Page 38 of Hash

“That’s just a start,” Hash continues, either oblivious to my silence or he’s ignoring it. “I’ll bring more next time.”

There has to be at least a few thousand in the envelope.

The pinching pain isn’t enough.

Without thinking, in a blind rage of anger, I see red. Taking the envelope of cash, I chuck it as hard as I can at his face. It falls short, hitting him in his chest with a soft thud and flopping into his lap.

“Fuck you!” I yell.

“What the fuck is your problem?” Hash growls as he grabs the cash.

My brow hits my hairline as my eyes widen. “What’s my problem?” I hiss. “My problem is you think you can waltz back into my life and throw money at me like that solves everything.”

“I’m going to take care of what’s mine,” Hash says, his voice final.

“Why did it take a baby for you to do that?” I exclaim, my voice rising again. “Be honest, if you had seen me at Rhythm and Brews without Cormac, would you be sitting here right now?”

“Are you fucking serious with this shit right now?”

“Yes, Hash! I don’t think I can be any more serious than I am right now without smacking you on top of the head until you get it.”

“Watch it, baby doll,” Hash warns.

“You watch it!” I snap back. “And you know what I don’t hear? You answering my fucking question.”

“Jesus, you’re a piece of fucking work. Yes, I would still be right here! You’ve been fucking with my head for two years straight. There hasn’t been one single day that I haven’t wondered what you were doing or who you were with. When I saw cherry-cola hair moving away from me when I was up on that stage, I knew I had to take my shot in seeing if it was you. I didn’t see a goddamn stroller, and I sure as hell didn’t see my son. So, to answer your question, yes, Aisling. My ass would be right here, Cormac or not.”

The hard lines around Hash’s eyes are screaming at me as his hard stare holds me captive.

“Got me?” Hash asks, the warning clear.

“Got you,” I repeat softly.

“Now, I’m going to get going and let you get to bed. I know you’ve had a long day. Don’t insult me again and take the fucking cash.” Hash holds the envelope out. This time I take it, not wanting to risk setting him off again. “I’ll swing by around noon on Saturday to pick you guys up.”

Uh, what?

I don’t remember agreeing to go anywhere with him.

“Pick us up for what?”

“You and Cormac are coming to the clubhouse. And Aisling?” Hash pauses, waiting until he has my undivided attention. “That isn’t a request.”

Chapter

Twelve

HASH

Smack

“What the fuck?” I yell as I jump, hitting my head on the open hood of the car I’m working on.

Cyrus’ manic laughter fills the garage as I turn around to see him bent over with the joint that was in the case in my back pocket now in his hand.

“That thang was sticking out there; I couldn’t resist.” Cyrus snickers.

“I swear to God if you touch my ass again, I’ll fucking kill you,” I growl as I snatch the joint out from between his lips just as he’s about to light it.