Page 106 of Double or Nothing

“What?” My head spins in his direction.

“I can’t. Not right now. Sarah needs me.”

“And?” There’s more to it than Sarah, always has been. She’s just the crutch he can use as an excuse.

“And I don’t want to. I need a break. I want to be here, in Vegas. At least for a while.”

It feels more as if he’s punishing me than following his dream.

“Whatever, man, I don’t need you.”

“Nope, not at all.” Mac laughs. “You’re doing a bang-up job taking care of things. First, fighting your dad and now, walking away from Kat. Again. Sounds like everything is coming up roses.”

“You did this. You put this whole shitshow in motion. I never would have stepped foot in this godforsaken city if you hadn’t forced me.”

“I’m damn glad I did. You’ve been happier this last week than I’ve seen you in years.”

“Do I look fucking happy now?”

“That’s your fault, not mine.”

“How do you figure?”

“Easy. You know walking away is a mistake. You know you belong here in Vegas. That’s why you’re fucking miserable. Not because of your dad. That’s just an excuse.”

An excuse? Is he joking? Didn’t he hear the things the man said to me? The reminder my mom didn’t just leave him but because I’m just like him. Kat will realize it sooner or later. She’ll see I’m a loser and leave me. Why delay the inevitable?

“You don’t know what you’re talking about.” Getting up from the couch, I stare out the windows that overlook the city, trying to find the solace Kat does, but nothing about it calms me. It only stirs up more of the same—anger, pain, and sadness.

“Like hell, I don’t. I know you, Sut. I know the effect your dad has on you, and I know yesterday was the best and worst day of your life. You’ve been holding back for years, and you finally let it out. You gave him what he deserves.”

“Lot of good it did me.”

“You know as well as I do, anything can be fixed. The Sapphire knew what they were getting into when they signed with you. If you tell them—”

“I’m not staying. I won’t.”

“Fine. Then you’re going alone.”

For the first time in my life, that’s what I truly feel—alone. Even without Kat, I still had Mac by my side. Now, they’ll both be here, and I won’t have anything or anyone left, just like my dad.

“Like I said, there’s nothing for me in this town. Nothing worth a damn at least.” The words hang between us, the meaning not lost on Mac, who does nothing but shake his head.

“Good luck, Sut. You’re going to need it.”

Chapter 48

Kat

I’ve waited long enough.

I’ve given him time and space to cool off, but I can’t stay away anymore, not with the fear of losing him looming over my head. I need to know he’s okay. That we’re okay.

“Sutton,” I call out. There’s no reply.

My heart pounds in my chest. Dread fills me as I wonder where he is or what he’s doing. Negative scenarios run through my head—something that could destroy him or worse, us.

Checking the living room, the kitchen, and the balcony, he’s nowhere to be found. That only leaves the bedroom. I step through the partially open door, and Sutton is standing at the foot of the bed, a shirt in his hands and his suitcase in front of him.

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