Page 128 of The Love Penalty

I don’t even want to be related to them anymore.

Shaking my head, I give them a pained frown and turn to walk away.

“Remember what I told you,” Uncle Hayes calls after me. “Don’t go doing anything stupid. You drop this nonsense, or you’re out on your ass.”

I slowly spin back to glare at him.

He gives me a pointed look, sliding his hands into his pockets. “You and all your little friends. Homeless.” He almost looks smug, and my fingers curl into a fist before I can stop them.

The urge to beat his ass is so overpowering, but I fight my instincts. Hitting him won’t do me or Lani any favors. I have to be aboveboard on this shit, right? Do everything in my power to ensure that Harvey does go down for what he did.

Licking my lips, I let out a short, disbelieving laugh and shake my head.

“I’m going to do this the right way,” I assure my uncle.

He smiles at me, his eyes glittering like he knew I’d cave.

Little does his know the shitstorm that’s coming.

Harvey snorts, standing a little taller and looking as smug as his father does.

Gone is the wounded victim in front of his mommy. He’s back to being the arrogant fuck who raped my girlfriend.

The way he spoke to Lani rings through me again, and I let the anger swell and surge, stepping forward to deliver a final goodbye before walking out of this place for good.

My punch lands true, whipping Harvey’s head back with a snap. He groans, grabbing for his nose again and tumbling onto this butt.

Aunt Carla lets out a horrified gasp as Uncle Hayes grabs the back of my jacket before I can hammer my fist into Harvey’s face again.

“You are so done!” he yells at me. “This is over!”

“It was over the second he raped my woman.” I shove him off me, turning on the man with venom. “He’s not going to get away with it anymore. And that punch was the least of what he deserves!” I point at my cousin still writhing on the floor. “And you know the sickest part about all this?” I look between my aunt and uncle. “You know I’m right, but you won’t do a fucking thing about it.”

Straightening my jacket, I throw Harvey one more disgusted glare before shaking my head and walking out of that house, knowing I’ll never step foot inside it again.

It kills me.

But I did the right thing.

And that’s fucking liberating.

CHAPTER 57

LEILANI

With Baxter towering beside me like a silent guardian angel and the two lots of evidence I had, the police took me way more seriously. We spoke to a detective this time, which helped. He was kind and calm, listening carefully and writing notes while I spoke.

As I left the station with Baxter and Rachel flanking me, I felt lighter somehow.

Harvey’s cutting words and vicious snarling have slipped away. Even talking about the rape this time was somehow easier. It wasn’t pleasant, but I was able to recount that party in more detail than I ever had. I was able to talk about it without fighting the urge to puke all over the desk.

Detective Callahan assured me he would be following through on this, and I could leave it with him. Rachel insisted that he keep me updated, her usually mousy voice firm and unrelenting.

I guess people can surprise you.

Baxter holds the door for me, and I slip into his car. Rachel climbs in the back and buckles up, resting her head against the window with a tired sigh. I get it. I’m exhausted too.

“Thank you both,” I croak, then clear my throat and try again. “I really appreciate you being there with me.”

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