Page 87 of Wild Mistake
“Yeah. Actually, I do.” I lean forward and lower my voice. “What kind of a man drops his wife from his insurance policy but doesn’t file the divorce papers? Who refuses to provide for his family? I see what you’re doing here. You control all the assets so you get to control Sarah. It’s fucked up and it’s hurting everyone, including your kids.”
Rage flashes in his eyes. “You keep my boys out of this.” He shoves at my chest, but it’s a lame attempt to push me back.
“They’re smart, you know?” I smile tightly. “They’re going to see you for who you are.”
“I said, keep them out of it!” Jake charges forward. His right hook swings for my body, but I dodge him, drawing him away from Sarah. The missed shot only fuels his anger.
“Jake! No!” Sarah shouts.
“Sarah!” I warn her. “Stay back.”
“Stay back?” Jake laughs. “I don’t know what the fuck she told you but I don’t hit women. She’s the one who left me. Sound familiar?” He smiles as if he knows just how much that comment hurts.
It does, but I’m not letting him know that. “You’re a piece of shit,” I say calmly, shaking my head. I’m so disappointed that this is the man Sarah chose to marry instead of me. I would’ve treated her so much better.
Two security guards walk up to us. “Ma’am, are you okay?”
“I’m . . .” Sarah doesn’t answer.
“Why don’t we all step outside?” A guard says calmly.
“I can’t leave.” Tears fill her eyes. She glances at the double doors that lead to the patient rooms. “My son—” Her voice breaks on a sob.
“I’m sorry to hear that.” One of the guards shares a knowing look with the other. “Okay, ma’am, why don’t you have a seat. The rest of us will go outside and have a talk.”
“I’m not leaving until I speak to my son’s doctor,” Jake says rudely.
“I understand, sir. But this is a public waiting space. You have raised your voice, repeatedly, and that makes everyone in this room feel unsafe.”
“I’m not the one starting shit.” Jake glares at me. “He can leave. No one wants him here anyway.”
Fuck this guy.“I pulled your son from a burning vehicle after he wrapped it around a tree. The least you can do is tolerate my presence.”
“My son should have never been in that godforsaken town!”
“Sir.” One of the guards reaches for Jake’s arm. “Outside.”
“Don’t touch me!” Jake shouts, backing out of his reach.
“Aiden.” Sarah’s quiet voice cuts through the chaos. “Maybe you should go.”
What the fuck?
Her request feels like a betrayal. After everything we’ve been through tonight, she wants me to leave? “Is that what you want?” My jaw is hard as I push the words past my lips.
Her gaze drops to the floor. “I’m sorry.”
She’s sorry? For what? For asking me to leave? For her narcissistic ex? Or is it worse? Is she sorry for us?
I move to her side and lower my voice so only she can hear. “I’m not leaving you alone. Not with him.”
“Aiden, I can’t ask him to leave. He should be here for Gabe.”
Part of me understands. Jake is Gabe’s father. But I can’t wrap my head around the fact she’s choosing him over me. A horrible sense of dread creeps up my spine. But I won’t fight her. Not now. Not in front of that bastard. “Call me if you need anything.”
She nods, her eyes welling with tears.
“And let me know how Gabe is. As soon as you hear.” I take her hand in mine and give it a squeeze before letting her go. I take a few steps back, but can’t drag my gaze from her.
