Page 124 of Rumor Has It

He jabs at her with scorn. “How many times do I have to tell you not to leave your nasty shoes everywhere?”

“The fuck do you think you’re doing to her?” I squat, gathering Rumor in my arms. I whirl around to find Reed in my face.

“Don’t you dare talk to me that way, you ungrateful slut.”

I rear back, shocked when I begin to laugh. “If you ever talk to my daughter like that again, I’ll fuck you up so badly, they’ll not be able to use dental records.”

“Hey, where do you think you’re going?” He wraps my arm, yanking me back to him. “You’re as ungrateful as your little bastard is.”

I wrench from his grasp. “Don’t you fucking dare touch me, you no dick, cock sucker.”

“Like you’re any better, you low class piece of ass,” he growls at me. “Everyone knows you fucked Boone the same day as you did me. It’s no wonder you don’t know who her father is.”

“Keep her outta this, Reed. I’m warning you.” I’m in his face, daring him to say another word.

“Are you kidding me with this shit? You’d rather be his whore than be with me,” he grunts.

I can’t control my laughter. “Yes!”

“Don’t sue me for support. I won’t pay it.” He glares at me.

“She’s not your child! She has a dad.” I spin on my heels with Rumor by my side.

She doesn’t speak as I toss our clothes in the suitcases. I hurry into the bathroom gathering our things. Rushing back into the bedroom, I find her staring at my phone.

“What is it, baby?” She reaches it to me. “Are you okay?”

“Yeah, I wanna go home now.” She snubs, and I tuck her into my side.

Rubbing her back, I try to comfort her, but I don’t want to take longer than we have to getting out of here. I lay my cell on the bed and zip our bags. Rumor hands me my phone again.

“We’re okay. I have a plan.”

“Boone.” She smiles, though frowning.

I blink, trying to connect how she would know about his offer. I fidget, and the screen lights up. A smile spreads across my face, and when my eyes meet Rumor’s, she’s smiling too.