Perfect Bastard (by Mary D. Sant) novel Chapter 37

Chapter 37: I Don’t Share

ETHAN

The last forty–eight hours had been hell. The kind that made me wish I weren’t trapped in my own mind.

At first, the idea of Jack wanting to introduce a friend to Miss Brown had only bothered me like a mild itch. But over the past twenty–four hours, that ach

had turned into a mix of frustration and anger.

Yesterday afternoon, when my brother made a point of informing me that Ellie had agreed to meet this so–called friend and that they would be introdurad tonight, my mood spun completely out of control. No matter how hard I tried, nothing helped dissipate my anger.

Spending nearly three hours at the gym last night, and running almost six miles this morning, had done absolutely nothing.

Standing in front of Zara and Jack’s house, I debated whether I should just turn around and leave. But I couldn’t do that, because if I did, I’d be letting another man take what I believed was mine.

It wasn’t easy to admit, but the truth was, I was feeling possessive over Miss Brown.

But I knew it wasn’t out of love. What I felt for her was something aggressive, purely carnal, as if she belonged to me. And even though I felt like an asshole for it–and was aware it was borderline toxic–I couldn’t help it.

If this Anthony guy really had serious intentions, involving marriage, kids, and all that bullshit, and if Ellie was actually interested in that, what was I

supposed to do?

All I could offer her was something completely casual. And even though I had tried to imagine different ways to bring this up, every scenario ended the same way–with her kicking me in the balls.

Shit. If I was lucky, maybe Anthony wouldn’t be interested in her. Right. That was impossible.

Any sane man would be interested in her. Physically, she was flawless. With that gorgeous face and that body… Fuck! She’s sexy as hell.

But maybe, after a few minutes of conversation, he’d find out how irritating and bitchy she could be. Or he’d realize how sharp and intelligent she was. Yeah, the best thing would be not letting them interact at all.

The truth was, I had only one advantage over Anthony. Miss Brown had already been mine, and she knew I could satisfy her every desire with pleasure.

She could keep trying to deny it, but the way her body reacted to me made it clear that she wanted me too. That was my only advantage, and I was willing

to use it.

Taking a deep breath, I stretched out my arm and rang the doorbell. All the lights were on, and Jack didn’t take long to answer. The bastard had a huge grin on his face, and I wanted to punch him when he hugged me.

I had spent a lot of time wondering about his real intentions–whether he was actually trying to push me away from Miss Brown or just forcing me to acknowledge a feeling that didn’t exist.

If it was the latter, unfortunately for him, he was going to be disappointed.

“Come in. Everyone’s in the kitchen,” he said, walking ahead of me.

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Chapter 37: I Don’t Share

“Everyone’s already here?”

“Except for Anthony.” He turned his head, letting me see his ridiculously satisfied smile.

I tried not to let my irritation show.

“So, where’s the reason for my visit?” I asked.

Maybe thinking about kids would help lighten my mood.

“You mean my daughter or…”

“Don’t start,” I warned.

Lately, I’d been realizing just how much my friends enjoyed watching me suffer.

“I’ll go find my little princess so you can finally meet her. The last time I saw her, she was clinging to Ellie’s neck. Sophia can’t let go of her when she

visits.”

Does Miss Brown like kids? That’s the kind of thing I’d have to see to believe.

“She’s going to be a great mother,” Jack continued, deliberately provoking me as we walked down the hallway.

“I bet she is,” I scoffed sarcastically.

“I think Anthony has always wanted to be a father.”

“Cut it out, okay? I don’t care,” I said, trying to sound indifferent, even though my blood was boiling.

He laughed, and I barely took another step before my heart pounded at the sight before me.

She was standing near the staircase, distracted, saying something to the little red–haired girl in her arms. Then, the two of them started laughing.

Her lips were painted a deep red, stretched into a beautiful, genuine smile. The scene stirred something strange in me.

Miss Brown swayed the little girl in her arms, hugging her tightly before she noticed our presence.

Her smile disappeared the moment our eyes met.

“Daddy!” the adorable little girl with bright blue eyes and freckled cheeks squealed when she saw Jack.

She had red hair like Zara’s, but her eyes were exactly like her father’s. Jack walked up and lifted her into his arms.

“Come here, princess! You need to let Aunt Ellie breathe a little.”

“We still have plenty of energy, don’t we, my little sunshine?” Miss Brown teased, tickling Sophia’s belly and making her giggle.

I could hardly believe what I was seeing.

“Okay, now you’re going to meet your new uncle.” Jack turned to me. “Say hello to Uncle Ethan!”

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Sophia smiled shyly, resting her head against Jack’s chest.

“Hi!” she said, her eyes twinkling, making my heart melt.

“Hey there, little one! I’ve been looking forward to meeting you,” I said, stepping closer as Jack set her down on the floor.

I crouched to her level as she clung to his leg.

“I brought you a present. Want to open it with me?”

She looked up at Jack, then back at me when he nodded. Slowly, she stepped closer, her curiosity piqued.

I opened the bag while she watched with wide eyes.

First, I took out the painting kit filled with colorful paints and explained how to use it. She listened attentively, excited. Then, I pulled out a giant rainbow lollipop, and her eyes sparkled even more.

When I finished, I placed everything back in the bag and handed it to her. She took it, then threw herself into my arms, hugging me.

“Thank you, Uncle Ethan,” she said, melting me with her sweetness. I laughed at the way she said my name as I hugged her back.

Then, I noticed Miss Brown watching us, looking just as surprised as I had felt when I saw her with Sophia.

“All right. Want to show your mommy your present?” Jack asked, picking her up again.

“Yes!” the little one beamed.

“She’s going to love the idea of having all her walls covered in paint,” Jack said, giving me a narrowed–eyed look.

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