Page 38 of Jack

"Shut the hell up!" he blazed."Do you know what the hell you're doing?" He startedpacing, his movements jerky. "Taking on a frigging billionaire.Do you happen to have a damn death wish?" He whirled to face herand the fury on his face had her shrinking back. "I warned you,didn't I? I specifically said to leave that kid alone. But have youlistened to me? Oh no! Because you always have to have your own way.Now you're caught in the middle of a family drama. And got meinvolved." He wantedto shakesome sense into her. She had mouthed off to the man and he had seenthe furious look that had been contained with difficulty. "Youwill not see him again, is that clear?"

Her chin lifted. "I am not a child tobe ordered about."

"Then stop acting like one, dammit!"

"Stop shouting at me."

He stopped in front of her and planted hisfists on his hips. "That man you alienated can buy this placeand level it to the ground. I have worked too hard to allow that tohappen."

"What are you saying?" shedemanded. "That I should apologize?"

"You would never lower yourself to dosomething like that." Suddenly the fight went out of him. "Stayaway from the kid, Zuri. I mean it."

She wrapped her hands around her waistdefensively and felt the weariness invading her body. She might havesaid some things that were out of line. But oh, the man had angeredher. How dare he imply that she had an ulterior motive forbefriending his son.

The nerve of him.

Easing off the desk, she was about to goand grab a bottle of water when Jazmine came in.

"Are you here to beat me over the headtoo?"

"No." Jazmine came in and closedthe door with a snap. "I am here to talk some sense into thatstubborn head of yours." She watched as her friend went to sitbehind the desk. "As much as I admire your incredible guts forfacing down a man like Jack Hadley, your brother is right. He coulddo some serious damage to you and Zach. And he's right. His son isnone of your business. You accused the man of abuse." Blowingout a breath, Jazmine rested a hip on the edge of the desk. "Icould hear the argument from where I was around the counter. Otherscould as well. And when he came storming out, he almost mowed downtwo men who were standing in his way. He was vibrating with temper.You pissed him off royally, Zoo, and there might be consequences, forJason as well."

Rolling the bottle of water on herforehead, she closed her eyes.

"I never considered that. Oh God! He'sgoing to send that boy to boarding school." She leaned back inher chair and sighed heavily. "He's suffering, Jaz. He told methat they were mean to him because he does not fit into theirfricking mold. He does not fit into the crowd-apparently it'saccepted to come from a home where parents aredivorcedor of the same sex. Jason is not in any of those categories. So, hesuffers because of it. God, when did we become such a society?"she wondered.

"The rich are different. They behavedifferently and have a dissimilar mindset." Jazmine sighed. "Iknow what you're doing, honey. You see that boy as your son andcannot figure out why his mother could have left him."

"Can you?" Zuri challenged. "Howcan a mother who went through nine flipping months of carrying achild inside her decide to go her separate way? I can see it when aman up and leaves his home and responsibilities, because, hey! He didnot have to go through the pains and rigors of motherhood. I havenever had a child, but I would rather die than leave my childbehind." She shook her head. "I guess I am going to have toswallow my damn pride and apologize to that aggravating man. If onlyfor Jason's sake."

"I am afraid that's what you're goingto have to do." Jazmine paused and contemplated the wisdom oftelling her about she and Zach. But it was not the right time. Therewas too much going on. Biting back a troubled sigh, she rose. Pattingher friend's hand, she left the room, with Zuri staring out thewindow.

*****

"What the hell are you doing downhere?"

Jason jumped up from the chair, his bodyvibrating. He had never seen his father so angry. Usually, he hadthis cold controlled look about him that usually sent icy chills upand down his spine. Now, his hair was disheveled as if he had spentsome time raking it through with his fingers and his gray eyes wereflashing like storm clouds.

"I asked him to join me for a snack."Millicent was staring at her son curiously. He looked like he wasabout to erupt into a million pieces.

"Do you know what I want to do withyou?" Jack's hand fisted at his side as he glared at thecowering boy. All the way over, he had tried his best to bring histemper under control. And thought he had. But now, he could feel therage going through his body. Several times, he had been tempted toturn the car around and confront her, but that would have been amistake.

"Dad, I-"

"Shut up! Shut the hell up andlisten."

"Jack-"

He whirled to face his mother. "No,"he shook his head. "Just no. Stay out of it. This is between meand my son. Got it? If you don't want to hear what I have to say tohim, then go to your room." Fighting for control, he turned backto Jason. "Did you tell her you were being abused?"

"Jason!"

He looked at his grandmother, sliding hisgaze back to the man vibrating before him. "I told her that Iwas being mocked at school." Lifting his chin, he braved himselfto speak up. "I told her that because my mother left and did notwant me, I am being made fun of. She told me that she lost her momwhile she was being born and that she had to face something like thatwhile she was in school too." He sucked in a breath. "Sheunderstands me. I talk to her because she listens and tries to helpme." He blinked back the tears. "And I am not going to stopseeing her."

Jack fought down the pity and the guilt."What did you say?"

"She's my friend and I know you don'tunderstand, but I like her a lot."

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