Page 132 of If You Claim Me

He throws his head back and laughs. “She’s a user, Connor. She doesn’t want you. She wants this life.” He motions to our surroundings. “She comes from nothing. Sheisnothing. And it’s only a matter of time before you come to your senses and see the truth. She’s a distraction. A project, even. She makes you feel important, but she’s still just a whore.”

“She is not?—”

He sneers. “You can dress her up in expensive clothes and put pretty jewelry on her, but she’s still a filthy little slut who opens her legs for you in exchange for a comfortable life. Use her all you want. Get your money’s worth, Connor, but then get rid of her so you can find someone who will help you fit into this family instead of turning yourself into a complete outcast.”

I push out of my chair, shaking with rage as I grab the lapels of his suit jacket. “Keep pushing, and you’ll need to visit Mother’s plastic surgeon.”

He grins. “The truth stings, doesn’t it, son?”

“You want to fuck with me, go right ahead, but you don’t fuck with my wife, ever.”

“Connor.”

At the sound of Mildred’s unsteady voice, I release my father and step back. I spin around as my sisters and Meems round the corner, followed by my mother.

“Dinner is being served in the dining room,” she says softly.

Based on the way she can’t meet my gaze, I worry how much she overheard.

Dinner is wildly uncomfortable. Conversation is stilted. Mildred barely touches her plate. Mother talks about how desperately Grace Manor needs a makeover. Julian and Bryson complain about public funding. My father and I trade thinly veiled insults.

“I’ve had enough.” Meems sets her knife and fork down.

Everyone turns their attention to her.

“This…” She motions between me and my father. “…is unbelievable.” She tosses her napkin on the table and pushes her chair back.

I get up to help her. “Meems.”

She raises a hand and uses the other one to grip the edge of the table. Her eyes are on fire. “I don’t know what is going on between you two, but this…pissing contest is juvenile and uncalled for.”

“Your grandson?—”

“He’s your son!” she snaps.

Mildred looks utterly stricken. She pushes back her chair and rounds the table. I watch her transform, become the woman who saves teenage girls from embarrassing bathroom situations. “Okay, Meems, put your firecrackers away. They’re grown men. They can work their own shit out.” She offers her hand, and Meems takes it. Mildred whispers something to her, and she nods.

They link arms, and Mildred turns back to my family, whowear varying expressions of shock. “Thank you for coming for dinner. You’re welcome to stay for cake, as long as it doesn’t end up on the walls. But Meems is done with company.”

And with that, she steers Meems out of the dining room, leaving my family staring after them. Three seconds later, my parents get into it. But my mother’s fire won’t last long. She’s too afraid to lose what she has.

I leave them, going in search of my wife and Meems so I can apologize.

I find them in the kitchen with Ethel, Norm, and Cedrick.

Mildred slides over and pats the empty stool between her and Meems. “Come on, Connor. You’re a sweet enough villain to deserve cake and ice cream.”

CHAPTER 35

DRED

“These boys are on fire tonight.” Rix pops a chocolate-covered peanut in her mouth.

“They’re playing so clean these days,” Hemi notes.

“It’s good to see in such a transitional year.” Hammer snaps a picture and sends a message to either Hollis or her dad, or both. They might be retired from the league, but they’re still invested in the team. They’re both coaching tonight at the Hockey Academy; otherwise they’d be here, too.

Roman worked closely with Kellan and Connor last season to get them ready, and it feels like all that hard work is paying off.