Page 130 of Starting Over

“I grew up in the fucking Mob. You think I’m afraid of him?” Her arm was stretched out behind her, pointing at King. “Get out. All of you. Right fucking now!”

King’s men didn’t hesitate. They scurried away quickly. All except Blade. He stopped in front of King and snarled, “We’ll have fucking words later.” Then he stormed out of church.

Leaving King, myself, and Maureen.

“You may not biologically be her uncle, but guess what? I am your fucking aunt! You will apologize to that girl and you will do it sincerely, and if you ever make her fucking cry again…” Maureen took a deep breath before adding, “Remember, I grew up in the fucking Mob. I learned from your father and your asshole grandfather. I know how to hide a fucking body.”

King looked away in shame. His eyes lowered as he stared at the floor.

Maureen looked over at me and shook her head, then swung her gaze back at King. “Talk to your brother.”

King opened his mouth, and Maureen held up her hand, cutting him off.

I couldn’t stop the smile when I saw him flinch.

“Listen to him and try to see things from a less selfish point of view. And don’t fucking hit him again!”

She stormed out of the room, leaving us alone. God, how I loved that woman. The way she stood up to him for my daughter. When I got home, I was gonna plant myself between her thighs and stay there all fucking night.

“Jesus Christ,” King cursed. “That felt like Mom was standing in front of me.” He rubbed his cheek, staring at the doors.

“You’re lucky it wasn’t. She would have given you more than a slap. Why the fuck would you say that to Beck?”

He walked back to his seat, slumping down and looking up at the ceiling. “It just came out.”

“Blade is gonna want to hit you too.”

“I know, and I’ll let him. I deserve it.”

“We need to talk this out.”

“I don’t want to fucking talk.”

“You need to understand why she did it.”

“I fucking understand.” King looked at me. There was that little boy again. “I know why Mom did it. What I don’t know is,why you kept it from me. Why you never told me the truth? My whole fucking life was a lie.”

I stood there as he seethed. I didn’t know how to answer him in a way that would make him understand.

“Why won’t you let yourself have Grace?”

King locked his eyes on me. I saw the rage the instant it appeared. “What? What the fuck does she have to do with this?”

“Why won’t you make a move? Why won’t you let yourself be happy with her? I see the way you watch her. You have a prospect sitting at the bar every goddamn night she works, watching out for her, but you won’t let yourself have her. Why?”

“It doesn’t fucking matter why.”

“It does. If you don’t want to answer me, fine, answer it for yourself. Think about the biggest reason why you can’t be with her. That’s why I didn’t tell you.”

King closed his eyes. I knew he finally understood by the slump of his shoulders. I saw the moment all the anger, the rage, the betrayal left his body.

“My whole life has been about protecting you.”

“I didn’t ask for that.”

“You didn’t have to. One day, you will let yourself have what you want most. And when she bears your child, and you look into that baby’s eyes, you will make a vow to do whatever you have to in order to keep them safe. I don’t just mean physically. Emotional and mental pain are just as damaging.”

Walking around the table, I sat next to him.

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