Build: A Bad Boy Snowed In Romance (Burns Brothers Book 1) by Gillian Archer

Author:Gillian Archer [Archer, Gillian]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Gillian Archer
Published: 2019-01-28T18:30:00+00:00

16

Austin

I shifted on the plush recliner, uncomfortable despite the luxurious material. I hadn’t talked about my father in forever. I refused to answer journalist’s questions about him—instead letting them piece together “facts” from old newspaper articles. No amount of words could capture my feelings about my parents, especially my father.

Rachel stared back at me expectantly. Christ, why did I think this was a good idea? I was tempted to come up with some bullshit story about some hidden pain, but after how she’d just bared her soul to me, I couldn’t disrespect her like that.

I cleared my throat roughly and avoided her soft eyes when I finally spoke. “My dad was granted parole yesterday. He’ll be out on the streets in two months’ time.”

“I didn’t realize that your dad was in jail. Sorry. That must’ve been hard, but at least he’ll be home with you guys soon.”

I stared at her in bewilderment. “I don’t want him anywhere near me or my brothers. He killed my mom..”

“Oh my God, Austin. He killed your mom?”

“Welcome to my nightmare.” I rubbed the back of my neck then saw Rachel’s amazed expression out of the corner of my eye. “You didn’t know about my mom? Really? The paparazzi bring it up every time they find me. It’s like they’re trying to bait me to get me to swing on them or something.”

“I mean, I knew you were a local celebrity, I saw your Urban Channel special, and skimmed one of your magazine layouts, but I don’t read every word written about you. I live with a three-year-old, my paralyzed mother, and work two jobs—I don’t have that kinda free time.”

“Huh.” It was then that it hit me what a self-important asshole I’d turned into. Did I really expect that everyone I met knew my life story? Like I was a rock star or something? I build custom motorcycles for rich bastards who could afford my fees and had had a few articles written about me. When did I turn into such a douche? “Sorry.”

“No, I’m sorry about your mom. Is that why your aunt raised you and your brothers? See, I remembered that much.” She shrugged as she raised her palms like she needed forgiveness for not knowing my life story.

Christ. I was an ass. “Yeah. My mom’s sister, our Aunt Wendy, took us in after Dad beat my mom and then shot her. It was pretty fucked up.”

“Holy shit. I can’t even… There aren’t words, Austin. That’s so, so horrible.” Rachel shook her head. “I’m so sorry you lost her.”

“That he killed her you mean.”

“Yeah. That too.”

An awkward silence fell between us, broken only by the heavy panting of Blue from his corner dog bed.

“So, your aunt went from being a single woman to taking care of four boys? That’s amazing.”

“She’s an amazing woman. Like someone else I know.” I smiled at Rachel and tipped my head. She flushed and looked down at her lap. “Wendy was a single mother herself at the time.

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