracked up to be when you’re getting a Harris Brother inquisition brought down upon you.
The wake-wedding trip hasn’t been at the forefront of my mind at all. I’ve mostly been thinking about everything Dad said and the way he’s been acting since he arrived here. Speaking more freely about Mum. Being talkative and helpful when he can be. He’s almost actinghuman. I can’t wrap my mind around it.
“So, are you planning to be a stepdaddy to Sloan’s little girl?” Tanner asks, apparently not done tormenting me.
“What?” I snap, sliding narrowed eyes at him.
He shrugs innocently. “Or, what is it they call them in America? Sugar daddy?”
“Piss off, Tanner,” I reply gruffly. “Sloan doesn’t need my money.”
Tanner tilts his head curiously. “Who is her husband? He was at the pitch that day of the Kid Kickers camp, right?”
“Ex-husband,” I correct, uncomfortable that he’s pressing for information that I don’t even have a full grasp on yet. “His name is Callum, but it’s really none of your business.”
“Everything’s our business. We’re Harrises. It’s our job to be nosey sods.” He shoots me a cheeky wink and adds, “You went from having no life to finding a woman who looked like she’d fight tooth and nail for you, bro. This is something we don’t want you to muck up!”
Camden interjects, “I don’t even recall you having a girlfriend when we were kids. Now you’ve gotten serious with a single mum?” He shakes his head and puffs his chest out as he does his ridiculous impression of the Queen. “Is this woman of noble birth? Is the child legitimate? Perhaps we should have them over for high tea.”
“Oh yes,” Tanner practically peals his agreement, his voice bursting with his own over-the-top impression. “I’ve just had a new vat of clotted cream churned fresh by my servants. I’d be chuffed to bits to have your little friends over. Please do send them an invitation.”
I roll my eyes, but my brooding mood can’t help but lift by these two having a laugh. Leave it to these wankers to not only invade my home but invade my personal life and still manage to amuse me. When I travel to London, it’s easier to keep my private life private. Here, there are no kilometres to stop them from going balls deep in my personal matters.
“I don’t even know how serious we are yet,” I murmur half-heartedly.
“Maybe you should figure that out,” Camden replies, eyeing me with a meaningful look. “A great place to do that is at Vi’s wedding.”
“I’m not so sure about that,” I state quietly, anxiety prickling the back of my neck.
“We’ll all have someone with us. So should you. What’s the big deal?” Camden deadpans.
“Need I remind you that Vi’s also organising our deceased mum’s wake?” I retort, leaning back in my seat and shaking my head. “I don’t think Sloan needs to witness the hot Harris mess that will be. She’s already witnessed more of our family drama than she can handle, I’m sure. Plus she’s a mother. I highly doubt she can leave her child on a whim.”
“Even mums need a holiday on occasion,” Hayden adds from his spot on the floor as he fake walks a babydoll in front of Rocky. I glare at him for siding with my brothers, but he just shrugs. “I have to constantly remind Vi to take a break from Rocky for her sanity. If Sloan’s a single parent, I venture to guess no one is giving her reminders.”
“Plus, I’d like to get to know her better,” Booker states softly, breaking his silence from his spot beside Camden. He leans forward and runs his hands down his thighs. “She was brilliant against Dad at the hospital. None of us could stand up to him the way she did, Gareth. I liked seeing someone by your side like that.”
