Page 23 of Mistle-Ho

Alexis turns to me, brows lifted in surprise. “What was that about?”

“I don’t know.” I’m afraid I do know though. Someone at the party must have seen Al and I sneak off to the treehouse and Babs is ready to lay into me for not only taking advantage of her daughter, but also ruining her sanctuary.

Al’s frown matches her mother’s as she takes a tentative step inside.

Like it or not, I’ve got to face the music, so I follow her, stomach clenched with dread. I’m barely two steps in when I hear yelling in the kitchen.

Alexis turns to me as her father bellows something about stupid decisions. Her eyes are wide as she mouths,What the fuck is going on?

I shrug, but again, I’m afraid I do know.

And I hate how relieved I am that it’s not my ass getting chewed out.

11

In His Defense

Alexis

I DON’T KNOW what Leo did, but I’ve never heard my dad this mad before, and it has me considering turning around and walking out.

I actually make it halfway through the process, but Gavin’s big body blocks my escape. He must know what I’m thinking because he shakes his head at me, expression serious.

I sigh. He’s right. I have to stay. My brother wouldn’t leave me on my own in a situation like this, so I can’t leave him. Leo’s a pain in the ass, but he’s loyal as fuck.

Letting my head fall back on a quiet groan, I turn toward the kitchen, blowing out a breath before sliding my gifts onto the entry table and going to my brother’s defense.

I hope he deserves it.

With Gavin still right behind me, I march into the kitchen, not giving anyone time to react to my appearance before crossing my arms and barking out, “What’s going on?”

My mother is giving Leo a look that might kill him and my dad’s face is so red I’m worried he might die right after my brother. No one says anything for a few seconds. They all just keep scowling at each other. I raise one brow, focusing on my brother since he’s the most likely to cave.

And he does.

“They’re acting like two consenting adults can’t do what they want.” Leo’s jaw is set so tight I can see it twitching as he talks through clenched teeth.

“You don’t have any fucking clue what you’re talking about.” My dad points at the living room, but I’m not sure why because no one’s in there. “The last thing that girl needs is you butting your nose into her shit.”

Leo scoffs, stretching his arms wide. “You just wanted me to stand there like nothing was happening?” He shakes his head. “No fucking way.”

I take a step toward my brother, zeroing in on his knuckles. “What happened to your hands?” Gavin told me they’re not practicing right now, just hitting the gym, so the scabs and redness across his skin wouldn’t be from rugby.

My mother’s nostrils flare, her teeth barely separating as she says, “He beat the shit out of Maddie Miller’s husband.”

“Ex-fucking-husband.” Leo turns to me and Gavin. “She filed for divorce three months ago whenhebeat the shit out ofher.” His chin lifts in defiance. “So as far as I’m concerned, he got what he had coming.”

I think I might have to agree with him, and to be honest, I’m shocked my parents don’t. My confusion over the situation clears up when my dad says, “He’s fucking dangerous, Leo. He’s already threatened to kill her, and he did it at the fucking courthouse in front of both their attorneys. You didn’t help her. You kicked the fucking hornet’s nest.”

I’ve never heard my dad say the word fuck so many times in a row, and it sends me stepping back into the hard line of Gavin’s chest. I should move away, but the stability of his strong body helps me feel less overwhelmed by what’s going on. Gavin’s hand comes to my shoulder, giving it a squeeze, offering support I desperately need.

“Isn’t it a good thing her ex knows what will happen if he tries to fuck with her again?” Gavin sounds genuinely confused. Like he doesn’t understand the reality of what women have to deal with on a regular basis.

Most men don’t.

I shake my head, a pit growing in my stomach. “That’s not how it works with men like that. He’ll be even more dangerous now.” I swallow hard as fear for a woman I barely know creeps across my skin. “Where is she today?”

A guilty expression flashes across my brother’s face and my mother tosses both hands up in the air. “For fuck’s sake.” She laughs, but it’s not an amused sound so much as an unhinged one. “She’s at your house, isn’t she, Leo?”

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