Page 117 of Relentles
His injury pleased her. Somehow, he managed to grip her and drag her away, while Diesel subdued Torie.
“What the fuck is wrong with you, Rebel?” Daddy roared.
She stomped his fucking foot. “You! You’re an idiot. She’s a liar.I’mthe equalizer.”
He snatched her around and shook her so hard, her brain rattled. Fury blackened his eyes. “And I’m the motherfuckin’ punisher—”
“You’re also the fucking cheater.”
He released her so quick, she stumbled back. He had the audacity to look hurt.
“Right there with you, Daddy. I’m hurt, too.”
“Rebel, listen up, cuz I ain’t sayin’ this no more. I ain’t cheated on your ma with Torie or no other girl. I was just helpin’ her out—”
“Does Momma know?”
“She not in the frame of mind…” He finally fucking got it. Drawing in a deep breath, he closed his eyes. “Fuck, Reb.”
“If she doesn’t now, she soon will,” CJ said blandly, walking into the silent cafeteria. “As a matter of fact, every motherfucker on this floor, knows.” He looked from Rebel to Torie and shook his head. “You didn’t take my advice, huh, bae?” he said to the nurse.
“I wanted her to apologize to me first,” she admitted, her face as bruised and battered as Rebel’s.
Uncle Johnnie sauntered in, the last motherfucker in the world Rebel wished to see. His arm was in a sling, but he just didn’t appear in as much pain as he deserved. His whole ass should be in a fucking sling. He frowned at Torie, then at Rebel.
“Er, it’s done, Christopher,” he said.
“Fuck, Reb, baby, motherfuckers mentioning you all up and down the hallway,” Uncle Mort said, strolling in. “Told you, Prez. They look after their mommas. Harley wasn’t pleased with Symphony either. She just held on to the shit until she could use it against me. Reb will beat fucking ass.”
Uncle Val walked in. He winked at Rebel, then shrugged at Torie.
“Uh, Outlaw,” Uncle Stretch said, joining the melee, followed by Aunt Kendall.
Wait. What about Jo? Why were they all—
“I’m Kendall,” Aunt Kendall introduced, holding her hand out to Torie. She snatched a check from Uncle Stretch’s hand and waved it in front of the nurse’s face. “Your relocation fees, severance pay, and signing bonus.” The words were tight and crisp. She paused to glower between Daddy, Uncle Johnnie, and Torie.
Uncle Val shook his head and pointed to the ceiling, indicating the barely noticeable camera. “You got a guardian angel, babe. You would’ve been out of a job after today for fighting.”
Not responding, Torie reached for the check in Aunt Kendall’s hand.
Aunt Kendall jerked it behind her. “Just so you are aware, I am completely against this. If Molly sneezes wrong and you make the mistake of calling Outlaw, Iwilltell Meggie.” She narrowed her eyes. “Am I perfectly fucking clear?”
“Yes,” Torie said quietly.
“Good.” Smiling, Aunt Kendall held out the check again. Instead of handing it to her, she released it and allowed it to flutter to the floor. “Assholes,” she hissed, sweeping Daddy and Uncle Johnnie with a look, and storming away.
Torie stared at the check where it landed on the floor. CJ walked to her and stooped down.
“If you touch that, I will break your fucking fingers,” Rebel warned.
“And I will knock the fuck out of you,” CJ snapped, picking up the check and handing it to Torie. “You’ve made your fucking point. Okay, Reb? Goddamn, have some fucking manners.”
“You, asshole, are helping that man to hide shit from Momma.”
“That man is our father, Rebel, so get over it. He didn’t do anything.”
“So he explained it to you?”
