Page 74 of Love Thief

“Make sure they don’t get to her,” he implores Tommy.

“Always. Darryl’s with me as well tonight.”

Kellen nods and reluctantly moves away. I can see he is not reassured by my words.

“Am I being unreasonable, Tommy? She voice recorded stuff to wreck my marriage. The other one puts out shit on the internet about me.” I blow out a breath, trying to calm myself down. I’m so frustrated and angry. How could they?

He shakes his head. “They have a strange life. They’ve not really changed, but you’ve had to.”

I look up at him, and I know he can read the sadness in my eyes. This is not what I wanted to happen. I know I’ve changed, but is it for the better or worse? I don’t know the answer to that question. I’ve gone over to their lives, and abandoned my own. I’ve tried to hang onto my sanity, my code of ethics, but feel like I’m battling all the time—them, other women, one thing after another. I feel like if they want something, they go for it and take it, life as they know it.

Was it only months ago I told my brothers they were good at taking what they wanted? I thought it would be James, turns out it could be me instead. And my sanity.

I ring Marshall.

“Midarlin’ how are things?”

“A mess, Marsh. A total mess.”

“Do you need to stay there and sort it or can you come home?”

“I’ll stay and sort, then come.”

“You know best, midarlin’, trust yourself.”

I close my eyes. The man is a total god. How does he know that’s what’s bugging the hell out of me, not trusting my own judgement. I know I’m right. These women need to be taught a lesson, and those men are too weak to do it. If they won’t, or can’t, then I will. I will not allow them to get the top side of me, not in this lifetime, never again. I need to warn James and Bucky, I need to see what they think.

I spring into action. “Tommy, fetch James and Bucky to the bus will you?”

“Really, Evie? Now? The band is on in five minutes.”

“Please just fetch them,” I implore him.

I step into the bus and wait, knowing if this doesn’t go well, I’m out of here. No point staying or playing happy families if we’re not, nor ever will be.

The boys come in at a run. “Dad’s just about to go on, what’s going on?”

Bucky rushes in.

I sigh and look at my sons. Jesus, can I do this? Do I really want to? Are they worth it? Is he?

“Mum, just tell us whatever it is, please. You’re killing us here.”

“You know Lauren and Grace are here,” I state.

“We know. We’ve seen them, lording it up in the fucking bar,” James snarls.

“They’re all together with Gabe and Levi.” I wobble my head at the ‘together’ gesture. “Your Dad and Xan knew they were here and in what capacity, and see no reason to get rid of them, regardless of what they both did to me. Because Gabe and Levi want them here.” Both boys just stand and stare at me.

“They want your Dad and me over and gone. There’s a party for Xander tonight, and I’m sure they’re up to no good. Becky invited them here, and it was totally planned. Whatever comes, I need you with me, backing me up, whatever I do. Can I rely on you both?”

They both crack a smile. “Whatever it is they do, stick it to ‘em Mum. Go for it,” Bucky says.

“I love it when you do. It’s usually the best entertainment. Just don’t blow anyone up, though. I don’t want to come visit you in prison,” James snickers and grins.

I kiss both of them, pouring my relief and love into it. Thank god for these boys. I’m feeling energised and empowered as I give them both a cheeky grin. “Let’s go have some fun, boys.”

“Yes,” Bucky shouts, “she’s got that look in her eyes. Like the day she blasted my teacher for saying my project was useless. We've got your back, Momma, all day every day.”

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