Page 31 of Silver Linings

“W-will you come outside with me for a moment?” she asked.

“I think I’m fine staying right here. After all, I should probably say hi to Gunner, seeing as how he’s taking such good care of what’s mine in the middle of all his grief.”

“Please, James. Just one minute outside.”

“What can I say?” he laughed. “I’ve always been such a sucker for you, Lily.”

She tried to catch Gunner’s eye before walking outside, but he was deep in conversation with one of their former teachers. Lily could do this. She could get James to leave without causing a scene. It was the least she could do for Gunner and Gia.

“Where did she go?” Gunner mumbled as he searched the room.

“Are you looking for Lily?” his sister asked.

“Yeah. James was here just a minute ago. I was about to tell him to fuck off, but I got caught up talking to Mrs. Jacobson and Lily disappeared on me.”

“Oh shit. Gunner, I saw Lily walk outside about five minutes ago. I should have gone with her, but she looked like she was desperate to just get some air….I thought I was doing the right thing, just letting her have a minute to herself. I didn’t know James was here. Should we both go outside?”

“Shit.” Gunner didn’t bother answering his sister, instead moving quickly out of the visiting room and slamming the door to the outside open.

“No, James. Take your hands off of me!” Lily’s voice carried across the parking lot. When his eyes landed on her, he saw red. James was twisting her arm so violently as he pulled her towards his truck that Gunner was afraid he was going to hear her bone snap.

“Take your hands off of her, you fucking asshole,” Gunner yelled as he ran towards them.

“Fuck you. You think you can talk to me like that when I’m dealing with my own wife?” James’s speech slurred, and as Gunner sized him up, he realized Lily was right the other night. There was no way alcohol alone was impairing James.

“She’s not your wife, and even if she was, you don’t ever touch a woman like that.”

“Oh right, here comes Mr. Navy SEAL thinking he needs to save Lily from something. Well, guess what, asshole? She’s mine, and so is that fucking brat she’s carrying. You had no fucking right to take them from me. And I’m here to take them back.” His gaze swung from Gunner to Lily. “Lily Bennett, get in the car right now, or so help me God, I’ll make you pay for what you’ve put me through. We’re going home.”

Gunner snapped. His arm raised and before he knew it, his hand was wrapped tightly around James’s throat. He watched the skin on the bastard’s face turn a deadly shade of deep purple before he lowered his head down to his ear and whispered, “Lily Brooks. Her name is Lily Brooks. So don’t ever fucking think about putting your hands on my wife again.” He relished the shock that crossed the putrid fucker’s face as he raised his left hand to show off his wedding band. “That’s right Jimbo. Lily and I are married. If you so much as look in the direction of my woman again, even from a mile away, I’ll fucking kill you where you stand. She’s mine. The same goes for that baby in her belly. Mine. I won’t ever make the same mistakes as you, you fucking abusive alcoholic sack of shit. You don’t ever fucking speak to a woman like that, but especially not to my wife and the mother of my child. I’ll protect them with everything I am. Have I made myself clear?”

James sputtered, saliva dripping down from his mouth. Gunner tightened his grip. A pathetic squeak left James’s lips.

“Did. I. Make. Myself. Clear?”

A slight nod was all Gunner needed to release him.

“Fuck you,” he wheezed as he rubbed his neck.

“James, please just go,” Lily’s tear filled voice made Gunner stumble. How could he have been so blinded by his rage that he forgot to check on her? Turning, he saw her hands running over her belly, shiny tear-tracks running down her cheeks.

“Give me your keys.”

“Fuck you,” the hoarseness in his voice brought Gunner more pleasure than it should have.

“Give me your fucking keys. Like I’m going to let you leave here and kill someone.”

James grumbled as he pulled the keys from his pocket and tossed them on the ground by Gunner’s feet. The moment he started walking away, Gunner turned to Lily, his eyes zeroed in on the marks already forming on her arm. Fuck, he should run after James and beat the shit out of him.

“Are you okay?”

“I’m so sorry, Gunner. I’m so sorry he came to your mother’s celebration of life and caused a scene. I totally understand if you want me to leave. I’m sorry.”

“Lil, please stop apologizing. This is on him. You have nothing to be sorry for. Now, are you okay? The baby?”

Lily nodded, still caressing her belly.

“Can I see your arm?” he asked gently.

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