Page 94 of Sass

“But that’s where you’re wrong.” He covered my hand with his and squeezed. “Idohave to do this. It’s been coming a long time. I’m not saying it doesn’t freak me out, but that doesn’t change the fact I need to do it.” He leaned over and pressed a kiss to the corner of my mouth. “But I’m so fucking glad you’re here with me, and when this is over, you’re going to talk to me about what’s happening Wednesday. About Caitlyn’s anniversary. No excuses. I’ve let you get away with going quiet on me this last week, but I’m done with that. You’re scaring me. We can’t make this work between us if we don’t talk.” He gave a dramatic roll of his eyes. “And if you tell anyone I said that, I’ll break your face.”

It felt good to smile. “I’m sorry. It’s not that I don’t want to talk, it’s just that I still don’t know what I really think or want. But you’re right. We need to talk, and we will. I promise.”

He kissed me again and smiled. “I’m holding you to that.” he turned back to the small cottage that sat in an empty yard at the end of a long driveway and the smile slipped away. The driveway and front of the cottage were clear of any cars, which hopefully boded well for James being alone, but there was no way to see around the back.

“Are you sure you don’t want me to come in with you?” I checked.

“No,” Chris answered, not taking his eyes from the cottage. “He won’t talk if you’re there. If it’s only him and me, he might stop lying.”

I wasn’t happy with him going in alone, but at the same time, I knew he was right. I also knew he was doing this with or without me, and if the most he let me do was sit outside in the car and wait, then that’s exactly what I’d do. “Can you try to at least record it?”

His brows dipped.

“This is a big deal, Chris. You’re going to be emotional and angry, and you might not remember what he says. Please.”

He watched me for a moment, then sighed. “Okay, I’ll record it. But I doubt I’m in any physical danger if he’s so sick. He’s on oxygen, remember?”

“I don’t give a fuck about him. It’s you I care about. And it’s not a physical attack I’m worried about. It’s what he might say.” I cupped his cheek and drew Chris close so he would be in no doubt about my next words. “I love you. And no matter what happens in there, I’ll be waiting for you when you’re done. Stay close to the front door, and if that bastard crosses the line with you inanyway, you get out of there, understand? Or you get me inside. Promise me that.”

His eyes shone brightly, and he nodded. “I promise. And I...” He hesitated then swallowed whatever it was he was going to say and kissed me. “I’ll be careful.” He reached for the door handle.

“Nope. If you think I’m staying way the hell down here to just watch you walk into that bastard’s house, you’re crazy. I’m driving you right up to the front door. And I want him to know someone is waiting outside, so you make sure and tell him, got it?”

“But—”

“No, Chris. This isn’t up for debate.”

His lips tugged up in that cheeky way he had. “I really need to see this bossy side of yours in bed, baby.” He winked. “I’ve been missing out big time.”

“Be careful what you ask for.” I grinned and brushed a floppy cowlick back from his eyes. “In case I haven’t said it enough, I am so fucking proud of you. You’re about to face the arsehole who fucked with you and stole your family, and I’m stuck with my head up my arse with a family who support the shit out of me. You might say I’m a little in awe.”

He flushed at the words, but I wasn’t done.

“This last month, you’ve taught me something about courage every day, and what you’re about to do has made me more determined than ever to do better in my own life. I can’t begin to tell you how lucky I feel to be with you. So...” I leaned over the handbrake and kissed him softly. “You go and do what you need to, and I’ll be waiting. And when you’re done, we’ll spend the rest of the day doing whatever the hell you want in order to wash him from your brain.”

Chris blinked hard, and then again, and then he launched himself at me for a fierce kiss. “I’m not sure I deserve any of that, but thank you.” He patted my chest, right over my heart. “There are things I need to say to you, as well—” He glanced up the driveway to the cottage. “But not now.”

My heart skipped in my chest but I didn’t ask.

He looked back. “So, how about you get me to that front door like you promised and let’s get this done. There’s an arsehole waiting with my name written all over him.”

My gaze travelled to his skinny black jeans, rainbow T-shirt, dog collar, and dark eyeliner. “Well, you’re certainly dressed for the occasion. Not your usual look.”

He smirked. “I raided the drop-in centre’s wardrobe. Couldn’t think of a better way to shove my gay arse in my uncle’s face. It’ll either drive him crazy or give him an attack of the vapours. Too much?” He struck a pose and I laughed.

“Not at all.” I reached across and tugged at the dog collar. “But I’m thinking maybe you should keep this... for later.”

CHAPTERTWENTY-ONE

Kip

“Come inside, Christopher.”James called out before I’d even landed the first knock on his door. Gone was the booming voice I remembered, replaced by a frail hoarseness that didn’t at all match his larger-than-life personality. “Took you long enough. Didn’t think I’d notice your Mini at the end of my driveway, did you?”

Fucker.I took a last look over my shoulder to where Leon was watching, then stepped into the small sunny lounge, closed the front door, and looked my uncle square in the eye. “No, James. I just didn’t give a fuck.”

He snorted, then nodded to the window. “You brought a friend?”

“Do you blame me? And how did you know I drove a Mini?”

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