Page 136 of Relentles
“Put a stop on the check before she has a chance to cash it,” she insisted.
He hadn’t gotten a call to authorize the amount, although Brooks should’ve at least handled that because Kendall sure the fuck wouldn’t. She’d fix it to where Torie would have to callthe fucking FBI for clearance. If Brooks did what the fuck he was supposed to do before he opened his big mouth, Torie had probably already used some of the money since her and her boy were in such dire straits. Johnnie had suggested a cashier’s check, but the advice rubbed Christopher the wrong way because of the motherfucker who gave it.
He’d been in a panic since his conversation with CJ, scrambling to undo his mistakes and already planning a day trip for him and Megan after Jo’s eye surgery, so he could explain it all to her. He’d show her the texts and clarify the entire situation.
“I don’t care what you have to do, get that check back, put a stop to it, whatever.”
He gave her a sour look. “I have to call her to do it. What happens if she’s already spent some of it?”
“She’s full of advice,” she said sarcastically. “She’d know what to do.”
She ain’t got motherfuckin’ telepathy, Megan.”
Her chin wobbling, she moved out of his embrace. He tried to pull her back, but she shoved his hands away.
“Megan, I was tired and mentally exhausted. Rebel was looking at me like I was a piece of shit. The lil’ motherfucker was wild. Every fuckin’ argument I had, she countered. Torie asked to talk to her woman-to-woman. It wasn’t an unreasonable request since I didn’t want to disturb you—”
“Shut up. The doctor was still talking when you got that text. You told me it was Rebel, and you wanted to go give her the good news.”
“It wasaboutRebel.”
“Because of another lie. Are you stupid or are you dumb?” She held up her hand and started ticking off her fingers. Her thumb. “You lied by omission about that contract.” Index finger. “You lied about receiving a text from Rebel.” Ring finger. “You lied about going to tell Rebel about Jo. I didn’t hear you mentionher once.” Fourth finger. “Torie lied about Rebel approaching her.” Pinky. “And she lied about calling in law enforcement.” Second thumb. “You swore you didn’t want more children.” Second index finger.
Christopher couldn’t take anymore. He grabbed her hand. “I’m sorry, Megan. Forgive me.”
Unless he got that fucking check back, she wouldn’t. He saw it in her eyes. She was as furious about the lies as she was about Torie chastising Rebel. He hadn’t meant to lie to her. He’d just wanted to cut out the bullshit.
That never fucking happened, though, so he should’ve known better. The forces that be always allowed her to discover stupid mistakes.
She sat up and scooted to the edge of the bed. “I’ll be in Rebel’s room. Enjoy the party.”
“Baby, please,” he said, stopping her before she reached the door. “Don’t do this. I can’t enjoylifeif you not by my side. I didn’t do nothin’. I never once touched her. I just fuckin’ talked to her because she was there to listen.”
She threw him a putrid look.
“Baby, please, please, please. Megan, I’m so fuckin’ sorry. I never touched her. I never wanted to touch her. We just talked.”
“You shared a cigarette.”
“I wasn’t thinking.”
“You’re a liar. You mentioned it.”
Actually, if he rememberedToriementioned it, but it had been so inconsequential and insignificant, it hadn’t mattered.
“I share joints all the time,” he said in frustration.
More tears filled her eyes. “Sometimes, an emotional affair creates a stronger bond than a physical one, Christopher. Have a good night.”
She’d just opened the fucking door when he caught her and slammed it shut. Instead of fighting, she leaned her head against the wood and sobbed. He pressed his body against her.
“Don’t leave,” he whispered hoarsely, tangling his hands in her hair. “This shit not us, Megan. We so much better than this. I know it’s the stress and the emotional trauma that’s puttin’ this strain on us. It started with Harley devastatin’ CJ, then Rebel losin’ her fuckin’ mind. Lumbly fuckin’ with CJ. Diesel up and marryin’ Tabitha. Your pregnancy. Almost losin’ your life and Jo. Her setbacks. Your setbacks. Fuck,Bash. The past six months have been fuckin’ hell, so I get it. You tired. I’m tired.”
She shuddered. Another sob escaped her.
Turning her toward him, he lifted her in his arms. She wouldn’t meet his gaze.
“Look at me, Megan.” Though he whispered, it was still a demand. Her wet gaze met his. “You still healin’. Mentally and physically. That don’t matter. Without you, I’m nothin’.”
