Page 147 of Savage Vicious Heir: Part Two

Only a few months ago, I never would have believed that I wouldn’t be heading to SCU in a few weeks with my boys. But it’s the right thing to do.

I want to support Abigail through her second attempt at year thirteen. I also want to be here for Raine and Millie in Theo’s absence.

Then next September, Abigail and I can follow them. Although, not to SCU. We’ve already agreed that we’re going somewhere else. We’re yet to decide where, but we’ll figure it out.

There’s no rush, and for the first time in my life, there is no pressure.

We can take life at a pace that suits us and allows us to navigate it as a couple.

“I need to take a piss,” I say before pushing to my feet and heading inside.

Even after shutting myself in the bathroom, my friend’s happiness and laughter float around me, and when I look up into the mirror as I wash my hands, I find myself smiling as if I don’t have a care in the world.

I don’t. Everything is fucking awesome.

Pulling the door open, I come to an abrupt stop when I find Reese loitering outside, obviously waiting for me.

“You okay?” I ask, not liking the crease between his brows.

“Yeah, um…”

“What is it?” I ask my heart rate picking up pace.

“Nothing. It’s just…” He hesitates and I panic.

“Spit it out,” I snap.

“Okay, so… I saw your mum.”

My heart sinks.

There was a time after everything that happened when I hoped she’d reach out. There was no way she’d have agreed with how Dad reacted to my relationship with Abigail. But I knew better than most just how much control he had.

“Right?” I ask coldly. It’s been too long for her to try and reach out an olive branch now.

I’m done.

“She wanted me to give you this.”

He pulls a small flat gift from behind his back. There’s a card taped to the front with Mum’s handwriting across it.

The sight of Abigail’s name written by her makes my blood run cold.

Even that is closer than I ever want her to be to any of my family now.

“Not interested,” I say, dismissing it and attempting to walk away just like she has.

“But—”

Spinning back around, I stare Reese dead in the eyes.“I don’t give a fuck what it is, Reese. It doesn’t have a place here. This house, it’s for my family. She no longer counts.”

Ripping it from his hand, I march into the kitchen and dump it into the bin.

“Okay then,” he muses, watching my every move.

“I mean it. That part of my life is over. This,” I say holding my hands out. “And everyone under this roof, that’s all that matters now. My future is here.”

Reese shakes his head, a smile playing on his lips.“I’m so fucking proud of you, man.”

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