Page 18 of Restless
“You sure about that?” CJ demanded, creeping up on them much like Bash had.
For a moment, Bash stilled before a small smile creased the corners of his mouth and he half turned.
Like all the kids, including herself, CJ wore his school uniform. Besides Rory, CJ was the only one of them who wore motorcycle boots.
Thanks to Mattie’s lies about Aunt Meggie shooting someone, Bash’s announcement didn’t surprise Harley or CJ, although the other boys shifted.
“Positive, CJ,” Bash answered with mock sympathy.
He knew a lot about them.
“Uncle Johnnie would be fucking deader than dead, motherfucker,” CJ growled, fierce and fearless.
“Bro, we got a stranger among us,” Ryder said, nodding to Nardo.
For the first time, CJ caught sight of both Harley and Nardo. He glanced between them, though his look never changed. His disregard hurt.
“Leave, Grevenberg,” he ordered in a hard voice.
“Harley invited me, Caldwell. Onlyshecan uninvite me.”
“I was right,” Ryder said. “We got to throw his dead ass over this fucking bridge.”
Bash’s wild laughter cut through the tension.
“Harley, come herenow,” Nardo ordered.
CJ’s suddenly pained expression satisfied Harley and she lifted her chin. Now he knew howshefelt each time she was confronted with his and Molly’s secret relationship. She smirked, then glanced at Nardo through her lashes.
“Harley, Aunt Bailey is running late,” CJ said coldly. “Rebel texted me because she knew you were here and started to worry when you didn’t show up at the time you told her.” That said, he glanced at Bash again. “I don’t know who the fuck you are, mister, but I’d hate to tell my dad you’re fucking with us.”
“Outlaw wouldn’t give a fuck, boy,” Bash said, grinning. “He’s all wrapped up in his bitch.”
A muscle ticking in his jaw, CJ glanced away. He looked sad, angry, and alone. Suddenly, Harley regretted her fit of jealousy. Dark circles ringed his eyes and his features were pulled down in fatigue.
Bash sniffed. “Sorry to hear about the baby twat she lost. Surprised she didn’t give up the ghost.”
Axel burst into tears.
“Cuz, c’mon,” Mark JB said in a wobbly voice, embracing Axel since he was closest. “Fuck this dude.”
“When’s Momma coming home, Mark?” Axel sobbed.
“Mom’s getting better every day, big head,” CJ said gruffly.
“So’s Jo,” Ryder said, sniffling. “Whatever they did while they were telling Dad she’d died made her come back to life.”
“Jo’s so small,” Ransom said in a trembling voice. “She has so many tubes in her.”
“She’s getting better every day, Ran,” Lou said quietly. “Just like Aunt Meggie.”
“You’ve caused enough shit for the day, Bash,” Rory said tiredly. “Go.”
A thoughtful look crossed CJ’s face. “Bash?”
“You know him?” Rory demanded.
“I overheard Tabitha and Ryan talking during Thanksgiving dinner. They were discussing ‘Bash’, but I couldn’t understand the words.”
