Page 35 of Relentles
She wrapped her arms around CJ’s neck, and Harley flinched, though self-righteous indignation seethed inside her. For weeks he’d sworn Molly meant nothing to him! Harley had only gotten photos over phone messages with them spending time together. She’d never had evidence of his betrayal up close and personal.
If only her parents could witness this scene, especiallyDaddy. Somehow, he’d gotten Mommie on his side and insteadof continuing to console Harley because Lolly brought Molly home, Mommie decided that she’d had enough.
“This is teenage drama, sweet girl. You and CJ must work this out.”
Almost as soon as Mommie delivered those words, Lolly called and, after a brief conversation, Mommie told Harley Lolly needed to see her.
“I need to talk to younow, CJ.” Fury helped Harley’s voice to rise above Molly’s cries.
“I’m listening,” CJ said, not even looking at Harley to impart the statement. He continued rubbing Molly’s back and whispering to her.
“Not here!” Harley screeched, close to tears herself. “Leave her and come with me.”
“Not happening,” CJ said. He kept his arm around Molly as he rose to his feet, then swept her up and started out the kitchen. At the door, he paused. “You can come with me while I bring Molly to her room or you can stay in the fucking kitchen. Your choice, Harley.”
He shoved through the swinging wooden door.
“Stop, CJ!” Harley yelled. She swiped at her tears. “If you don’t, fuck off forever.”
A heartbeat later, Lolly walked into the kitchen. She must’ve passed CJ in the hallway. No, CJ andMolly.
Her grandmother tightened the belt of her favorite silk charmeuse robe. “You cuss now, sugar?”
Pressing her lips together, Harley scowled. It was Lolly’s fault CJ had such easy access to Molly.
Lolly glanced at Harley from head to toe. “You’re not a grown bitch, Harley. I ask you a fucking question, you answer me.”
It was on the tip of her tongue to remind Lolly thatshewasn’t Harley’s mother. However, as devastated as she was, she wantedto remain alive to seek revenge on CJ and Molly. “Rebel curses and you don’t have a problem with it, Grandma.”
The term caught Lolly off-guard, and she blinked. Proud of herself, Harley smirked. Roxanne Doucette Johnson Jones Rouseau Harrington was a gorgeous woman, even in her late fifties. After deciding she was too young and sexy to be pinned with such a traditional moniker, she wanted the kids to call her Glam-ma. Harley chose Lolly because she referred to her step grandfather as Pop. Now, Harley wanted to inflict a little damage. Not enough to where her grandmother meted out punishment, but something to throw her off-balance.
“So that’s how it’s going to be, huh, baby?” Lolly demanded, cocking her head to the side.
“What, Grandma?” Harley said sweetly. “Am I going to curse like Rebel and don’t expect ramifications? Or are you referring to me deciding to show you the respect you deserve by calling yougrandma?”
Anger settled into Lolly’s face, and she stepped toward Harley.
Yelping, Harley covered her head.
“Put your fucking hands down,” Lolly snapped. “You know you deserve to have me knock some fucking sense into your fucking head. Otherwise, you wouldn’t react like I’m about to bat the piss out of you.”
Her heart beating hard and fast, Harley lowered her arms. Before she said anything else, CJ walked back into the kitchen, followed by Grant.
“Harls!” Grant greeted. Lolly’s stepson was quite handsome with his honey-colored hair and amber eyes. “I’ve been on the front porch for half an hour. I didn’t see you come in.”
“I came in through the kitchen,” Harley answered, sweeping her gaze over him and smiling.
“She won’t stop crying, Lolly.” CJ sounded frantic. “I’d gotten her to calm down, then Harley came in—”
“Shut up, asshole,” Harley snarled, and pointed to her grandmother. “She’s mine. She belongs to me. You don’t get to call her Lolly. That’smyname for her. Furthermore, I belong here more than you do.”
The hurt in CJ’s eyes lifted her spirits and the stunned silence following her words gave her a confidence boost.
“Shut it, Harley,” CJ growled. “I’m so fucking over your bullshit, until I don’t know what to do with myself. If I never see your fucking face again, I would do a happy dance.”
Harley gasped, and tears rushed to her eyes.
The back door opened, bringing in Pop, Daddy, Mommie, Uncle Digger, and Aunt Bunny. The side of Uncle Digger’s head was blistered.
