Page 76 of Bits and Pieces

Silas cracks his neck while Kourtney smiles. “Love looks fantastic on you, dumb-fuck. I never thought you were capable of such sappy shit.”

I listen to them go back and forth, trying to get a sense of how serious their dating situation was. Silas made it seem like Kati was the only relationship he tried. Maybe he hid the Kourtney thing since he knew I’d meet her.

Silas exhales roughly. His nostrils flare, and his eyes shine with irritation. Kourtney ignores his reaction and talks to me.

“Technically, the maternal grandma has custody of Brooklyn. So, we need to get her to let you adopt the kid. My assistant’s in negotiations on a price. Once the grand-bitch agrees, we’ll get the paperwork in order. Then, you’ll be Brooklyn’s mom. I can also make Nomad her dad if you’re looking to nail this son of a bitch down.”

“Just like that?” I ask, trying not to get my hopes up.

“Well, the grand-bitch is haggling like she’s at a damn flea market. We’ll soon settle on a number.”

“Just pay whatever she wants,” Silas insists. “I’m good for it.”

“No,” Kourtney mutters, standing up. “I never give in to anyone. Fuck that old bitch. She’ll bring down her price. Give me a week.”

As she walks to the door, Silas follows. “Just pay her. Let’s get this done.”

“Shut up, Nomad. Your whining makes you sound neutered.”

I look out the window to find Silas still on her tail. She flips him off and tries hitting him with her bag. He dodges it and then nearly comes to blows with her security guy. I watch the entire display while wondering if any of it’s real.

As Silas stomps back into the house, I accept his half is genuine.

“That crazy bitch is dragging shit out.”

“Why?”

“Her ego got too big.”

“But Brooklyn will be mine?”

Silas’s rage fades in an instant as a smile warms his rugged face. “She deserves a great mom. We’ll make that happen.”

I wrap my arms around his powerful body and lift my lips. Rather than kiss me, Silas studies my face. Do I look weird? I try to back off, but he holds me still.

“I’m sorry Kourtney acted like a psycho.”

“She handled those cops well.”

“No, I mean with her talking about us messing around in high school.”

“It’s fine. Everyone has a past.”

Silas frowns harder. “I can tell it bothered you.”

“She’s one of those sexy, strong women who intimidate me. That’s all you were sensing.”

“Kourtney ran with our group of friends,” Silas mutters as his fingers dance along my spine. “We haven’t messed around since high school, and she was never my girlfriend. I didn’t lie about that.”

“I believe you.”

“Because you have to?”

“Well, Iamcompletely dependent on you.”

Silas narrows his pale blue eyes, trying to intimidate me. “That’s true.”

“How about after Brigitte is born, I’ll get a job and become really independent so we’re on an even footing. Then, we’ll be certain I’m choosing you rather than clinging to my meal ticket.”

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