Page 97 of Within Striking Distance
He walks out without another word, his assistant following him.
Around me, the boys move slowly, the scrape of boots on concrete echoing in the quiet. There’s no murmuring, no banter or jokes to try and lift the mood. It’s our worst loss since I joined the team.
Everett stares at the ground for a long moment before dragging a hand over his face.
“Do you want to shower at home?” I ask him, needing to get out of here myself.
He nods, and we gather our stuff before heading out the door.
If Ithought our day couldn’t get worse, I was dead wrong.
When we push through the door, we come face to face with none other than the bastard himself, Edward Mathers.
“What the fuck are you doing here, Dad?” Everett growls. “I’ve got nothing to say to you.”
His old man opens his mouth to speak, but then his eyes flick to mine and recognition flashes in them.
“I know you,” he says, his brow furrowing.
I remain silent, staring at him with contempt and loathing. My fists clench, but I force myself to remain where I am. I won’t give this arsehole anymore ammunition to use against Juliet.
His gaze darts between me and his son as if he’s trying to puzzle something out.
“Stay the fuck away from us,” Everett seethes. “I’ll be calling the lawyer first thing tomorrow, and we’ll be fighting you every step of the way. I don’t care if it costs me my entire inheritance. You won’t be having anything to do with Tinsley or me by the time I’m finished with you. As far as I’m concerned, you don’t have any kids.” He nods at me. “Come on, Blake. Let’s get out of here.”
“Blake,” Edward says slowly, awareness dawning in his tone. A cruel smirk twists his lips. “You’re the one fucking my ex-wife?”
Tension coils in my body as I fight the urge to punch the motherfucker in the face. My jaw aches from clenching it so hard.
“Let’s go,” Everett urges, trying to push me away from his father.
Edward laughs. “Oh, this just gets even better. Mylawyers will have a field day when they hear she’s preying on a child.”
“I’m no fucking child,” I hiss, taking a step towards the arsehole.
He doesn’t even flinch, his grin widening as Everett places a hand on my chest to stop me from doing anything reckless.
“The uniform begs to differ, son,” he taunts.
“You don’t have a son,” Everett spits, trying and failing to push me towards the car park.
“Stay away from Juliet and Tinsley,” I warn. “They’re too good for a parasite like you.”
He laughs again. “What are you going to do about it, boy?”
My anger flares and I move in closer so that only he can hear me. “For starters, I wonder how the family court will feel about the drug use and prostitutes?”
His laughter falters, his expression hardening. “You can’t say anything. There are laws protecting that information. You wouldn’t be stupid enough to risk your career.”
I step back so he can see the truth in my eyes. “I’d risk everything for Juliet and Tinsley. Especially if it keeps them away from the likes of you.”
“He’s not worth it.” Everett doubles down on his efforts to move me away from his father, and this time I let him.
We’ve only taken a few steps before Edward calls after us.
“What do you want?”
I share a look with Everett before we turn back to face him.
