Page 33 of Harley

“Yup. No wonder her parents were forcing her into a marriage they could control. Poor girl. Leila is hunting Aspen and Archer. Hopefully, we’ll have some news. She’s already scoured Illinois and is now moving to the surrounding states.”

“Keep Leila on it and charge my card. Thanks,” I said and disconnected.

I sat thinking for a few moments and stood up.

A cough from behind me made me jump, and I turned and saw Mom and Dad standing there.

“Something you want to tell us?” Dad demanded.

“Married?” Mom breathed.

“Aw, shit,” I groaned.

“Let’s talk, son,” Dad ordered and pointed to the Hall.

Yeah, okay!

Oakley

Jodie went out of her way to put me at ease as we were seated in a restaurant called Bernard’s. She appeared to know the owner and was quite popular, judging by the amount of people stopping by the table. They weren’t even fans.

I recognised Jodie from her TV series now. She was a big name. But those saying hi obviously knew her in a personal capacity.

After the meal, we headed back to her car, and she drove us to the Hall. Jodie’s earlier animosity seemed to have disappeared, and she was chatting merrily away.

I was rather terrified as we pulled up outside Reading Hall and completely in awe of the massive structure.

“I’m in love, I adore gothic architecture,” I exclaimed. Reading Hall was a dream come true.

“It was a wreck when Mum bought this. I’ll never forget the day we first set eyes on it. The roof was damaged, most of the glass was missing, and there was damp everywhere. Mum fell in love, and that was it,” Jodie explained as she got my wheelchair. I nodded as I twisted in my car seat. Harley marched around to my side.

One of the massive double doors opened, and Harley came out, followed by Jared and Cody.

“They’ll get your bags,” Harley announced, and bent and stared at my face. “You’re tired.”

“Yes. But I’m okay,” I insisted as Drake and a lady appeared at the door and gazed at me.

“Cody, grab Oakley’s wheelchair, dude. And then can you help Jared bring her bags in?” Harley asked.

The woman hadn’t taken her eyes off me, and I squirmed.

“You did explain?” I hissed at Harley.

“Yeah. Mom and Dad know I am helping you out. Come and meet them,” Harley answered.

Before I could speak, Harley scooped me up, and I squealed. “Put me down, what will they say?”

“Not much,” the woman replied as we got closer. “I’m Phoenix Michaelson; you can call me Mum.”

“Oh. Er…” I muttered as Harley groaned and glared at his mom.

“That was a joke. Lighten up. Welcome to Reading Hall, Oakley. Harley has explained your circumstances. Please let me know how I can help. Meanwhile, I’ve put you in the room next to Harley’s. Good job you’re no longer in the tower,” Phoe said.

“Tower?” I asked.

“I’ll explain later. Mom, can we go in?” Harley demanded.

“Here’s Oakley’s chair, bro,” Cody announced and wheeled it in. Harley gently placed me in it and began pushing me without another word.

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