My jaw clenched so hard I thought I'd break a molar. My protective instincts flared to life, and I glared at her, no compromise in my expression.
"I'm only going to tell you this once, Alyssa. Unless you want to be slapped with a defamation of character suit, watch your mouth and what you say about Stevie. She's my girlfriend and a part of my life. She will also be in Owen's life and spending time with him, and I will not tolerate another
inflammatory word against her, do you understand?"
Considering the words that just came out of my mouth were unrehearsed and improvised, Stevie being my girlfriend sounded convincing even to my own ears.
Alyssa's lips pursed, her expression filled with spite after the way I'd just put her in her place for being disrespectful. She stood up, chin jutting out.
"Sure, I'll watch what I say about her, but you'd better be careful, too. I'd really hate for you to lose custody of Owen if this ends up being a bunch of lies to cover your ass."
