Part 298 (2/2)

eyes. ”I don't need a mother.”

4(i just-”

”Latimer wanted to be waited on, Emma. It's not my style.”

”Fine.” Her own temper rose up to meet his. She let his s.h.i.+rt fall to

the floor again. ”Pick it up yourself then, not everyone likes to live

in a sty.”

He s.n.a.t.c.hed up the s.h.i.+rt and hurled it into the tub. Emma retreated two

steps before she could stop herself. ”Don't look at me like that.”

He whirled on her, furious with her, himself, with everything. ”Don't

ever look at me like that. I can get p.i.s.sed off at you without throwing

a punch.”

She started to check the venom that burned her tongue, but it poured

out. ”I'm not afraid you'll hit me. No one will ever hit me again and

walk away. I'm through being victimized by anyone. That includes you.

If you want to sulk, then go ahead and sulk. If you want to fight,

fine. I'll fight, but I'm going to know what I'm fighting about. If

you're acting like this because I won't do what you want, be what you

want, and say what you want, then tough. Shouting isn't going to change

my mind.”

He held up a hand before she could storm by. Not to block her, but

to ask her to wait. The subtle difference was enough to make her hold

back the next burst of temper.

”It has nothing to do with you,” he said quietly. ”Nothing at all. I'm

sorry. I shouldn't have come back here tonight.” He looked down at his

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