Page 100 of Misrule
“I want a divorce,” Kendall blurted around a sob.
Johnnie tightened his jaw. “That’s a decision we must reach mutually.”
“No, it isn’t. It’smydecision to make. I want a divorce and I want full custody of the children.”
“Fuck you. Fuck no.”
Kendall stared at Johnnie, hating him and Outlaw and Meggie and CJ. Hating them for making her feel inferior. Hating them for actingsuperior. Even Meggie, with all her kindness, behaved with some condescension toward Kendall.
“File for divorce,” Johnnie went on, “but you’renotgetting my children.”
“I gave birth to them!”
“When has that ever mattered to you?”
“Fuck you.”
He stepped closer to her, his gaze ice-cold. “Don’t you wish you could? It wasyouwho came back in search of my cock after I fucked you the night we met.”
“That was the biggest mistake of my life,” she snarled. “I wish I had never fallen in love with you.”
“You never loved me. You loved the security. You loved being around Christopher.”
“I’m not going to stand here and try to convince you of my feelings or lack thereof. If you believe I never loved you, and loved being around Outlaw, then you’re a brainless motherfucker.”
“Leave, Kendall,” he ordered.
“Fuck you,” she threw at him again. “You didn’t invite me. Meggie did. Besides, I have a thing or two to tell CJ.”
“I wouldn’t fuck with that child if I were you. Then again, you never listened to me, so go ahead and risk your life. I’m done.”
Giving her one last hard look, Johnnie turned on his heel and stormed in the direction he’d come, while Kendall remained inside the hallway.
Her head pounded and she felt as fragile as delicate glass. She had to leave. She couldn’t stay there tonight. Johnnie would make her life miserable.
A sob escaped her.
Would he take her seriously and start divorce proceedings? She just didn’t know what to do. She felt so backed into a corner.
Sheshouldleave. But could she? She wanted to see her children. She needed to give her regards to Meggie and Roxy. She craved their kindness. Roxy might even hug her.
Kendall lost track of time as she debated what to do, but the sound of running snapped her to the present.
“Go get more candy, Ro,” CJ whispered, sounding as if he was chewing. “MegAnn not going to see. Meet me here.”
“Okay, CJ.”
Like a little lamb, her sweet Rory did CJ’s thieving business.
CJ stood a short distance away, in a corner of the main hall, digging in his pocket, and pulling out chocolates. As he unwrapped the candy and stuffed it into his mouth, he threw the foil on the floor.
“CJ!” she called, barreling forward, so angry she could hardly contain herself.
CJ looked up as she reached him and grabbed him by his shirt, yanking him forward, up and off his feet. His green eyes widened.
“Aunt Kenda!” he squeaked in a shaky voice.
She shook him. “You little motherfucker. It’sKendall.” She shook him again. “Kendall!”
