Page 107 of Thorns of Malice

I lose it and raise my voice. "That money belongs to Carrington Enterprises. Everything about her company is because of what Carrington Enterprises has given her or created. She didn't earn any of her money. Just like you didn't earn any of yours."

He scoffs. "Are we starting this again? Somehow, it's okay you got a trust fund, but it's not okay that we did?"

I snort, warning, "Go back to your life wherever it is, Cooper. It's not here, I assure you."

His eyes turn to slits. "Well, I would, but I can't. As I stated, I can't go on social media without being harassed or threatened. I can't get into any clubs."

"Oh, poor Cooper. You want to cry about it?" I taunt.

"You fucking bastard," he snarls.

"Do you think I give a shit about your social media?"

He declares, "I have sponsors. I'm an important influencer."

I groan and shake my head. "Whatever, Cooper. You go do you as long as you can."

"I can't do me when this is going on. When I can't get into a club?—"

"Do you think I give a shit about your party schedule?" I blurt out.

He rises and slams his hand on my desk again. "It is important, Dax. It's part of my sponsorships."

"I don't care," I yell, trying to get through to him that I really don't give a fuck. All he's done is live off trust money. His sponsorships promote his lifestyle, but the money isn't enough for him to not run through his trust fund faster than he should. And that money should have lasted him, his kids, grandkids, and great-grandkids for the rest of their lives. It's irresponsible, and I'm tired of all my family members being so irresponsible in so many different ways.

He declares, "She's our sister. This is the lowest you've ever gone, Dax. But it's not too late to stop it and turn it around. Do the right thing."

I rise over this conversation. "I did do the right thing. I stopped helping Avery a long time ago. You should have too, along with Bobby. And I always wonder why you decided to get into bed with him. I warned you not to."

Cooper stands straighter and crosses his arms. "Ah, so that's what this is all about. You're still jealous that I'm better friends with Bobby than you are."

I huff. "I told you you could have him. He isn't a friend. He's just using you the way he uses everybody."

"Bullshit," Cooper claims.

"What does he have you doing nowadays? Are you going to be in the next video?"

My brother's expression changes, and I realize what I said affects him.

I taunt, "Ah, I see I hit the nail on the head, didn't I?" I shake my head in disgust. "So you're raping people too, being Bobby's little cohort in all of his games?"

My brother steps back and points at me. "You're making accusations that you shouldn't. Your days are numbered, Dax. Just be warned." He turns and starts to walk away.

I call after him, "Have fun going down with your sister."

He stops at the door and looks back at me. "You need to remember where your alliances lie. I can assure you it's not with that girl from West Virginia. We're your family, your blood. Bobby is more family than anyone as well. So clean up the mess you created and focus on somebody else."

My stomach turns, feeling sick that he can look at what Avery and Bobby have done and still try to protect them. I blurt out, "Guess that tells me everything I need to know."

"Yeah, what's that?" he questions.

"You stand here, fighting for them, okay with everything they've done. It tells me you're doing the same. I can only imagine the shit Bobby's gotten you into."

He grinds his molars and then shakes his head, muttering, "You're not worth it." He opens the door and steps out, slamming it behind him.

I go to the window and stare out, looking across the lawn toward Ivy's cottage.

I'm trying to make things right, but I took a few steps backward with her. I didn't realize that people besides Avery,Bobby, and Dyer would be recognized. Now I know I've got a bigger hill to climb to get her back in my arms.

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