“And what if I don’t?”
In one stride, he was in my face. “Listen to me, you little shit. A girl like that, she’s just waiting for a meal ticket like you. Don’t be stupid! Think with your head for once and not your dick.”
I adamantly shook my head. “You don’t even know her.”
“Jax, I won’t tell you again. Stay away from the girl.”
“I told you her name’s Sophie.”
“And I told you I don’t care what her name is. Don’t make me tell her mother. Or better yet, don’t make me fire her.”
I jerked back.
“Oh, that got your attention?”
I stepped up to his face. “You really want to parent me right now? You’re the world’s shittiest father, not to mention a sorry ass excuse of a husband.”
Before the last word left my mouth, his fist was in the side of my face as a loud gasp erupted from the doorway. I stumbled a bit, quickly catching my footing.
“Don’t you ever talk to me like that again!” He deviously pointed to Sophie. “Stay away from my son.” With that, he turned and left, leaving me standing there with my hand on my jaw. I moved it all around as I heard Sophie take a step in my direction.
I couldn’t let her see me like this.
I refused.
Unable to turn around to face her, I ordered, “Don’t.”
“Jax, I’m so sorry that happened to you. Are you okay?”
I despised her pity more than anything. “Just go, Sophie.”
“Please, just let me make sure you’re alright.”
“I’m fine.”
“Please—”
“I said I’m fine.”
“Why are you being like this?”
Her question triggered me to snap around. “Why are you even here? Aren’t you supposed to be flirting with men old enough to be your father, just to make a tip?”
She grimaced. “That’s not what I was doing. I’m just being polite to your guests.”
“These aren’t my guests, they are my parents’ guests.”
“I know you’re upset, but taking it out on me isn’t going to make you feel any better. Your lip is bleeding. Just let me help you.”
“I get tackled by men double his weight on the daily. I don’t need your help.”
“You’re being an asshole.”
“Yeah, well you’re being a pain in my ass.”
“Fine!” She threw the washcloth she had in her hands at me. “Have it your way. But don’t think for a second I don’t know what you’re doing. You want to let your dad come between us, then you’re not the guy I thought you were if you scare that easily!”
I watched her leave, resisting the urge to go after her.