Total pages in book: 13
Estimated words: 11683 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 58(@200wpm)___ 47(@250wpm)___ 39(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 11683 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 58(@200wpm)___ 47(@250wpm)___ 39(@300wpm)
Finally, I kiss them each on the lips before I force myself out the front door.
Fuck, this is hard.
Work is long and stressful. My mind isn't on a million other things. Just two. Andy and Nate. I keep replaying each kiss, each lick, each stroke, each hug. I'm dying for more—practically salivating for it. All I care about is getting back home to them.
It's times like these I wish we had phones so I could check in.
One day.
One day I'll give them phones and a television and endless amounts of ice cream. I'll give them whatever they want and need.
I'm damn near grinning when Bert pops me with a greasy rag.
"Break time, kid. You have a visitor."
My heart gallops in my chest. Is it Andy? The guys here at the shop are amused that I'm one of three triplets. If they knew what I did with my brothers, I doubt they'd be so amused. Andy said he'd go by the store, which is near the shop. It makes me wonder if Nate tagged along or if he's sprawled out in our bed studying. I'm all smiles as I drop the socket wrench on the bench with a loud clank and saunter through the garage toward the main office.
The smile is torn from my face when I see who's waiting for me.
Dad.
Disgust and hatred ripple through me like a violent wind. I wish for the socket wrench to throw at his huge head. He's just like I remember—massive, protruding gut, hateful eyes. A monster who hurt his children in different, but still sadistic ways.
"How did you find me?" I hiss, fisting my hands, ready to pummel him if I need to.
"Just you?" He laughs, harsh and cruel. "I know wherever you are, your prissy brothers are nearby."
I clench my jaw, not biting. "Leave."
"Ain't no way to talk to your old man, Dexter."
It's only been four months, but I've bulked up since we left. Andy and Nate could never take him, though I'm pretty confident I could whip his ass if need be. He must sense the violence thrumming through me because his eyes narrow as he sizes me up. I crack my neck and the bones pop in an intimidating way.
"Tell Nathan that Daddy misses him."
Bert steps into the office, clutching the back of my neck. "Is there a problem, kid?"
I'm sure he can feel the tension in my muscles because he gives me a supportive squeeze.
"He was just leaving," I grit out. "Right?"
Dad glowers at me. "You boys need to get your asses home. This has gone on long enough."
"Last I checked," Bert says, quickly picking up the hostility coming from my father, "they're eighteen. That means you need to go. You're not welcome here. Show up here again and I'll call the police."
I swallow hard, refraining from attacking Dad. I can't lose my job no matter how much I want to choke my father to death.
"I'll see you and your brothers around, Son," Dad growls. "That's a promise."
"Get lost," Bert snaps.
Dad glares at me for a beat longer before waddling out of the office, taking his sweaty stench with him.
"You going to be okay?" Bert asks, finally releasing the back of my neck. "Your pops seems like a real prick. I didn't realize you two had beef. Had I known, I would’ve never called you out to see him."
"It's okay," I assure him. "But, um, do you think you can give me a ride home tonight? I'd rather not walk home."
"Consider it handled, kid. You're a grown ass man now. You can do what you want and that piece of shit has no say in your life."
I suck in a calming breath.
Bert's right.
My life. My life with Andy and Nate. I'll be damned if I let Dad try and fuck up our world again.
It’s dark when Bert drops me off in front of the trailer. I give him a wave and then wait until he’s gone, listening for any sounds or car engines. Nothing but crickets chirping. Relief floods through me. Hastily, I make my way up the rickety steps of the porch and go inside. The scent of something savory greets me, making my stomach grumble in appreciation. After locking the door behind me, I make my way to the kitchen where Andy's at the stove stirring something and Nate is perched on the counter, reading a textbook. Seeing them so happy and relaxed nearly brings tears to my eyes.
This is how it's supposed to be.
How it was always supposed to be.
Dad was the monster in our life and I'll be damned if I let him try to trample on us again.
"Smells good," I say, making my way over to Nate. "Miss me?"
Nate's grin makes my heart twist in a delightful sort of way. "Duh."
Our lips meet for a chaste kiss. Then, I break away to meet Andy. He's also smiling. So fucking happy. This kiss is short and then he's back to fussing over his boiling pot.