Page 27 of Piston

I tap my finger on the bar, my mind going a million miles an hour.

Can I do this?

Can I give her all of me?

Can I control the anger inside me, the anger in my blood?

More importantly, can I love her like she deserves?

I sigh again, running a hand through my hair just as Desiree slides up beside me, Angel right behind her, both clearly helping out at the bar tonight.

They look at me expectantly, and without a second thought, I nod to the private room at the back of the bar because, yeah, no, I can’t give Nat what she deserves.

Even if I could look past her trapping me, I’ll destroy her like my father ruined my mother. It’s in my blood.

9

Natalie

“I don’t want to go home, Sissy.” Cooper pouts in the back seat, and I sigh.

It's 8 PM, and Henry is home from work and expecting him. If I had my way, I’d allow him to stay, but apparently, the step-monster will be home at nine.

“I know, bud, but you’ll be staying over tomorrow night, alright? I’ll pick you up from school and cook lasagna,” I promise.

He smirks his boyish smirk and asks, “Will I actually get to eat it this time, though?”

I scrunch my nose at him before sticking my tongue out, making him laugh.

I may have dropped the pan the last time I cooked it, and I had to order takeout with money I couldn’t afford to spend.

I turn down my father’s street and notice him standing by the road, and silently groan.

Great….

Each time I drop Cooper off, he’s gotten closer to the road, clearly hoping I’d speak to him, but each time, I haven’t.

I mean, what’s there to say?

Too much water has gone under the bridge. He put his wife before his own child, and allowed her to treat me like crap.

Forgiveness just isn’t in me.

He and Christy have both mapped out my life. Relationships, future kids—I don’t see it as an option, even though I know I deserve them. Besides, the one person I do want doesn’t want me back, so….

Shaking my head, I pull up next to Henry, who opens the door for Cooper.

“Hey, son, did you have a good time with your big sister?” he asks Cooper, who nods before leaning forward and kissing my cheek.

“Love you, Sissy,” he says, and I smile with a reply, “Love you too, bud. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

He nods and climbs out, Henry rubbing his hand in Cooper’s scruffy hair before he runs into the house.

“Can we talk, Nat?” Henry asks.

I huff. “I don’t mean to sound bitchy or bratty, but why? There’s nothing to speak about, is there?”

He sighs and shuts the door, and I put my car in drive, but before I can pull away, he opens my door, and I look his way with irritation.

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