Page 81 of Unbreakable Thread

Blood pounds in my ears. “Did you touch her?” I shout.

The asshole rubs his cheek. It’s already swelling up. “No.”

I lunge forward, sending a stack of documents cascading to the floor. My hands wrap around his neck. “Stay the fuck away from her. I’m not going to repeat myself. She’s my woman. Mine.” There might not be an—us, but she will always be a part of me. She’s embedded herself deep down to the bone. A part of me believes she wouldn’t seek comfort between the sheets, but she was going through a lot and still is.

“She’s not an object. You don’t own her,” he breathes out, trying to catch his breath.

I cock my head. “No, she’s not. But you know what she is? Mi vida. I have fought for her in every way possible. I fought with my fists to save her, to give her everything she deserved. I didn’t do it for me. So yes, I can say my woman because I have earned her and the title of being the man in her life.” I add a little more pressure. “Don’t ever send her flowers, and if I ever see you look at her with interest, consider yourself dead.” I let go, and he exhales dramatically.

“Is that a threat?” he chokes out.

“No, professor dickhead, it’s a promise. Accidents can occur at any time.” Okay, I know I’m talking shit to scare him. I won’t kill, but I will make his face unrecognizable. A knock at the door has me step back.

A woman with glasses walks in. “Is everything okay?”

“Perfect. The professor here was just telling me what would happen if he got choked out. It had me wondering if the lack of oxygen would cause amnesia, because it would be a pity if he forgot who his students are.” I wink. “Laters, pendejo,” I shout and walk off.

Chapter 24

Max

They say alcoholism seeps into your blood through family history like water through soil. I’ve always been careful—one glass, maybe two, never enough to blur the edges of my world. Until the night I was at the gym, when we celebrated my victory. My first real stumble into drunkenness left me raw with shame the next morning, knowing she’d witnessed me unraveled, my careful defenses down. I should have known better. That kind of vulnerability invites predators. Annette certainly recognized her opportunity. Although it was only a photo, I hate it.

The years I’ve spent without Sol were crushing. I kept myself busy with a goal in mind to build an empire, so when I found her, I’d have Sol seated on the throne instead of drinking myself to misery. In the last couple of months without her by my side, I’ve done the same, kept busy. Right now, the cool bottle to my lips and the burning of the bitter alcohol running down my throat is better than being in the company of others.

Carlos once asked me why I still cared for my father after everything he’d done. He might not understand it, but I do. I pity my father because I know the feeling of losing the one you love repeatedly. My father has to live with the hollow in his heart for the rest of his life. So do I, but I know it’s different for him. God forbid if something were to happen to Sol. Not being with her, I can still steal glances at her, hear her laughter, see her beautiful smile, hear her voice, but a life without her would burn me alive.

I’ve always been easy on her and forgiving, but this, her being alone with him in his office, I can’t do. He’s been after her for years. I can understand any other professor who didn’t have the hots for her. It has me wondering if she’s always had a thing for him? Why did she feel comfortable speaking and coming to him? I know I’m not a professor with a doctorate degree, but I know her. My jaw tightens just thinking of her sitting in the office, both of them eating together while he’s eye fucking her. The thought has my blood boiling. Still, I think of her. Is she at her house, thinking of us? Is her heart ripped to shreds as mine is? I’m sitting here thinking of her smiling at the fucking professor.

I chug the last of the twelve-pack of beer and toss the bottle in the trash when I reach for the handle of the fridge. There’s a knock at the door.

“Open up, asshole.” Drake’s voice comes from the other side of the door.

Goddammit. I’m not in the mood for company.

“I’m coming,” I shout, a little tipsy.

Drake walks in, Xander behind him. Since I introduced them, they have clicked. Xander wanted to learn how to ride a motorcycle, so of course, that gave him a major hard-on, and Drake took him to his place to show him his bikes.

Drake scrutinizes me, then peers behind me at the bottles on the counter. “When did the party start? Thanks for the invite.” He shoves his hands in his pockets. I can hear the sarcasm in his voice. “What happened, Max? Sunny called me. She was crying.” His voice is stern like a father scolding.

“I broke it off with her.”

“How is that possible if she dumped you first?” Xander butts in.

“I mean for good. She’s been spending time with her professor.” My voice comes out low and sloppy. My ass hits the soft leather sofa, and I throw my head back.

“Maybe you’re making it more than what it is,” Drake indicates.

“No.” I shake my head. “I’ve thought about it, and I’m not. I’m pissed off at her and hurt. Fuck that. Who wants a traicionera in their life?”

Drake sighs. “I hope you’re not making a big mistake, Max. You know what, I have a buddy. He’s a good guy and always finds these dumbass chicks. Sol would be a good match. She would love him.”

I growl.

“Don’t growl at me. You said you’re done with her. Sol is a good catch. Anyway, how about we head to the strip club? Since you’re so ready to let her go, might as well start now. Get yourself a lap dance or cheap pussy.”

I know Drake is goading me. I don’t want another woman, and all I want is for these fuckers to leave me alone.