Page 45 of Marcus: Sins of the Father

“Have you ever thought about joining a club?” I continue making small talk.

“I mean, yeah, I guess I have, but I’m in no hurry. If it happens, it happens.” Logan shrugs. “Why? Are you looking to land a brother?”

***

Billy—

Melissa sits in some fucking guy’s lap, his hands moving over her legs, and I want to rip his arm off. It takes every ounce of control I possess to not walk over there and beat the shit out of this dude.

My mind races for a way to lose Peyton without raising Cole’s suspicions.

“Hey, doll, I’m gettin’ a headache. I think I might just bounce.”

She pouts. “Oh, don’t leave. I could massage your temples if you’d like.” She licks her bottom lip and pulls it into her mouth, dragging her teeth across it.

“I don’t think I’d be much company tonight. Sorry.” I disentangle myself from her arms and walk away.

I head straight toward Melissa.

***

Melissa—

Billy walks past me, slowing just long enough for his eyes to connect with mine for one brief moment. “Outside, now,” he growls in a low voice that brooks no argument, then continues past me, being sure to ram his shoulder into Logan as he does.

“What the hell, man?” Logan calls after him.

I lay my hand soothingly on Logan’s shoulder. “Don’t worry about him. He’s just a big grump. Why don’t you go grab us a drink?”

“Yeah, sure.” He smiles, probably imagining all kinds of fun we could have. “I guess you did finish mine.”

“Make mine a Mai Tai.”

“Right.” He makes his way through the crowd to the bar.

Only then do I turn my eyes to the door Billy just stalked through. Something about his tone makes me dare not disobey his clipped order, even though it would serve him right if I did.

I glance discretely around to make sure none of the brothers are watching, then I slip through the crowd and out into the cool night air.

CHAPTER ELEVEN – OFF LIMITS

Melissa—

I walk out the clubhouse door. There’s a chill in the air, and I rub my arms. The sun is starting to set on the horizon, creating vivid pink and purple streaks across the sky. Shielding my eyes from the last golden rays, I try to see around the yard. Quite a few people still hangout near the picnic tables.

I feel a little bad leaving Logan behind, but I know there are a bunch of available ladies inside, and with his looks, he can have his pick.

Glancing around, I notice the toe of a black leather boot sticking out from along the edge of the clubhouse wall. I walk that way and find Billy leaned against it, smoking a cigarette. His thermal shirt sleeves are pushed up, revealing his tanned forearms. My eyes travel over him, taking in the muscles outlined under his shirt. Damn, is he sexy. I’ve had a crush on him for as long as I can remember, but lately it feels like so much more. My heart lifts whenever he’s around, and when he’s not, I feel like a part of me is missing. He’s got the power to hurt me, and tonight he did just that. I’ve always been told I have my mother’s beauty and strength, but I’ve also got my father’s toughness, and I refuse to be jerked around and treated less than I deserve.

My hands go to my hips. “What do you need, Billy?”

“Are you kidding me with that shit in there?” He gestures to the building with his lit cigarette.

“What? Are you jealous?” I bite back.

“What the hell were you doing hanging all over that dude?” He stamps out his cigarette.

“I was having a good time, just like you,” I throw back at him, leaning closer to emphasize the last three words.

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