“Why the fuck do you have to be so fucking frustrating? Why can’t you fuckingbehave, Rebel?”
“Your idea of me behaving is what exactly, Diesel?”
He opened his mouth.
“Oops. Sorry. I just remembered I don’t give a fuck, so save your miserable breath.”
“Find new fucking words. Miserable and evil are old.”
“Find a new fucking brain,” Rebel replied. “Motherfuckery and sadism are tired.”
“I fucking told you to stop having a response for everything. It isn’t a crime to concede.”
“If it means letting you win, it sure the fuck is.”
“I’m your fucking brother. I want the best for you. I want you to be happy that I have a woman who loves me. That I adore, but you are so fucking frustrating. Goddamn you. Can you not let me be happy and love Jana without your bullshit?”
Leaning against the counter, Christopher winked at Meggie, although she was certain Diesel wasn’t even listening to himself. His guard was down. It wasn’t necessarily a good thing that Rebel was the only one who could push his buttons, but this was a step in the right direction.
“This shouldn’t be a fucking competition, Rebel.”
“Nor should your fucking feelings be a revelation based onme, Diesel. You’re happy with Jana? You love her? Let it be because of her, not because I fucking despise you.”
“You don’t,” he insisted. “You could never and will never. I’ve been your big brother for too long for you to turn your fucking back on me.”
“Are you two finished?” Meggie asked when Rebel didn’t respond.
“Aunt Meggie, talk to her,” Diesel started.
Rebel whispered to Axel and he slid over so she could stand. Refusing to look at Diesel, she walked to the door and halted.
“Do you need me anymore, Momma?”
“No, love.”
The moment she walked out, Diesel stood.
“Sit the fuck down,” Christopher ordered.
“I want to talk to her.”
“Sit,” Christopher repeated. “You lucky I ain’t choppin’ your fuckin’ cock off for what the fuck you did.”
Diesel sat down and yanked at his hair. “I’m sorry, Uncle Christopher. I really am. I shouldn’t have…I know how deeply I hurt her. I didn’t think something else would blow up in my fucking face where Rebel is concerned.”
“Cuz you don’t fuckin’ think. Live with the fuckin’ consequences. You got a good woman. Focus on her.”
Meggie waited a beat, then looked at her watch. “Your parents will be here in about an hour, Jana, so we have to wrap this up.” She got to her feet. She’d see to Gunner and then check on Rebel
Rebel decided against attending the dinner, so Meggie didn’t push her. Instead, she went to Kaia’s room, where he’d been hiding most of the door.
Once she knocked and he opened the door, his eyes widened and he stumbled back.
“I’m not here to stab you,” she said darkly, although the idea had merit.
“I’m so sorry, Meggie. I—”
“Shut up,” she snarled, stomping past him. “I don’t want your stupid apologies. You’re still here, and alive, because I’m complicit, too. Which I hate. I’m not here to discuss your relationship with Fia.”
