Page 17 of His Big Bad Stick

Really?

As though this fling between my father and her mother will actually last more than a week.

I get close to her.

Really close.

She looks over her shoulder, gasps, and is ready to jump through the window to get away from me.

I touch her arms. At her elbows.

Soft.

Just to keep her frozen in place.

I lean down closer to Abrielle.

“Just so you know, my name is Colver… and I can’t help but want to make your life a living hell while you’re here… sister…”

I stand in the kitchen with a can of soda watching my old man show Abrielle’s mother around outside.

They’re flirty and playful.

That’s how it always starts with my old man.

He’s the happiest guy in the world until he isn’t.

Abrielle peeks around the corner like a scared kitten.

That’s when I decide to name her just that.

Kitten.

“I don’t bite,” I say to her. “Unless I’m provoked.”

“Do you mind if I look for a drink?” Abrielle whispers.

I place my hand to the stainless steel doors. “Five bucks or I see some tits.”

The words just fly out of my mouth.

I don’t really mean it… okay?

It’s just something all the guys do.

We all do it.

At parties and whatnot.

Most of the time the girls giggle and flirt back. Sometimes they actually lift their shifts.

Abrielle gasps with shock.

The heavy glass door opens and in walks the newlyweds.

If I knew where anything was in the kitchen I’d throw some fucking rice at their faces.

Maybe some boiling water instead.

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