Page 34 of Ruthless Passion

He grunts. "You're really going to make me say it out loud?"

"I don't know what you're going to say, Duke. So yes, you have to use your words. What do you want?" I repeat.

"I'm his father. I mean, I want to keep being his father. I want to take my boy to school. I figured with the damage to your cars, you'd need someone to take him."

"What damage, Duke? Don't you see this shiny new Beemer here? I borrowed it from Monique so thanks, but we're fine."

"You didn't borrow that from Monique. Her car is—" He stops speaking, most likely to avoid incriminating himself.

"Her car is what? In need of repair like her ankle?"

"She deserved that shit. She should learn to keep her hands and feet to herself. I'm not in the mood for games, Fee. Josephine, call Jett out here, and let me take him to school. You can even ride with us if you keep quiet."

"You want to be a father again and you're even willing to be in a car with me for over an hour to take Jett to school. Let's not play this game, Duke. What do you really want? You'd be surprised what I'd agree to if you're honest with me."

I'm not agreeing to do anything for him or with him. As far as Jett is concerned, he's never going to be left with Duke ever again.

"Fine, fine," he sighs, running his fingers through his hair again. "I looked up your guy, Devlin. Seems like he's the real deal and you might have a decent opportunity going here. I want to help out, like before."

I nearly choke on laughter. "Like before? You were actively trying to help out less. So much less that you thought terminating your rights was the best option. Leave, Duke. Please don't make me call the police."

My blood is boiling at his audacity, steering me into the house. But I forget about keeping my distance from him. As I walk by, Duke grips me by the arm.

"Listen to me?—"

"Let go!" I shrink away from him but can't shake him free.

"I'll let go when I'm damn well finished with you. You keep fucking that pretty boy movie exec and we're going to be a happy family again. I won't have to move to Arizona or anything. I'll be around to help you manage your upcoming stardom. Don't you see how much I'm helping you? Didn't that reporter boost your publicity?"

"Let me go." I take a deep breath before hiking my leg, ready to kick him with every ounce of strength I have, but he finally does what I ask and releases my arm.

"You fucking miserable?—"

"Leave. I didn't ask for your help with my career. I asked you to be a father to our son and your response to that was to end the relationship between you and Jett. Let it fucking end, Duke. I'm sick of this back and forth. It's bad enough you damaged all of our cars."

"You don't have any proof of that," he says, folding his arms across his chest.

"Why are you doing this?" I ask myself, taking a step away from him to put some distance between us.

"I told you. I made a fucking mistake. How many times do you need to make me say that, Fee?"

"The only mistake made is you calling me, Fee. Stop it. We're not close. We're not friends. I'm happy you filed those papers because Jett doesn't need you and neither do I. Now get the hell off my property before I call the police."

Duke growls with anger. "Who do you think you're talking to?"

He snarls and reaches to grab me again. This time I back away but manage to trip over my feet, landing with a thud. The front door opens in time for Jett to come out and see me on the ground.

His face flashes red as he charges toward Duke. "Leave my Mom alone, you shit."

Jett swings his little fists at Duke, but that only angers him more. Duke grabs Jett by both wrists to stop him. My hope is for Collin to rush out and intervene, but the hand gripping Duke by the shoulder is the last one I expect.

From where I sit on the ground, Luca pulling Duke backward makes Luca look like an angel. His salt and pepper hair doesn't have a strand out of place as the sun shines behind Luca as he shoves Duke away from us after he releases Jett.

"You like putting your hands on people. Grab me!" Luca barks.

Duke swings a wild punch, but Luca tucks his arms into his side and dodges the blow. He dips to his left to hit Duke across the chin before shoving him away from us once again.

"Come on, asshole! Hit me! Grab me," Luca yells at Duke.

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