Page 98 of My Undead Heart

“I don’t want you here. You should consider exploiting your freedoms elsewhere.” I turn to walk away but he catches my arm.

“What? Don’t want to be seen with the likes of me? The only reason you’re here on this earth is because of me, boy. You best remember that.”

“I’ll be sure and write you a thank you note for knocking up my mom,” I spit out as the familiar rage boils within my blood. It’s a simmer, ready to erupt with the force of my muscles and levy the sins of my past against the first casualty who dares to tip the scales.

My father steps closer, his face inches from mine. “Don’t sass me, son. See what happens.”

“What? You gonna hit me? Here? I thought we moved past that the day I walked out.” It feels good to get that out but I’m still fuming.

He laughs and his breath reeks of alcohol. “You were a foolish boy then. Still are now.”

“What’s that even supposed to mean?” I try to shrug back, not trusting myself to be this close and not take a hit. Not when he pushes my buttons every damn time we share the same space.

“Your guy Xavier Johnson. He’s the underdog,” he announces as if I don’t already know it.

“Yeah, well the kid’s gonna cream Sanchez tonight.”

My father’s lips pull into an arrogant smile. “I know that. Odds are three to one, and I’ve got a five-digit check coming my way.”

“I’m leaving now.”

For the second time tonight he reaches out to stop me. His fingers might be what grab my arm, but it’s his words that stop my feet in their tracks. “I’ll split the winnings. It’d be enough to save the gym.” That he thinks I’d take one dime from him after how my career ended only fuels my anger.

“I don’t gamble on fights, and my gym is just fine.” I cross my arms over my chest.

He laughs from the pit of his belly. “That’s not what I hear.”

That’s it. I can’t deal with him anymore. Not tonight. Not ever. “Get the fuck out of here,” I practically growl, but when he doesn’t move I shout, “Now!”

“Ungrateful son of a bitch,” he spits that last word and I lunge.

“I told you never to talk about her!” Grabbing his shoulders, I shove back until his head hits the wall with a hard thump. He fights back, too. Getting me with a knee to the groin, but I’m stronger and I’ve taken harder hits than that. Scuffling until I’ve got the upper hand, I reach back to punch that goddamn smile off his fucking face. I get one good shot in and cock back for a second.

“Matt!” Mia’s shout halts my momentum, and instead of going for his face, this time I grab for his throat.

“Get. The. Fuck. Outta here. You understand?”

His glare stays hard even with the fresh cut on his lip, but when I dig my fingers into the skin at his neck and squeeze, he gives a slight nod. I let go and take three steps back, breathing too hard from that one hit. My gaze follows him, daring him to say another word or to try and gain entry to the event inside. He must realize I’m not playing around because with his lips in a hard, thin line he turns and walks towards Mia.

“Mia.” Apprehension weasels its way into my tone even though I aim to keep it neutral. I don’t know how long she’s been standing there looking like a wet dream. And eavesdropping over all my family’s dirty laundry. “You came,” I say but her expression doesn’t change.

Her eyes are guarded, along with her smile. “You asked me to.”

“Yeah, I guess I wasn’t sure.” I force laughter but it sounds flat to my own ears.

“Good luck.” My father passes Mia and stops walking. He spits blood from his lip against the concrete floor, turning to meet my gaze once more. His eyes are hard and cruel. “You’re gonna need it.”

If Mia weren’t standing there I’d lay into him again. Closing my eyes, I count to ten and breathe in through my nose. When I open them Mia’s only standing a few feet away.

“So, that was your father?”

My jaw hardens when I consider the man attached to that title. I nod.

“I can see the resemblance.”

That only furthers my irritation and I work my jaw back and forth so I don’t say something rude.

“So ...” She glances around the now empty entryway. “Any other family members lurking around?”