Page 108 of Choices

My eyes narrow into slits, the animosity coursing through me so potent, I have to fight not to lash out and attack her. The air shifts, thickening around us. My fists clench as I struggle to make sense of the situation. An icy chill races up my spine, fueled by confusion.How is this happening?

“Did you fall and smack your head?” This bitch has gone off the deep end. “Telling a blatant lie to all my brothers, and in front of Rocco?” I pace the same three feet, running a hand over the back of my neck.

“Rocco doesn’t understand.” She has the balls to look perplexed.

“Neither do I,” I yell, slamming my palm against the wall beside her head. Spittle lands over her face.

A couple brothers notice our exchange and decide to take another route to the party, nodding their heads in acknowledgement.

Shoving off the wall, I say, “So, in nine months, when no baby pops out, what are you going to tell people?”

She gulps and folds her arms over her stomach. Her eyes glass over, and tiny lines pinch around her mouth. “It’s seven and a half months.”

A thousand little bombs detonate in my brain all at once. “You’re pregnant.” It’s not a question, more an accusation. Why the hell would she let that happen? Especially after Rocco. My fists clench as I struggle to make sense of the situation.

“It was one time.” She must read the questions on my face.

“For fuck’s sake, Claire.” I let loose a ragged sigh, massaging my temples.

Stepping toward me with her hands out, she pleads, “I was lonely. It was only once. You don’t give me anything. He meant nothing. It was foolish.”

“I don’t give a shit who you fuck or how many times, but you’re not some teenager who doesn’t know better. You’re a grown-ass woman who has already been down this road.”

“We can raise it as ours like we do, Rocco. No one needs to know.” Blood is going to start pouring out my ears from all the vessels that keep popping in my brain. How can she think I’d be okay with this? And just announcing it without discussing it with me after I told her I’m done? Dick fucking move. I won’t be manipulated by anyone. All she’s done is make it easier for me to leave.

“I’m not doing this again, Claire. I nearly lost Kitty saving your ass last time, and I love Rocco like he’s my own, but there’s no fucking way I’m doing this again.” My hand slices a linethrough the air. “You’re going to have to let the sperm dumper know.”

“The father can’t know, Liam.” Fear clings to every word punched from her mouth.

“Is it a brother?” I frown, thrown off by her reaction.

My brothers don’t know our marriage is a facade, and despite me not wanting Claire for myself, I wouldn’t be able to let it slide if one of them crossed that line. To disrespect me in such a manner would cost them not only their cut, but blood. It’s the principle—and it’s the last thing I want to do overher.

“No, I wouldn’t do that.” She seems offended by the question. I’m starting to think she believes her own lies. I wouldn’t put it past her to fuck a brother, but I’d like to think my brothers are more loyal than that.

“Then who?” I demand with a jerk of my chin.

“It doesn’t matter. Please don’t leave me,” she begs, her skinny, long fingers clawing at me.

“Claire, it’s over. I don’t know how to be any clearer about that. Why the hell would you want to stay in this marriage anyway?” It’s soul crushing being tied to someone you don’t love. I barely even like the woman.

“I’m an ol’ lady. If you throw me away and get with Kitty, do you think I’ll be welcome here? No, I’ll be pushed out and forgotten.” She’s becoming hysterical. Red blotches rise on her cheeks the more irate she becomes.

Fire ripples through me the longer I stand here dealing with this shit. I need to find Kitty.

“You can go find a real husband and build a life for yourself. Why the fuck do you want to be around the club anyway? There’s nothing here for you.”

“I like our life.” Her high-pitched whine makes me take a step back.

“Claire, this isn’t a life.”

“It’s better than dying, and that’s what will happen if you leave me. And you know it!” Her chest sinks. Sobs rattle her frame.

“That’s a load of crap.” I sigh, sick to the back teeth of this shit.

“Jericho doesn’t like loose ends,” she says solemnly, trying to catch her breath.

“You’re paranoid.”

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