Page 15 of Forbidden Love

“She’s heavily pregnant with my brother’s child, Nancy.”

“And being the man I know you are, you’ll be happy that she’s carrying this child to term, right?”

Nancy’s right. As much as it pains me to see her blooming with something created by Colton, at least she’ll finally have that one thing that might give her as much love as she has to offer.

“She’ll be an amazing mother,” I say to no one in particular.

“And you’ll make a great father one day. Don’t you think it’s about time you settle down? Stop these tireless one-night stands?”

I roll my eyes. I know Damien has told Nancy what I told him about fucking anything with a pulse, but it was only to stop him thinking I was turning into a monk. I haven’t looked at another woman since Kally was taken away from me. How could I?

“I can’t settle with anyone. I won’t.” I lean in and kiss Nancy’s cheek. “I’ll be late home. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

“Won’t you at least wait for Damien?”

I shake my head. “If I decide to go to this party, I’ll meet him there.”

I back away from Nancy and leave my house before I change my mind. I need to go to the party. I need to see Kally for myself. Pictures, spying on her, and Damien’s opinions aren’t cutting it anymore. There are only so many stories I can read about the loving couple before I lose the will to live. I’m tired of being a stalker.

***

Jared pulls into my parents’ driveway, and I sit still for a few moments. It’s like I’ve never been away. The weight and dread hit me like a freight train. Just like that, the anxious feeling is swarming through my body. I hate this fucking house. I wish it would burn to the ground… with them all in it.

Jared doesn’t push me out of the door or badger me for answers. He just sits and gives me the time I need. That’s one thing I love about Jared. He’ll give good advice when asked, but he won’t push his beliefs on me unless I’m acting like a dick, and let’s face it, I’ve been a dick on more than one occasion over the last three years.

“You know the drill. Be ready for a quick exit.”

Jared chuckles. “I haven’t heard that for a long time. Be careful in there, son.”

I nod and exit the car then close the buttons on the bottom of my jacket and straighten myself out. I want to walk in there with my head held high. I don’t want to look like the long-lost son walking in with his tail between his legs. That couldn’t be further from the truth. The only regret I have is walking away from Kally and leaving her to get on with it. I wish I could have turned a blind eye to what was going on, plastered a fake smile on my face, and still had her as a friend, but I couldn’t.

I take the steps to the front door quickly. Nothing has changed. There are still people walking in here that no one cares to know, but of course, my parents love to show off. I can’t even blame my father for that, because my mother is just as much to blame. She has always liked to think of herself as the queen of New Orleans. It’s amazing how money and power can make people look ugly.

I can see my parents talking to someone when I enter, and I carry on walking with my head held high. I get a few feet ahead when I feel my mother’s hand on my arm.

“Hello, sweetheart.” She kisses both of my cheeks. “We weren’t sure if you were coming tonight. I’ve missed you, Clark.”

“I only made my mind up about…” I look down at my watch. “Thirty minutes ago.” I shrug like it’s no big deal.

I haven’t even changed out of my work suit. I’m here to see Kally, nothing else.

“It’s good to see you. How are you?”

“Cut the crap, Mom. You’re only over here to make sure I’m going to behave. You know as well as I do that I would never put Kally or her unborn child under any more stress than they already are. Relax.”

“Bro.” Damien walks towards me and engulfs me in his arms. “Good to see you.”

“You too. Shall we?” I point to the ballroom. “I’m suddenly parched.” I raise my eyebrows at my mother and walk off with Damien.

“I was surprised when Nancy called to tell me you were on your way here.”

I shrug. “I need to see her for myself, Damien. I’ll be able to see through her façade.”

“Let’s get that drink.” Damien walks me over to the bar and takes two glasses of champagne.

I take a sip of the bitter liquid and screw my nose up. I might be from money, but champagne is rotten to the core. I may as well have been drinking vinegar.

“What do you say when we get out of here, we head to my hotel and hit the beers?”

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