Page 51 of Fall Into Me

He threw me into the corner of the living room, right where he loved to make sure I sat for each and every single ‘lesson.’ I collided with the wall, my shoulder making contact at a weird angle that made a sharp pain shoot up and into my neck. I didn’t do anything but slump to the ground and track my eyes back to my mom, desperate to see her move. When she did, I clung to it like a lifeline.

“When people don’t hear you, you make them listen, son,” he said. His face was so close to mine I couldn’t see him properly. “This is what it is to be a man.”

“Ash is fine,” Ash said, leaning across the table to shake his hand too, snapping me from the clutches of that memory. Ash flicked his eyes to me, a crinkle of concern marring the spot between his brows like he could also see the weight of it all still pressed against my ribs. See the oily residue of the things my father had left me with linger like a shadow in the corner of the bar.

“Pleasure’s mine, Ash. Though I’m pretty sure Cali told me your name was Aleron.”

Ash closed his eyes and chuckled softly, the kind of laugh that came with being in on a joke no one else understood.

“I’m not even going to ask about that,” Dallas said, crossing his arms. A broad, unrestrained grin plastered across his face.

“Would you like to sit?” I made a move to slide over in the booth.

“Oh, no. Isla’s expectin’ me back soon. Just out grabbin’ a few things she needed for some cookin’.”

“I’ve heard a lot of good things about your wife’s cooking, sir.” Ash piped up.

“That doesn’t surprise me.” Dallas nodded, clearly full of pride.

“No one’s ever made a lasagna like Isla,” I said, patting my stomach.

“Not even Cali?” Dallas quirked a knowing brow.

I answered without thinking. “Sir, I love your daughter, but she can’t cook.”

Ash looked horrified, his face screaming,This is part of your plan? Your plan really fucking sucks. But Dallas just threw his head back, laughing so hard he had to lean on the table.

“Oh, I know you love her, but she’ll have your balls for that one.”

“Don’t worry about his balls, sir. They’re already toa—ow!” Ash whipped his head toward me, offended like I’d committed a mortal sin.

“Anyway,” I said, glaring at him, “I’ll tell Cali you said hi. I, uh…” I reached up and scratched the back of my neck. “Are we still having dinner on Monday?”

Dallas placed a hand on my shoulder. “Every Thursday, son.” His face softened. “We’re real glad to have you at our table again, especially after all you’ve done. I hope you know it.” He squeezed my shoulder, and it was like the rage ceased to exist entirely.

“It’s the least I could do.” I cleared my throat, avoiding Ashton’s eyes and the way I could feel them boring into me.

“Plus, since gettin’ better, there’s no stoppin’ that woman from cookin’ up a storm. Aleron, you’re more than welcome.” Dallas tipped his hat our way before proceeding to also saygoodbye to everyone in the entire bar, stopping only to hug Mags who was sitting at a table near the door.

Before I could look away, she caught my eye and gave me a wink.

There were moments like this. With Dallas and Mags—a woman who really didn’t know me—where I thought if there was something inherently wrong with me, they’d see it. That Cali would’ve seen it and run.

She did run, though. I’d given her a reason. I wasn’t debating that. But she’d still run. The thing was, I always knew I’d chase her, and it made me wonder if that rotten part of me had more control than I thought.

A better man would have let her heal. Would have let her be.

I was not a better man.

Ash kicked me under the table. “You’re staring.”

“This is so fucked,” I muttered, dragging a hand down my face.

“What did he mean?”

“What?”

“Fane—”

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