Gaining Gibbs (Marco's MMA Boys #4) (20 page)

I stared, my nostrils flaring in rebellion, clenching my fists at my sides. Not the most attractive sight, but it got my don’t-fuck-with-me vibe going. The sad thing was, it hadn’t intimidated him since we were kids, but I refused to be walked over.

“I was hoping it would work. I was wrong. Better I learned that for my damn self instead of my overbearing brother getting in my damn business every time I turn around!” My voice rose, bringing more attention to our conversation as the guards took a step forward. “What the hell do you want from me? Just to live with Kiera for the rest of my life, have random fucks with men, and never find my one?” I had lost control by letting the last part slip out, but it was out there. Time to deal.

“First, no random fucks. Ever.”

I blew out an exasperated breath, trying to calm myself as I ran my fingers through my hair, pulling it tersely.

“Second, living with Kiera keeps you both safe. Third, what the fuck is this ‘one’ bullshit? Don’t tell me your little clock is ticking, and you need to find a man.” He chuckled sardonically, actually making fun of me.

Blood boiled in my veins as I stepped closer. Even with my heels, I had to tilt my head to connect with his eyes. I needed to get my point across and have his full, undivided attention. Inside, I vibrated, pulsing with anger that fled through every cell of my body, eating away at me like a virus.

“This damn bubble you and Daddy have me in is about to burst. I am a grown-ass woman you all have taught well. I run a damn business with Kiera, so I am not fucking stupid. Antonio was a poor choice, but with your dictation, my choices are pretty damn limited. I’m sick of this shit. Done. You keep this up and you will not like the results.” I stepped away.

Our close-knit group was quiet, waiting for his reaction, but I didn’t wait for it, didn’t care what it was.

“I’m leaving,” I announced to the room, moving to the door, the alcohol no longer having a hold on me. Fights with Val always seemed to sober me.

“Scraper,” I called to the man still standing at the entrance of the VIP, his arms crossed, looking mean.

He nodded yet said nothing as I grabbed my purse from the red velvet chair and looked into Kiera’s glowing eyes filled with concern.

“Sorry, babe. I just can’t do this anymore. You coming or you gonna stay?”

“I’ve gotta go meet with my brothers. I just got a text.” She held up her phone, dangling it in front of me. “I’ll be home in a bit.” Compassion laced her eyes, but she knew I had been on the brink of my family’s meddling for a while now. The breaking point had to come sometime.

She nodded, calling her guards over as she walked out of the small room with them.

“Wait.” My brother scowled, grabbing my arm tightly and pulling on me.

I yanked it back as I seethed with anger. How dare his ass put his hands on me?

“Get. Your. Hands. Off. Me.” I bit out with what was left of my self-control, but he didn’t relent. Instead, he pulled me more firmly to him, making me gasp and no doubt leaving a mark on my body.

“You know we love you. We just want to protect you. If you’d listen to what we said about Antonio, I wouldn’t be here, cleaning up your fucking mess.”

A red, hazy film covered my eyes as I used every ounce of strength to rip my arm out of his firm grasp. He stood there in shock, looking at his hand like he couldn’t believe I had actually been able to get away from him. Apparently, I was stronger than I looked. He’d do best to remember that.

“You go clean up my mess, brother,” I snapped even though Scraper had said it was handled. I was just pissed he had made the comment in the first place. “That is your job, after all,” I sassed, leaving quickly with Scraper and my Ghost—who had come into play during the altercation—on my heels.

I just caught the smirk that played on Jag’s face as I breezed by him and Ace.

Outside, Scraper opened the car door for me, and I climbed into the passenger seat of the sleek, black automobile, feeling the coolness of the leather on my thighs. It did nothing to cool down the raging inferno inside of me, though. I only wanted to go home.

I replayed the night in my head on a loop, the alcohol simmering in my veins. My brother was at the forefront of the raging thoughts. He couldn’t expect me to continue on like this, being under his thumb, crushing me. He had flat out told Jag I was off limits. What right did he have to do that? None.

Before I could finish my thoughts, we were home.

The story continues in Blood & Loyalties…
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