16. Iggy

CHAPTER 16

Iggy

M y mother looks jubilant as she hovers around the dining room table, piling plates with heaping amounts of the food. There's nothing in life that makes my mother happier than feeding people. For my mom, food translates to love and if she feeds you, it means she loves you.

"This is so good, Connie," Lars says as he shovels food into his mouth. Other than Marley, Lars loves my mom the most. The two of them have a special relationship.

My mom pats his head. "I'll make sure I pack you some leftovers, baby."

Mom's eyes scan the table before she lifts Cain's plate and piles his third helping. "Here you go, Cain."

Cain laughs as he takes the plate from her. "Connie, if you keep feeding me, the boys will have to roll me out of here."

"You're a big boy and need your fuel."

Kaye and Billie laugh under their breaths. You know people think men are perverts but, in all honesty, the women I know put us all to shame with the filthy capacity of their minds.

"That's my mom," I say, glaring at the two women.

"Yes, and that's my boyfriend," Billie says with a sly smile. "It's just a joke, Iggy. When did you get so uptight?"

When I woke up this morning and had my fantasy crash over my head and turn into a damn nightmare.

I'd never wanted to commit to anyone. When I woke up in the same bed as a lay, I ran like I was about to be set on fire. With Marley, it was different. Waking up with that man in my arms, his legs twisted with mine, had me wanting to chase that feeling of happiness forever. I was so far gone I would have put a ring on his finger and made him mine for eternity. He, however, didn't want more. That's the problem. I'd take the crumbs he'd give me and be his dirty little secret, because something with that man was better than anything else I could have had in life.

"Hey," Marley said, his voice husky from sleep.

"Hey yourself." Why did I suddenly feel shy? I'd never felt so damn insecure in my whole life. I wasn't sure what the decorum was at that moment. Was I supposed to pack up and go to my childhood room? Did I take him out for some eggs and bacon?

My eyes shut as his fingers brushed back the hairs falling on my forehead. That shit was so confusing. Casual sex wasn't cuddling, gentle kisses, and staring into each other's eyes like a love-drunk fool.

"What's up?" Marley asked.

"What the fuck are we doing, Mar? You said you want to keep things casual, but this shit doesn't feel casual. "

Marley turned away from me, lying flat on his back. I was hoping he'd say something, but his silence was all the response I got to my question. Rising off the bed, I shoved my legs in my jeans, fastened them up, and then turned to him. "I'll see you later."

I wanted Marley to say something, to grab my arm and profess something about how he wanted me to stay. He stayed silent, and I walked out.

"So this is what it feels like when someone doesn't have a dysfunctional mother," Billie says as she hugs my mom. "Thank you so much for such a wonderful evening. I now understand why Cain and Lars love you so much."

"Oh, Billie, it was lovely to have you join the family. You make my boys happier than I've ever seen them and for that, I will be eternally grateful."

Cain and Lars come out of the kitchen, each kissing my mom on the cheek.

"Love you, Momma Donnavan," Lars says.

"Thank you for doing the dishes, but you really didn't need to. "

"There is no way we're letting you cook and clean," Cain says.

"I hope you boys packed up some leftovers for yourselves."

Lars lifts a reusable bag bursting at the seams. "Sure did."

After my mother kisses everyone and pushes them out the door with their doggy bags, she kisses me on the cheek and tells us she's going to go up to bed, leaving me alone with Marley.

Marley is the first one to cut the silence. "You're lucky to have her."

"I know," I say.

The longer we stand in the silence, the angrier I find myself. I've known this asshole for eight years. There's been nothing I haven't shared with him. He's standing in my childhood home, for fuck's sake. He's gotten every single part of me I could give him and the one thing I need from him, he's refusing me. I'm an idiot for thinking I could fuck someone I love so much and have it mean nothing more than an orgasm to them .

"Anyway, I'm heading out. There's a party I want to check out. Maybe get laid."

Marley's jaw tics. "I thought we'd said exclusive."

I shrug, just like he does. "Yeah, well, I'm not sure that's going to work out for me."

As I take the first step up to my room, a firm grip lands on my throat as I'm being slammed against the wall. Marley steps closer, covering my body with his. His eyes narrow, his body stiffens, and his fists clench tightly at his sides.

"You. Are. Not. Fucking. Anyone. Else."

Fuck this motherfucker. My hands clasp around his throat, and I push back, reversing our positions. His hand instantly drops from my throat. "Listen, you little bitch. You don't fuckin' own me. I fucked around with you 'cause it felt good, and now it doesn't. I'm gonna pop some Molly and if I want to, I'll participate in an orgy and fuck people until I pass the fuck out."

A shiver runs down my spine, keeping me frozen in place, as Marley's smile widens. His words are strained and lethal. "You won't like what happens if I find you've touched or are touching anyone other than me."

I drop my hands and laugh right in his face before stomping away. Fuck that asshole. He can't just have his cake and eat it too. Casual means I don't have to wait around for some guy who can't figure his shit out. I'm going out tonight and I'm going to bury my cock in someone else just to show Marley Banks he doesn't get to dictate shit to me.

"Where's the party?" Marley demands forcefully.

"At the warehouse. You should come. Shit's pretty kinky there, you might like it," I say as confidently as I can, but inside I'm raging like a maniac. What if Marley fucks someone there?