Secrets We Keep (Ruthless Sinners MC 3)
“What circumstances?” When she didn’t answer, I pushed, “You made the decision to adopt me. Why bother if you weren’t actually going to open your heart and love me?”
“You’re asking questions I can’t answer.”
“Okay, how about this one? Who are my real parents? Why did they put me up for adoption?”
“Again, more questions I can’t answer.” Her voice was low and strained as she whispered, “Not now. Not ever.”
“What does that even mean?”
“It’s just best to leave it all alone, Marlowe. You have your life there now, and from what you’ve told me, things are going good for you. Just let this all go.”
“I can’t just let this go, Mom.”
“You have to.”
I was getting more frustrated by the second and found it difficult to control my emotions as I spat, “Why are you being like this? Why have you always been like this? Don’t you care about me at all? Even a little?”
“I care more than you will ever know. I’ve done what I’ve done because I didn’t have a choice. I wish I could explain more, but I can’t.” The sadness in her voice tugged at my heart and I wanted so much to push her to just be honest with me, but I didn’t get the chance. “I’m sorry, Marlowe, but your father just walked in and I have to go. You take care, and please...leave this alone.”
Before I could say anything more, she ended the call and the line went dead. I tossed my phone down on the counter as I shouted, “Dammit!”
“Marlow?” I was in such a state of confusion, I hadn’t noticed that my front door had opened and Eric was standing in my doorway. “Are you okay?”
“Eric?” I gasped, startled by his intrusion. “What are you doing here? Kate left hours ago.”
“I’m not here for Kate.”
I was still in a state of shock as I watched him step inside and close the door. An eerie feeling washed over me as I asked, “Then, what are you doing here?”
“I came to see you.”
There was something about the menacing look on his face that gave me the feeling my bad day was about to get worse—much, much worse.
Chapter 15
Rafe
“Damn, brother. You look like hell.”
“Yeah, I feel like hell, too.” I walked over and sat down on the stool next to Country as I told him, “Just been one of those days.”
“What the fuck is going on?”
“Just Kate and more of her bullshit.” I motioned over to Lisa, letting her know I needed a beer, then said, “I know she’s Marlowe’s sister and all, but I wish the chick never came to town.”
“Yeah, I could tell just by looking at her last night she was one of those stuck-up bitches who thinks her shit don’t stink.” Country shook his head. “Yeah, bitches like that are like hemorrhoids. Always a pain in the ass when they’re around and such a relief when they’re gone.”
I knew he was just trying to make light of the situation, but I wasn’t in the mood. My girl was upset, which put me in no mood for jokes. There was no reason for me to take out my frustration on my brother, so I just nodded and said, “Yeah, she’s nothing like her sister. That’s for sure.”
“So, what’d she do?”
“It’s a long story, brother, and not mine to tell.”
“I hear ya.” He reached over and gave me a pat on the shoulder. “You know I’m here if either of you need anything.”
“I do, and I appreciate that.” Hoping to change the topic of conversation, I asked, “How’s it going with Gladys and Ada?”
“As far as I can tell, they’re getting along like two peas in a pod, which may not be a good thing. Hell, those two got enough stories in ’em to keep ’em busy from now until the cows come home.”
“I’m sure they do. Glad to hear they’re doing all right.”
Lisa came over, and as she placed my beer on the counter, she asked, “Everything okay with Marlowe?”
“Yeah. She just needed a night to sort some things. She’ll be back tomorrow,” I assured her.
“Tell her to take all the time she needs. I’ve got things covered here.”
“Thanks, Lisa. I’ll be sure to let her know.”
As soon as she turned and walked away, Country leaned over to me and said, “On a side note, I think Menace has made some headway with Stark.”
“What makes you say that?”
“Not sure about all the details. Just overheard him telling Viper that he might’ve found his location.”
“Menace here?”
“Yeah, he’s holed up in his office.”
“And nothing more has been said?”
“Nope.” Country shrugged. “Not sure when they’re planning on letting us all in on that.”
“Well, I’ve never been known as patient man.” I took a quick pull of my beer, then placed it on the counter and stood. “I’ll go see what I can find out.”