Page 57 of Desperate Needs

“They’ll be paid what they’re owed.”

“This is fucking bullshit!”

Lorne, my hotheaded uncle spat on the floor, causing my ire to rise. He was my father’s little brother, and he’d inherited the old man’s mean streak. And it was only getting worse with age.

“Are you questioning my word?” I asked, canting my head to the side.

I stared down at the sniveling piece of shit as he wiped his nose and shook his head.

“Nah, nephew. I ain’t questioning your word. Just your fucking brain. You’re thinking with your dick here!” he shouted.

“Back off, Lorne,” Balor growled.

There was no denying that he had no love for the Callahan side of his family tree. In fact, I was fairly certain my mismatch-eyed little cousin fucking hated the lot of us.

But family was family. At least, to me it was.

“Fuck you, you mongrel,” Lorne replied and slapped his hand down on the table.

Balor flicked his gaze to me, and I shook my head slightly, warning him off. This wasn’t the time to start a war.

But my asshole uncle didn’t understand that. He was too busy griping and complaining. He turned his attention to me.

“We’re so fucking close, boyo. And you’re gonna throw it away for some fat bitch!”

Did he just? This motherfucker.

That was all it took for me to let go of all restraints. For my inner fucking beast to rip free of the chain wound tightly around my control.

I gave no warning. I simply pounced.

My old man was a dick, but he’d tossed my sorry ass in a boxing ring the second I sprouted my first chest hair.

Oh, he’d beat the shit out of me those first few years. But eventually, I started winning.

I remembered those hard lessons as I connected my left hook with Lorne’s weathered fucking face. The sickening sound of his nose breaking was like music to my ears. And I didn’t stop there.

This piece of shit insulted my woman. My Darlin’. And that was not fucking okay.

“Easy,” Balor said, standing up and pushing against my chest. “Bro, take it easy!”

My chest was heaving and I spat on the prone form of my uncle before turning to Arnold.

“Get him to a fucking doctor. And let everyone know what happens when you talk about my woman,” I growled.

“Y-yes, Boss,” Arnold said wide-eyed.

I was still breathing hard when they shuffled out until only Balor remained. He walked over to the refreshment area on the far side of the room and grabbed a couple of Gatorades.

“I guess twenty years ago there would have been a high ball station in the back instead of fucking electrolytes,” he said and grinned in amusement as he uncapped the bright red drink.

“Yeah well, that shit kills ya,” I replied, and we both chuckled probably thinking what’s the difference.

“So, you got a new plan yet?” he asked.

“Not yet, but I’m working on it.”

“Hmm.”

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