SO COLD (18+) currently editing

Chapter 69

SO COLD

           

The short-tempered men were vehement and violent upon hearing the shootout at the gas station and many were in favour of bundling Irvin up in the back of a trunk and driving out to a field and shooting him. Irvin became an outcast in the circle of men he used to call family. Greeted with animosity and aggression everywhere he turned, he chose isolation as his escape, turning his phone off and becoming unreachable.

It was a couple of tiresome and draining days after the shootout that James' critical situation changed to stable and the doctor reassured of a recovery – albeit one that would take a couple of months. In spite of the celebratory news, the moods of the men worsened, insatiable for conflict.

Hoping to find sanity amongst the senseless, I implored Cole to reach out and control the wild dogs. It was like talking to a brick wall. "Go to your uncle's house. Pack a bag and stay there until I call you. I'll call Svetlana to drive you there." After spending half majority of the day by James' side, he had returned in the middle of the night and now reached for his whiskey bottle, pouring himself a hefty glass. He swallowed a large mouthful, sighed and sat down on the stool by the island table. He glanced up. "Take the dog, too. And cover up your ear. If your uncle finds out you're missing half your ear he'd never let you leave the house again."

"Irvin is–"

"Don't mention that bastard's name to me," He cut across sharply, heavy brow lowered over a harsh gaze. His expression hardened and he set the glass down with a heavy thud. "He's a dead man running from his sentence. Stay away from him."

"James is recovering. What happened to him was unexpected. We can't control the future and blaming Irvin for a case of misfortune is puerile. The shootout wasn't his fault, Cole."

"Shay," he took my hand, tugging me forward. His voice was calmer than it was a moment ago but his threat was still as clear as day. "Do as I say. Stay away from him."

"I'll do as I please irrespective of what you want. Right now Irvin needs me and I'm not going to turn my back on him just because you've misguidedly directed your anger at him. He's my friend."

"And I'm your boyfriend." Cole's voice was cold. "Don't be stupid and choose him over me. I don't react well to being somebody's second choice – especially not yours."

"I'm definitely regretting some of my choices right now." I took a step away from him, a flash of irritation running through me.

"Regret all you like, sweetheart, you're stuck with me now. We're not going through another one of your stupid breakups again. Whatever happens, you're always going to be by my side. Even if Irvin dies."

"If Irvin dies then so does this relationship."

He laughed mockingly, rubbing a hand across his bristly jaw. "Don't act so ludicrous, Shay. Clearly, you're spending far too much time with the bastard, his bad habits and mindless speech is rubbing off on you."

"I'm serious, Cole."

"So am I." He stood up, looking down at me and reaching a hand to brush a lock of hair behind my ear. His hand lingered, curled up against my cheek. "Find him. Bring him to me. I want him on his knees before me, apologising and begging for my mercy. It's the only way I'll forgive him."

"You want to humiliate him in front of everyone." Ill-tempered and offended on behalf of Irvin, I glowered at the man before me. "You're a heartless bastard."

"And yet you love me despite this," he rested his hands on my waist, jerking me to his chest. His mouth pressed against my own in a passionate kiss and his hold tightened when I attempted to pull away. I didn't return his cruel affections and when he finally leaned back he appeared satisfied. His mouth curled up slightly and his voice was softer, gentler as he said quietly. "It's too late, Shay. I am the King by birthright and by power. As much as you struggle and argue, what I say goes. Your insolence is amusing but there is a time and a place for it. Don't be stubborn. Now it's late. Come to bed with me."

Knowing it was futile, I complied and endured.

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ive been busy with uni and assignments and alladattt