Page 89 of Rafe: Sins of the Father

Green whistles.

“Then the police arrested me for arson.” I spin back and pour another shot.

Crash steps away, and my brother takes the seat beside me. “You think she loves that other guy?”

“I don’t know, Kyle. She told me she didn’t. But that fucking asshole sure sounded convincing.”

“Does she seem like the kind of girl who could be bought with a big ring?” TJ asks.

“A big dick, maybe…” Green murmurs.

“Shut up, Green,” Wolf snaps.

“Rafe, you really think she’s the kind of chick who’d throw over a man she claimed to want for a man she doesn’t love?” Billy asks.

“No.”

“Then why are you fucking doubting her?” Kyle asks.

“He’s trying to protect his heart, man,” Red Dog says.

“Fuck that,” Billy says.

“When’s your court date?” TJ asks.

“Hell, I don’t know. I left the paperwork in my saddlebag.

“Don’t worry, Rafe. We’ll find you a good attorney,” my father says, slapping a hand on my shoulder.

“Thanks.”

Eventually, most of the originals drift away, and my boys surround me.

“Have you texted her?” TJ asks.

“A bunch of times. She hasn’t answered a single one.”

“Did you try calling?” Billy asks.

“Yep. Same thing. No answer. Goes to voicemail, but her box is full.”

Kyle slaps a hand on my shoulder. “Give it some time. Try again tomorrow. Maybe she’s just dealing with her father and the fire. It may not be what you’re thinking.”

I scoff. “And what am I thinking, Kyle?”

“You’re thinking she’s blowing you off. You always go to the worst-case scenario, brother.”

“Since when?”

“Since…” He trails off, and I know like a gut punch he means the attack and my head injury. I’ve been told before by Fiona and by Kyle that I don’t act the same as I did before. I’m quicker to anger, slower to make a decision. Maybe it’s true, but I really thought this was one decision I made I’d have no doubts about. Tori and me… I was so sure. When she said it was me she wanted, I believed her.

“Give it until tomorrow and try again.” Kyle puts his hand on my shoulder and gives me a shake. “Okay?”

“Yeah, sure.” I down another shot and stare at the bar.

“You want to play a game of pool, Rafe?” Billy asks.

I shake my head.

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