Page 47 of Runaway Girl
“Hurry the fuck up before I beat you to death.”
Jake clucked as he turned down the deserted corridor, leading me further into the catacombs of the stadium, where staff would not venture or find us.
My thoughts rattled against one another, thinking of all the scenarios that could play out. Despite the million that came to mind, there was no way I could have prepared for the one presented.
Jake directed me into a makeshift office, and once I was inside, the door slammed shut. On instinct, I turned, finding two identical smirks.
Obnoxious, wicked and fucking ugly.
Jake and my mother, Audrey Collins.
“I’ve missed you,son.”
Tension rattled my insides, underlying rage threatening to unleash on the fools before me.
With faux ease, I swaggered to the opposite side of the room, placing a generic wooden desk between us.
“To what do I owe the pleasure?” I asked, all nonchalant, as if my fight-or-flight response wasn’t wreaking havoc through my nervous system.
But it was all worth it when Jake’s cocky expression faltered just a bit. The surprise attack from my mother hadn’t achieved the desired effect.
That’s right, fucker. And watch what I do to you when this is all done.
That’s when Audrey started prattling on her delusional bullshit. “I can’t believe what you put me through, baby boy. I got fired, my friends deserted me, no one wants a part of me.I’m ruined.” She even managed a tear and sniffle, timed with perfect precision, of course.Bravo.
In the past, that display of emotion would have moved me. Now, I felt nothing, entirely apathetic towards the scene that played out like a cheap stage show.
And Audrey could read it—my hesitance and revolt.
She shook her head in false disappointment. “You’ve left me no choice, baby boy. You’ve left me no choice.”
“I’ve heard those words before,Mother,” I spat. “And that didn’t quite work out for you last time, did it?”
Audrey blanched before taking a step towards me.
“Uh-uh.” I tsked. “You sure you want to add assault to the list as well?”
Jake gripped her elbow, guiding her backward to take control of the situation. “Ethan, we have an ultimatum for you.”
Great. I can only imagine with the whole cloak-and-dagger performance they’ve got going on.“Well, spit it out.”
“You’re going to resign from the NFL. Today will be your last game. And to ensure your compliance, you will announce this at the press conference that we’ve organised in your name.”
One beat. Two.They’re serious. What in the fucking fantasy world?
I was reluctantly impressed by his delivery. He said that with confidence, no stutter or hesitation.Good for him, ’cause I’m going to tear him to shreds.
A dominant smile took over my face, soon bending into a grotesque killer grin as I released a dark chuckle.
“Oh, this isgood.” I began a slow clap, the rebound echoing off the bare walls. “And here’smydemands. If you both don’t turn and leave this roomright now, I’m going to show you the real definition ofruination.”
Jake squared his shoulders as if he could take me, and Audrey gave a minute flinch but chose to remain by his side.
Hmm, no takers? They’ll soon learn.
My gaze caught on Jake’s as I chose to address him first. Latent satisfaction bubbled forth as I relayed my threats like a seductive promise.
“I’m going to get you kicked out of football, then blacklist you from the sporting worldentirely. And every time you try to crawl your untalented, second-rate ass out of the loser hole you came from, I’ll be there. To remind you of your place. To push you back down to where you’ve always belonged…beneath my feet.”
