“Told you, Dad,” Dillon puffed out, wiping his bloody nose. “Get this low-class, amoral whore away from all our women. Filthy dogs.”
Instead of walking away with a little remaining dignity, Fee attacked again. “I’ll show you a filthy dog, asshole.”
She wasn’t aware of how precarious the casket was on the carriage. If she had been, he doubted she would’ve punched Dillon again, so hard he reeled back. The coffin stood no chance, flying to the ground and landing on its side.
“Lena!” Harry said, moving quick, catching Stretch’s mom before she fell to the ground in a dead faint.
“Time to go, Fee,” Stretch rushed out, before things got even worse. They could grab him and beat him as they had so many years ago. Dillon was knocked out cold at the moment, but when he came to, he’d be meaner than a rattle snake.
“Fuck them!” she screeched, still struggling as he managed to drag her toward the rental. “They’re stupid idiots. They don’t deserve your loyalty. Your anything!”
Somehow, he got Fee into the car and headed back to the hotel. Although his mother had greatly disappointed him, Fee had just proven her loyalty to him, once and for all.
Fee walked into the hotel bar, her mind on Stretch and his fuck-ass family. How could they humiliate him as they had? Not only his family, but the minister.
Seeing Stretch’s heartache reminded Fee of Christopher, and the way she and their sisters had treated him. Although she’d already apologized, it shamed her all the more. Maybe, that’s why she’d punched fuckhead. The lines had blurred in her head and sent her into a blind rage at their cruel bigotry.
They’d ostracized Christopher for a different reason. Still…Families are supposed to stick together. No matter who or what they are. On her part, it was a hard-earned lesson, one that had almost cost her her relationship with her brother.
As to Stretch’s family, she was certain he’d forgive them, if they gave him a sincere apology one day. She doubted that would ever happen, but hope sprang eternal.
She was so grateful Cash hadn’t come. Had he been there, there’d be a few dead bodies left behind and she, Cash, and Stretch would’ve been arrested.
This morning, when she’d walked in on Cash and Stretch kissing, she’d paused, waiting for the hurt and the jealousy. Neither emotion had come. She’d felt nothing but understanding and a need to take Stretch’s pain away. Just as she had the other day. Cash knew him better than anyone, so she wouldn’t begrudge Stretch time alone with him.
Now, she scanned the room for Cash, spotting him immediately, on the far side of the bar, a dark-haired girl leaning her head against his shoulder. Fee took a step back, unsure if she should let him see her or if she should slink away with her tail between her legs to go in search of Stretch. After today, they didn’t need to be at a luxury hotel watching Cash flirt and…Fee swallowed, pushing her hurt away.
After the emotional day, she wouldn’t confront Cash about his ratfink ways. She’d believed they’d reached a happy place in their relationship. She’d thought they were past Cash’s roving eye and running away.
Before Fee made a firm decision about leaving, Cash spied her. Grinning, he nodded to Fee and whispered something to the beautiful girl, who lifted her head. Cash stood and tenderly squeezed the girl’s shoulder before making his way to Fee. Upon reaching her, his grin faded and he frowned, tilting his head.
“Is everything all right? Is Stretch okay? I thought we’d have a drink together. That’s why I texted you. Where is he?”
“He didn’t go to our hotel. He’s here,” she said coolly. “He went to the registration desk for whatever.” She’d been anxious to get to Cash so she hadn’t asked particulars when he’d excused himself.
“For our keys,” Cash answered. “We’re moving to this hotel. Now, what the hell’s wrong?”
“I can’t afford to stay here.”
“It’s on me,” he growled, glaring at her.
“Stretch knew?”
“Yes. I thought it might cheer him up and I wanted to surprise you.”
“Congratulations. You surprised me. Pat yourself on the back.”
“How’s Stretch? What happened at the funeral? Was there any trouble?”
Fee forced a smile. “What is this? Twenty questions? Stretch is fine,” she lied. He was better than she’d expected him to be, considering what he’d endured from his asshole relatives, including his poor excuse of a mother.
“Are you sure?”
“Positive. I got your text. Instead of responding, I headed here.”