The Runaway Groom
Chapter 994

Zachary turned to find James standing nearby, and he smiled awkwardly. "You're still hurt. Why did you come out here? You should be staying in your room."

"If 1 did, I won't be able to listen to you embarrassing yourself,” James said, scowling. "Over here, Erin."

Erin quickly walked to his side, blinking. "Are you upset?"

“Not at you," James replied.

Zachary reclined against the couch and asked, "Then, at me?"

"Who else is there?" James snapped while Erin helped him sit. Zachary pouted. "You're a cripple, man. Why don't you stay in your room instead of coming out here?"

"Watch your language!" Erin snapped, unhappy with the personal attack.

James clapped her on the shoulder. "Calm down. Don't you know why he doesn't have a girlfriend? It's because of that rotten mouth of his." Zachary was speechless. "Your personal attacks are worse than mine." James chuckled. "Pot, meet kettle.”

Zachary clicked his tongue. "Whatever you say."

He got to his feet, ready to leave since he obviously was not winning here.

"Stop," James told him.

"What?" Zachary stared at him warily.

"Remember, she's your sister-in-law," James reared his chin. "You know that I'm older.”

Zachary was speechless—he was just messing with Erin!

Still, he licked his lips and flashed a meaningful smile. "Fine, you're older, old man."

James really wanted to hit Zachary right then—it was almost impossible not to.

"Say it," he snapped, glaring at him.

Zachary, however, could not bring himself to acknowledge Erin's seniority when she was so young.

Looking at James then, he smiled evilly. “I'll say it if you go back to your room." Sᴇaʀch Thᴇ (F)indNƟvᴇl.ɴet website on Gøøglᴇ to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

"Screw off!" James snapped. "Don't you dare bully her again while I'm not around. I'll cut your balls off."

Zachary pouted. "Oh, how protective of you. I was just joking—why so serious?"

Erin came to a realization then—James was actually older than Zachary, but Zachary had manipulated her into calling him "brother’! "How could he be so shameless?" she huffed.

"Exactly. Shameless," James echoed.

"Tricking a kid like me is just heinous,” Erin added.

"Exactly. Heinous!" James echoed again.

Zachary was speechless. "You really deserve each other. Two peas in a pod, a nest of vipers, all of that.”

"Well, why don't you look at your miserable self first?" James retorted. "Such a lonely soul. Tut, tut..."

“I'm not talking to you," Zachary snapped and started to leave.

Irene happened to return then while holding Tommy's hand.

Seeing Zachary, she asked, "Where are you going?"

“Back to his kennel, since there's no place for him elsewhere," James replied.

Irene entered the house then and sat down. "You boys really can't stop horsing around. So, what is it this time?"

Tommy lay sprawled over her lap while Mrs. Watson brought the boy fresh juice.

Erin pointed at Zachary and said, "He was messing with me."

Zachary paused at the doorway. "Who was? Don't fib—James would misunderstand.”

"You told me that you're my brother, but you're actually younger than James."

“I'm not older than James, but I am older than you," Zachary retorted before turning toward Irene. "You shouldn't get ahead of yourself either, since I'm on first-name basis with Irene here.”

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