Page 73 of Always Mine

“It was. I think I’ll start using it. If I ever get the opportunity that is.”

“Using what?” Wyatt interjects, startling me. I feel the brush of his hand on my shoulder before he squeezes his way in between me and the armrest. I scoot over a bit to give him more room.

I smack a kiss on his cheek, loving the pink blush that spreads across his face. He’s so damn cute, and my heart beats faster at the contact. I love that I get to do this with him. Anytime I want. Proving to everyone that he’s mine again.

“Ma’s famous sayings, she has some good ones,” I finally say once I’m done ogling him.

He cocks a brow, looking past me to her, before looking at me again. “Should I even ask?”

“Nah, you know how she is,” I lean in to whisper loudly, sure she can hear me still. “Can’t take her anywhere.” No sooner than the words are out of my mouth, I feel another sting to my side. “Ouch, fuck.” I jolt, grabbing my side quickly. “Really, lady? You’re the worst.”

“Language,” she scolds, and I roll my eyes because, really? I wouldn't have even said it had it not been for her and those crab claws.

“Ma! It was literally the same spot,” I moan, rubbing my side. “I’m going to have a bruise.”

She rolls her eyes like I’m being dramatic and lets out a little huff. “Well, maybe next time you’ll think before you pick on me.” She motions to my guy. “Look at Wyatt, he’s such a good boy. Never gives his mom any grief. You should take some lessons from him.”

I feel the vibration of Wyatt’s laughter beside me and whip around to glare when his own mom cuts in, stopping his laughter instead.

“Now Iknowyou're lying,” Jacey says, plopping down on the recliner across from me. “A good boy? He’s just as bad as Paxton.”

“He’s an angel,” Ma throws back, not backing down in the slightest.

“He’s a pain in the ass,” Jacey deadpans, and now it’s my turn to snort.

Wyatt elbow jabs me in my other side, shooting me a warning look before eyeing his own mom. “Damn, Mama, don’t hold back,” he scoffs, folding his arms over his chest. “Let it all out.”

Her eyes gleam and she sits up straight like she’s about to give a lesson. “Sorry, I love you but it’s the truth. You are too quiet, and stubborn as hell to boot. You don't like to talk, always stuck inside your head. Then when you do get mad, you have the temper of a viper. Quiet, but you strike hard, damn near killing anyone in your path.” She pauses, looking at me now. “That’s about as bad as over-the-top Paxton here.”

I’m torn between laughing and clutching my pearls. Well, alright then. “I don’t know if I should be offended or appreciative.” I feel like I just got played and I wasn’t even in the game.

Jacey shrugs, lips lifting on one side when she says. “Probably both.”

These women are vicious.

“Alright, on that note,” he mutters, standing and pulling me with him. “We’re going for a walk. I think you’ve both dipped in to the wine too much.”

They both laugh, clearly agreeing and I realize he’s right. They have been drinking sangrias all morning. That’s sothem, though, to the point it didn’t even faze me.

“Going for a walk, huh?” Lily chimes in, literally coming out of nowhere, causing everyone to look in her direction. “Make sure you take a coat. It’s cold out there.”

“I’m sure they’ll keep each other warm.” Now it’s Bryan who speaks, and I’m ready to fight every single person in this room.

“Eh, Paxton has no skill. Wyatt would freeze to death with him as a coat,” Ember throws in next, aiming a verbal blow at my ego and it works.

“And the hits just keep on coming,” I mutter, finding this all comical. It’s like I’m watching a bad B- rated movie.

“Oh, lovely, you’ve joined forces,” Wyatt sighs, pushing past them to get to the door. “We’re doomed.”

“You love us!” Ember calls to his retreating form, before turning to level me with a glare. Oh, shit. Whatever Wyatt’s mom just said about snakes, I think she meant it about her daughter instead. The way Ember is looking at me, I feel like I’m about to be struck with venom.

She steps up to me, dropping her voice an octave so only I can hear her, making the moment even more terrifying with her words. “Let me makeonething clear. I still don’t like you, but he does…” She thumbs over her shoulder to where Wyatt is sliding on his coat. “So I’ll let it go,for now. But understand I spent way too long watching him pick up those broken piecesyoucreated. If you ever hurt him like that again I. Will. End. You.” She smiles brightly, giving my shoulders a harsh pat. “And don’t take my threat lightly. Old man Rogers has pigs on his farm, and they eat everything…including the bones. No one will ever figure out what happened to you.” The eerie calmness to her tone causes chills to break across my spine.

How in the hell does Hunter deal with this?

“My God, you’re terrifying!” I yell, voice higher than normal because I’m still reeling.

“You’d be wise to remember that.” Throwing up finger guns, she spins away and exits the living room all the while my siblings are laughing their asses off. I guess they did hear her, after all.

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