Pierced Hearts (Southern Charmers 1)

That little barrier of latex didn’t work, and she got pregnant. Unlike Darby, she had no problem spreading the news far and wide as soon as the doctor confirmed. I was forced to tell my parents with her sitting across the table, shining bright. Of course, Connie didn’t know about what had happened with Darby, and the situation got ugly quick when my mom ran from the room in tears.

Connie expected a ring and a commitment, but the haze in my head finally cleared, and I saw through her.

That was the beginning of my life in hell. And I was such a fool I let her play me one more time. Cole was the result. No one on this earth, besides Connie and me, knows the circumstances leading to her pregnancy with Cole. We both lied our asses off to family and friends.

My head pounds at the memory, and I feel the churning before it hits, leaning to the side and throwing up the coffee I was able to consume.

“Shit, Pierce, get it together.”

I didn’t know it still existed, but the protective and possessive side of me kicked in when Darby spouted what Connie did to her. It’s not a surprise she heard about the pregnancies. I suspected her family told her as soon as the news went viral. Darby may have slain me, but she didn’t deserve that.

My thoughts are broken up when two trucks drive around the corner, and my brother and dad park next to me.

“We need to talk!” Miller barks, stalking to me. “You’re admin is in tears at the office, causing drama.”

“Fire her,” is my only response.

Dad comes to my side, his hand going to my shoulder. “Son, you okay?”

“Yes.”

“We heard about the mishap with the countertops. You need to take a step back and let us handle it,” Miller orders.

“Fine, but who’s going to be responsible for the rest of the problems inside?”

“I got those,” Dad assures me.

“I’m fine to handle things.”

“No, you’re not, and things are about to get worse.” Miller spears me with a glacial glare and jumps back in his truck, driving off.

“Pierce, you need to cool down.”

“I guess you know she’s back?”

“Miller mentioned you had suspicions.”

“My suspicions were correct.”

“You chased her down yet?”

I sling my head to find him grinning.

“Yeah, I found her. It didn’t go well. I was a dick, intentionally goading her.”

“Your brother is still under a cloud of her fucking you over. He has no idea of everything that happened. You need to remember that.”

“What did he mean, things are about to get worse?”

Dad lets go of my shoulder and pulls up a text on his phone.

Darby Graham just walked into the hospital with Annie. Get to Pierce, now.

I read through the rest and see that the auxiliary group is helping hand out small gift boxes to the nurses. Mom is sending play by plays to him about Darby.

“She made all the chocolates they’re handing out today.”

“No shit? She took her baking to the next level?” He’s impressed.

“More than the next level. She owns a business that does very well. Her stuff is being sold in stores all around town.”

“Does this mean she’s back for good?”

“I don’t know. We didn’t get that far before I stormed out on her.”

“Want to tell me what happened?”

“Not really because it’s only going to solidify your opinion that I can’t control my temper.”

“I think I’ll give you a pass, seeing as this is an intense situation.”

I take a deep breath and blow it out slowly, then launch into the story. When I’m done, his face is red, his jaw locked tight, and his eyes are scorching with fury.

“She’s the mother of my grandchildren, but that woman is a heartless bitch.”

“Among other things,” I agree.

“What are you going to do?”

“About Connie or Darby?”

“Both.”

“I was going to take a few days to calm down before I said anything. For reasons she didn’t explain, Darby was keeping her return quiet. But seeing as she’s made a very public appearance, word is out. It won’t take long for Connie to hear and come to me. What happens with that? Who knows, but she’s going to know what I think about her stunt. As for Darby, not sure there is anything to do.”

“You’re wrong. There’s a lot to do.”

“What are you suggesting?”

“The woman who holds all the answers to your nightmares is ten miles away. Why are you standing here with me?”

His phone alerts with another text, and when he reads it, his lips twitch and his shoulders begin to shake. He flips it for me to see.

Annie is trying to set her up with every eligible doctor in this place. And from what I can tell, it’s working. Where is Pierce?

“I’m gone.” I shove his phone back in his chest and take off, hearing his laughter follow me.