Rooter (Double H Romance) Read Free

straight. “It’s either him or me.”
    Her eyes go wide, full of shock and fear. “You can’t leave,” she begs. “You’re the only one I can count on. I can’t afford this house on my own.”
    She says on her own because Mike rarely makes rent.
    The house is her childhood home. Her mom left it to her when she died. Her parent’s had taken out a second mortgage out on it before her dad passed. The small inheritance her mom left behind, after burial fees, wasn’t enough to cover the entire loan. Miranda was left with a seven hundred dollar a month mortgage payment. She was a full-time college student who worked part-time when it happened. Now she works full-time and takes classes over the internet.
    “It’s him or me,” I reiterate with crossed arms.
    I’m putting on a good show, but I won’t leave. I can’t. I’m a full-time college student working part-time. I can’t afford my own place. I have no parents and I’ve never met my only brother. All of my friends are in the same predicament as me. I have nowhere else to go.
    “I think going to jail will scare him straight,” she rationalizes.
    For both our sakes, I hope she’s right, though I seriously doubt it.
     
    Later that morning I sit on the sofa and drum my fingers anxiously on the end table while watching a lame B movie when Miranda walks in with Mike.
    He looks at me with a contrite expression as he stands before me. “I’m really sorry, Soph,” he says.
    I don’t buy it. “The only thing you’re sorry about is going to jail.”
    “That isn’t true,” he pleads. “I had way too much to drink, which I’m quitting by the way. No more alcohol or pills.” He crosses his heart. “I promise. I really am sorry.”
    Bullshit. “For your sake, I hope you quit the drugs and drinking. You’re ruining your life. But as for your apology, I don’t believe a word of it.”
    I snatch my soda from the table and go to my room. Not five minutes later, the doorbell rings, followed by a loud commotion in the living room. I rush down the stairs, taking them two at a time.
    Miranda stands in the far left corner screaming. Blood is smeared on Mike’s cheek as Rooter pins him to the wooden floor.

Chapter 2
Feelings & Accusations
    “You think you’re a man?” Rooter growls and smashes Mike’s face against the grain of the wood.
    Mike whimpers in response. A pitiful sound. I’m almost embarrassed for him.
    “Real men don’t hit women!” Rooter roars and digs his knee into Mike’s back between the shoulder blades. “If you ever so much as raise your voice to either of these girls, I’ll hit you so fucking hard you’ll dribble for the rest of your life!”
    In one swift motion Rooter yanks Mike up to his feet keeping a hold of his hands. I stand in shocked silence. I’ve never seen or heard anything so menacing in my life. Or sexy. I shouldn’t be turned on right now, but damn I am. Rooter and I lock eyes as Miranda continues to scream.
    “Quiet,” Rooter tells her, still looking at me. “Apologize to them,” he snarls into Mike’s ear.
    “I’m sorry,” Mike says, his voice trembling.
    “Be specific,” Rooter insists and squeezes Mike’s wrists causing him to grimace.
    Mike looks at Miranda. “I’m sorry I hit you.” Then he turns to me. “And I’m sorry for being a dick to you all the time.”
    “Tell them it won’t happen again,” Rooter demands.
    Humiliation swims in Mike’s eyes. “I promise it won’t happen again.”
    When Rooter lets go of his wrists, Mike dashes to Miranda’s side.
    Rooter looks at me. “You make sure to let me know if he pulls anymore shit on either of you.”
    I nod and watch as he turns and leaves without another word.
    I am breathless and my mouth hangs open as I stare at the front door with disbelief. Did that really just happen?
    Mike runs up the stairs and slams his bedroom door, jarring the entire house. I almost feel sorry for him. Almost.
    Miranda looks at me, her eyes bulging from