61

“Hi. I’m—”

Clint cut me off. “None of your damn business.”

His father narrowed his eyes. “You wanna try that again?”

“No. I really don’t.”

I drew in a sharp breath. “Clint, come on. We’re gonna be late.”

“Did she just come down from upstairs?”

Clint nodded. “Yes, sir.”

“And is that fucking allowed in this house?”

“Probably not, sir.”

His father charged him and I cried out. Clint shoved his ass out, knocking me outside before his father gripped his leather jacket. I reached out for him, watching as his father picked him up onto his tippy toes. And as his father barreled him back into the wall, I cupped my hands over my cheeks.

“I’m sick and tired of you thinking you run this house. Shut the damn door,” he glowered.

I whimpered. “Clint.”

He peeked back at me with nothing but sadness in his eyes. And as his hand reached out for the door, he nodded his head.

“Get outta here, Rae. Sorry for making you late and not being able to give you a ride.”

“Mr. Clarke, this is all my fault. We just n