“Nope, someone else. He was peeking through the windows just a second ago.”
“Our windows?” Huh, that’s weird. After adding one last coat of mascara, I step back and stare at my reflection in the mirror.
“No, his.” She pops her head in the bathroom. “Maybe you should see what he wants. But first, look at my dress. Do you like it?” We introduced Gia and Logan the day after my mom left. It was also the first time I’d seen him since that night at the club. Aside from giving Luke a hard time about being whipped, he was a pretty good sport, and managed to leave me alone. His main focus was on Gia. They hit it off immediately.
I close the tube and put it away, then eye her sparkly, one-shoulder dress, dropping my gaze to her matching pumps. She looks amazing. “A little overdressed for a barbeque, don’t you think?” I grab a Q-tip to wipe the black smudges off my eyelids. “Either way you look great.”
“There’s no such thing as overdressed. Besides, I’m curious to see Logan’s reaction.”
I pull away from the mirror and look at her again. “He’ll be panting when he sees you. He’s bad enough as it is.”
“You think?”
“Oh, come on. You could have your head in a towel and a green mask on your face, and he would still think you look hot.”
She gasps. “I’d never allow him to see me like that.”
I look down at my casual attire: my favorite pair of jeans and oversized red sweatshirt. The weather’s finally cooler, and I usually choose comfort over sexy. “Can you see if that man’s still there?”
She prances toward the window and sneaks a peek through the blinds. “Yep,” she says over her shoulder.
“I guess I’ll go see what he wants.” I make my way to the door, instantly having his attention when I open it. “Hi.” I smile, making my best attempt at being polite. Right away I notice there’s something off about him. “Luke ran up to the store. Is there anything I can help you with?” As he takes several steps in my direction, I notice he’s handsome and older.
“Who are you?” His voice is familiar. He’s at least six feet tall with salt and pepper hair and a medium build. The way his eyes travel my body is a little unnerving.
“I’m sorry,” I say, reaching out my hand once he’s close enough. “I’m Reese, Luke’s girlfriend.” I’d be lying if I said I didn’t feel all warm inside when those words left my mouth. I’m having a hard time getting used to it.
His eyes light up, and it takes a minute before he shakes it, although it takes even longer for him to let go. “I’m Glenn.” His thumb runs across the back of my hand giving me chills … and not the good kind. “Luke’s father.”
My breath catches, and my entire body freezes. The sparkle in his eyes says he knows I’m already aware of him. “Hello,” is all I manage to reply. I don’t want to be afraid of this man, but I am. There’s some sort of hold he has on Luke, and it’s obvious he’s scared of him, too, which says a lot.
“Girlfriend, you say?” He cocks a brow. Oh God, I hate to admit it, but with that expression, he looks just like his son.
I want to tell him he’s a monster—remind him of the pain he put his children through, but I can’t get out the words. I can’t manage to say anything. So instead, I nod in a confused daze.
“Is that a yes?”
“Uh yeah, it’s a yes,” I reply, pulling myself together. “It’s just that, you and Luke look so much alike. It’s a surprise to me, that’s all.”
“You think so?” He steps a little closer, and the smile that spreads on his face is pure evil.
I should have pressed Luke harder for information about this man. We’ve been so consumed with Gia’s and my moving, that we never further discussed the subject. I may just have to kick his father’s ass if he gets any closer. I tuck my hair behind my ear. “Most definitely.”
“Well, I guess I should take that as a compliment. Does he share, or does he keep you all to himself?”
My cheeks flush. “Excuse me?” I can’t believe he actually just said that. I clear my throat because it’s now gone dry. “That’s an inappropriate thing for you to say, and it’s really none of your business.”
“Well, look at that. You’re red as a tomato.” He ignores me.
“Just talked to Logan. The boys are on their way,” Gia calls. When I turn around, she’s already gone, leaving the door wide open.
I clench my fists, wanting to strangle her for shouting that information, then turn back to face Glenn. “I better get going. I’ll tell Luke you came by,” I say, pointing behind me. “Looks like dinner’s almost ready.” Okay, so dinner isn’t anywhere close to ready. The boys are coming back with the hamburger meat, and they still have to grill, but I want this man out of here and far away from Luke.
“Are you nervous?” He arches a thick brow, and I cover my reddened cheeks.
“What … this? Probably just too much sun.” I wave it off, not wanting to give him the satisfaction.
“No, I don’t think that’s what it is. You’re shy. I know a shy woman when I see one.” He looks over my shoulder. “Is this your place?”
I follow his gaze and sigh, wishing he would leave, then get a direct view of Gia, placing white flowers on the table.
Without invitation, he walks around me, straight into our condo. My mouth drops, and I follow behind. Normally, in a situation like this, I’d break his nose, or knee him in the balls, but this is Luke’s father. I really don’t know what to do. Even though I don’t like him, I can’t bring myself to hurt him. As unsettling as this man is, part of me wonders if he’s here to apologize. I mean, my father seems remorseful for his actions, so maybe, just maybe, Glenn does, too. But maybe it’s wishful thinking on my part. I watch him walk right up behind Gia, and she turns around, giving him her signature smile.
“Hello. You must be …”
“Gia.” Her eyes flick to me then back to him. “Her roommate and best friend, but not in that order.”
I silently try to communicate with her, but she furrows her brows, looking at me as though I’m a puzzle she can’t figure out. She doesn’t know a thing about Luke’s father. I didn’t feel it was my place to tell her.
“Glenn Ryann. Lovely to meet you, Gia,” his all too familiar voice replies.
Her smile grows and her eyes widen. “You’re Luke’s father?”
“The one and only.”
She giggles. “Of course! I can totally see the resemblance. Are you going to stay?”
Before she can finish, I interrupt her, “It’s getting late. I’ll let him know you came by. Is there a message you’d like me to pass along?” He tilts his head, cleverly smirking at me. He has me figured out. It’s become obvious he’s not here to apologize. The more I watch him, the more ready I am to call my father, and tell him I’ll give him another chance. I’m beginning to understand what Luke was talking about.
Gia scolds me with her eyes. “I’m sure the boys bought enough meat to share. They’ll be here any minute.” She turns back to Glenn. “Why don’t you stay for hamburgers?”
There are times when a friend can tell what the other is thinking, just from a simple look. Unfortunately, this is not one of those times.
Glenn’s gaze falls on me when he responds, “I’d love to stay.”
“Wonderful,” Gia responds. “Can I get you something to drink? A beer? Water? Some iced tea?” Her eyes flick to mine, and she frowns. She’ll find out soon enough that she’s the one that should be getting frowned at.
“A beer sounds nice.”
Gia nods. “Go ahead and make yourself at home.” She gestures toward our sitting room. “I’ll be right back with your beer.” She turns around and strides into the kitchen. I want to follow, but there’s no way I’ll leave him unattended.
Snapping me out of my thoughts, Glenn says, “I have to admit, they keep getting prettier.” When I glance at him he adds, “It’s about time my son went for a curvy brunette.” I try to block out his words, but my curiosity
gets the best of me. “Tall, blonde, and very thin,” he grimaces. “That was his usual flavor.” Resting his chin in his hands, he says, “But me, I prefer them more like you ... curvy.”
“I don’t care,” I snap, even though I do. It hurts to hear I’m the exact opposite of Luke’s usual preference.
“I love brunettes,” he murmurs.
“Gee, I’m flattered.”
“You have a mouth on you, too. You’ll need to be trained.”
I arch a brow. “I’ll need to be what?”
“You’re different than the others.” He lightly taps his finger against his lips. “Maybe he’s more like his father than I realized.”
“Well, I can definitely see a strong resemblance,” Gia murmurs, cheerfully walking into the room, handing Glenn his beer. “And your son is crazy about this girl over here,” she adds, flashing her sparkling smile.
God Gia, would you just shut up? I roll my eyes, wanting her to quit while she’s ahead, but she won’t even glance my way. She’s completely oblivious to the damage she’s causing.
“I don’t doubt that he is,” he replies, but he looks right at me as he says it. “I assume you haven’t been intimate with each other yet?” He puts an emphasis on the word intimate, and I glare.
“You’re sick! That’s none of your business.”
He presses his beer to his lips. “That’s where you’re wrong.” Taking a swig, he swallows then replies, “My son. My business.”
“Okay, this is awkward,” Gia says loud enough for both of us to hear.
I walk over to the door and open it. “You need to leave.”
This time, Gia doesn’t argue; instead she stands right beside me, still as a statue, as we watch Glenn take another sip. “I don’t know what’s going on, Mr. Ryann.” One of her hands takes mine. “But you should probably go.” I give it a squeeze, relieved we’re finally on the same page here.
“Why don’t we wait and let my son decide?” he replies, resting an arm over the back of the couch. That’s when two familiar voices, and the sound of footsteps echo not far from the entryway.
Luke walks in with his hands full of groceries. Logan follows a few steps behind. They chat away, placing their bags on top of the counter. Gia and I stand quiet, both of us afraid of what’s to come.
“You girls smell good, or at least one of you does,” Logan says, grinning. “You two hungry? I’m fucking starving.”
“Use your manners, man. Not around the women,” Luke tells him, swatting the back of his head.
Logan opens a bag of chips then shoves a handful into his mouth. “Sorry bro, I forgot.”
“Reese always smells good,” Luke replies lazily. “Good enough to eat.” He brings his eyes to mine then his expression quickly changes. “What’s wrong?” He makes his way over and carefully lifts my chin. His eyes are full of concern. “Are you okay?”
“Behind you,” Gia answers, after a quick clearing of her throat. Something flashes in his features, then he narrows his gaze, slowly turning to face his father.
“What the fuck are you doing here?” he roars grabbing him by the collar. So much for not saying the ‘F word’ around the women.
“Calm down, son,” Glenn replies in a hushed, relaxed tone. It only seems to piss him off more.
“Don’t call me that! Don’t you call me your son!” His glare is lethal as he grips him tighter. “Did you touch her?” His eyes flick to my face. “Did he touch you?”
I hold my hands out to calm him, shaking my head no. “I’m okay, Luke. He didn’t touch me. I promise.” I’ve never seen him this upset. It hurts to see him like this.
He looks at Gia. “Is she telling the truth? Did he touch either of you?” The desperation in his face rips me apart.
“He didn’t touch us. We’re fine,” Gia says. That’s when I notice Logan standing in front of her protectively. I have no idea how long he’s been standing here, but regardless, I’m thankful he is.
“You need any help buddy, or you got this?” Logan asks.
With Glenn still firmly in his grasp, Luke says, “The girls don’t need to see this.” He points toward me, his eyes never leaving his father. “Keep an eye on that one.”
“Hey!” I frown, folding my arms.
“We’re taking this outside.” Luke tilts his head. “Do you understand?”
Logan smirks. “I believe I do, bro.” The question wasn’t aimed at him. I’m pretty sure it was meant for Luke’s father.
Luke loosens his hold, and they step toward the door. “Just so we’re clear …” He gets in his father’s face. “I’ll kill you if you go anywhere near her again. Do you hear me?” His father doesn’t answer as the door shuts behind them.
It’s obvious Luke’s the stronger of the two, but Glenn fights dirty. He doesn’t play by the rules, and that’s what scares me the most. I make my way to the window and try to hear what they’re saying.
“Excuse me,” Gia says. “Is anybody going to tell me what’s going on?” Logan and I exchange a glance. “What?” she asks, looking back and forth between us.
“Have I mentioned how incredibly sexy you look?” Logan replies, walking toward her with outstretched arms.
She gives him an authentic smile then quickly embraces him in a hug. “Thank you, but don’t change the subject. This isn’t exactly how I expected to spend the evening. What’s going on with Luke’s father, and why is everyone being so rude to him?” Her eyes land on me. “I know he’s a bit of a perv, but does he really deserve this kind of treatment?”
“It’s more than that,” Logan replies.
“Obviously. And I’m sure you have good reason. Does it have any thing to do with the whole foster care thing?” Her brow arches.
I open my mouth to answer, then our gazes shift to the door, when the voices outside grow louder. I take a peek through the blinds, listening as they argue.
“You women are nosey.”
I look over my shoulder and shoot daggers at Logan. “Shh. Be quiet. I’m trying to hear what they’re saying.”
“She’s right. Shut up, Logan.”
His eyebrows pull together. “Did you just tell me to shut up?”
I stare at them pleadingly. “Will you two please do this somewhere else? Seriously, I can’t hear a thing.”
“Maybe it’s none of your business,” Logan snaps.
Gia gives him a glare. “Don’t talk to her like that!”
“I’m just watching out for my bro.”
“And I’m just watching out for my girl.”
I spin around, throwing my up my arms. “Really?”
Gia takes a couple steps back, reaching for Logan’s hand. “We need to talk.” She gives me a wink before he’s following her down the hall like a lost puppy. Thank God. I move closer to the spot where Luke and his father are standing and press my ear against the window so I can hear better.
“I wish I was there to save her,” Glenn says. “What happened to your mother was tragic. She was a good woman.” I take another look, noticing they’re standing only about a foot apart. Luke looks extremely agitated.
“C’mon. Do you really think I believe that? That you have regrets? That you ever feel guilty? You can quit the horse shit,” Luke spits. “Cuz there’s no way in hell I’m buying it.” I want to run outside and hold him—help him get through this—tell him that he’s not alone.
“I never said I felt guilty.”
Luke gives a sarcastic laugh. “Are you fucking kidding me? She’s dead because of you!”
“Don’t get yourself worked up, son. Your neighbors just might call the cops,” Glenn chides devilishly. “We wouldn’t want that now, would we?”
“You think I give a shit? I’m their landlord! Get out of here, and leave us alone! Or I’ll call the cops!” The fact that he just screamed he’s everybody’s landlord shows just how pissed he is. He doesn’t like people to know he’s the owner. He doesn’t want to be bothered with it. It’s the reason he hired a property m
anagement company.
“What is that going to do for you, son? I’m a free man now. And you still have a debt to pay.” He grins. “I’m afraid I can’t leave you alone until you pay it.”
A debt to pay?
“I don’t owe you shit!” he hisses, jabbing his finger into his father’s chest.
Glenn chuckles. “Now you’re making up stories. Did you think I’d forget? After all those years rotting in that cell?”
I watch Luke close his eyes as he pinches the bridge of his nose. “Look. Lauren and I don’t want you here.” He audibly sighs. “It’s better if you just walk away and pretend we never existed.”
“Better for whom?” Glenn questions, but Luke doesn’t give him a response. There’s a gleam in his eye when he stands tall and straightens his collar, finally breaking the silence. “That desert princess of yours sure cares a lot about you,” he says in a low hum. The words are meant as a threat.
Uh oh. I jump off the couch, bolting toward the door, knowing he pushed Luke over the edge. When I step outside, he’s shoving Glenn against the house hard. “You keep away from her,” his voice is deadly. “Do you understand me? Don’t you even look at her,” he seethes.
Glenn laughs wickedly, purposely resting his eyes on me, letting them linger. I guess he has a death wish. “It would be a shame if anything happened to her. Like your mother, you never know when an accident may strike.”
Shocked by what he just said, my breathing picks up, and my heart thumps rapidly inside my chest. Was his mother’s death not an accident? Did Glenn kill her? Was it arranged? Luke’s slamming Glenn’s head against the stucco wall. Over and over again he’s shouting, “I’ll kill you! I swear to God I’ll kill you!” He’s completely lost it.
A flood of tears stream down my face. “Luke, stop!” I scream. He doesn’t hear me. “Please, just stop! You’re killing him!” Blood is flying everywhere. I’m terrified if someone doesn’t intervene, Luke will do exactly what he promises. I run to the door and push it open. “Logan! Logan, help! Logan, get out here! Please! I need you!” I don’t see him anywhere. He’s probably still in Gia’s room.
Raising Ryann Page 17