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at the Where Motel at the end of town. We have things to discuss.”
    “Yes, we do.” He wasn’t going to let his father intimidate him. He wasn’t.
    “I’m in room two-o-three.”
    “I’ll be there in a half hour or so.”
    “Good.” Without another word, James’ father turned on his heel and left.
    “You could’ve been nice.” Lou’s words broke into James’ musings.
    He gave a broken laugh. “I could’ve let him drag me out of here and back home too but I didn’t.”
    “No. Don’t do that. I’ll take you to the motel after we eat.”
    “Thanks.”
    Kelly brought their food but they didn’t encourage her to stay so she quickly went to serve other customers.
    Too absorbed in his own thoughts, James didn’t speak much as he ate. He was startled out of his introspection by a big hand covering his own. “Did you want me to stay while you talked to your father?”
    James shook his head. “It’s best if I talk to him alone.” It wasn’t going to be a good scene and he didn’t want his sweet bear involved. Some demons he had to fight alone.
    “Okay, but I want you to call me as soon as you’re finished and I’ll come get you. I don’t trust him not to try and take you back home.”
    “Deal.” James couldn’t blame Lou. His father’s behaviour didn’t encourage confidence.
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    A PRIDELESS MAN
    Amber Kell
    34
    The motel was bright and clean on the outside, reassuring James his father still had some standards. Not his usual five-star accommodations but he wasn’t staying in a hovel either.
    As soon as Lou pulled up James’ hand was on the door handle. “Um, thank you for bringing me.”
    The bear shifter gave the area an assessing look, the cop in him coming forward. “Call me as soon as anything bothers you. I don’t care what. I’ll be at my office—it isn’t far from here.”
    James laughed. “I’m going to talk to my father, not stage a showdown.” What did the sheriff think was going to happen?
    Lou’s eyes were solemn as he stared at James. “Remember, as much as you think you know your father, you can never really know what goes on inside another person. Keep up your guard. Don’t let him take you anywhere. In fact, maybe I should wait for you here.”
    “No! I don’t want you waiting in the parking lot like a stalker. I promise I’ll call you or Adrian to pick me up in an hour or so. This is my father we’re talking about. The most he’s likely to do is yell.”
    Lou let out a long breath. “Fine, but don’t forget to call.” He popped the seatbelt release, grabbed James by the shoulder and hauled him across the bench seat. A hot kiss seared him like a brand, marking him as belonging to the other man. When he was finally released, his heart was pounding and his cock wanted to push its way through his jeans.
    The bear shifter pressed his hand between James’ legs. “Keep that warm for me. I’m coming back to claim it.”
    James gave a choked noise. “I’ll be sure to keep it safe but you should know I’m completely inexperienced.”
    Lou groaned. “Now you’re just being mean. Call me when you’re done with your dad.” Smiling, James slid out of the truck, carefully holding onto the door until he was certain of his balance.
    Even though he dreaded the upcoming meeting with his father, his heart felt lighter after his lunch with Lou. The big shifter always made him feel good.
    He abruptly lost his good vibes when he knocked on his father’s door and discovered the man hadn’t come alone. He’d brought Melinda. His father’s girlfriend looked at him with A PRIDELESS MAN
    Amber Kell
    35
    spiteful eyes. After learning about his genetic background, Melinda’s dislike of him had become clear. She was one of the reasons he’d decided to strike out on his own.
    “Why is she here?” He inwardly cringed at the whiny tone to his voice. If he wanted his father to think of him as an adult he needed to sound more like one.
    His father sighed. “I wish the