Page 47 of Marcus: Sins of the Father

I’ve now been warned off her by multiple brothers, and yet I can’t seem to learn my lesson.

CHAPTER TWELVE – FAIRY GODBROTHERS

Marcus—

“That was some party.” TJ’s smile splits ear to ear. I think he’s itching to tell us how his night went.

“Looks like it was a good time for you.” I chuckle.

“Yeah, got my own private lap dance.”

“Did it have a happy ending?” I ask, grabbing the cups and bottles that have been strewn throughout the yard and tossing them into a trash bag. The party was fun, but now it’s back to reality, and we’ve been put on cleaning duty.

“A very happy one. What about you, Billy?”

Billy doesn’t reply.

“I’d say based on the look of Billy’s jaw, it didn’t go too well for him,” I whisper to TJ.

“Yeah, what the hell happened? He’s not usually a bundle of joy, but he’s in an extra shitty mood today.”

I shrug. “No clue. I lost him after a while last night.”

Billy stalks over, dragging his own trash bag. “What the hell are you two whispering about?”

“Just wondering who shit in your Cheerios?” I chirp.

“Yeah, and who the hell decked you? And why?” TJ adds.

Billy rubs his jaw. “Is it really noticeable?”

“I mean, you’ve got some serious bruising, and that cut tells me the fist that hit you was wearing some kind of ring. Was it a brother?” I question.

“Jake punched me.”

That takes me aback, and my face scrunches. “Jake punched you? Why?”

He nods but adds no explanation.

“Why the hell would he punch you, Billy?” I prod, not about to let this tidbit go. As far as I know, none of us have ever been punched by a patch. I’ve heard some clubs really abuse their prospects that way, but the Evil Dead isn’t one of those. Least not from what I’ve seen so far.

Billy shuffles and won’t meet our eyes. “He caught me with Melissa.”

“You dumbass. I thought you were leaving her alone?” TJ snaps.

“It’s weird he’d be pissed enough about it to punch you,” I add.

“He reminded me she was off-limits. I, uh, may have said something about him being one to talk, since he’d fucked his friend’s sister.”

TJ’s eyes widen. “Jesus Christ, Billy. You got a fuckin’ death wish? Talking’ shit about a brother’s old lady? You’re lucky he didn’t flay your ass.”

“I know. I know.” His shoulders slump, and he slides onto a picnic bench, his elbows hit his knees, and his head drops into his hands. “Melissa’s got my head so fucking messed up. I want to be a brother; I don’t want to screw that up, but I don’t want to fuck things up with her, either. Though, I think I may have already done that.”

“It’s her or your patch, Billy. You can’t have both.” TJ picks up his trash bag and stalks off. He twists and looks back. “I thought this was important to you. I thought we were doing this together.”

Billy watches him walk away, and I can see the torment in his eyes.

“It’s a fine line you’re walking, man. It can’t be easy.” I pat him on the shoulder in a lame attempt to give him some kind of comfort.

---