Page 143 of Rebellious

“Or what—?” Tio started.

“You surprise me, Dee Dee. I didn’t expect you to defend Easton.”

“I’m not going easy on him, Bash,” Diesel said flatly. “He has to earn his fucking patch.”

Bash offered Diesel a small smile. “You shouldn’t be too hard on him. Take into account that Easton already prospected and was tortured by our demands night and day. He brings a lot to the table. Has a lot to offer, especially wisdom.” He arced his hand through the air. “He’s the calm in any storm.” He smiled. “You like that, nephew? I picked up that saying from a book that Hopper lent to me about changing your life. You’re an arrogant hothead. You’d do well to take a cue from your cousin.”

“He’s an arrogant fuckhead who came with nefarious intentions,” Diesel growled, and Jana tensed, “so he deserves whatever I do to him.”

Instead of responding to Diesel, Bash waved Hopper over. “I’m sorry, babe. Okay? I just got my cock sucked once last night. I didn’t eat pussy and I didn’t stick my dick in a bitch’s cunt or ass. Understand?”

Hopper nodded.

“Good bitch,” Bash said proudly, patting her ass.

“Jana—” Hopper started.

“Uh-uh. Before we have a great reunion, let Jana finish her story, babe,” Bash instructed, nodding to the last available seat. “Take a load off.” He smiled as Hopper sat and then he looked at Jana. “Continue.”

“This is fucking ridiculous,” Diesel said. “I thought you were satisfied with Uncle Christopher’s explanation.”

“You and Jana fell into my hands at your own doing, Dee Dee. I wouldn’t be worth my salt if I didn’t use the opportunity you presented me with.” He waved at Jana with a flourish. “Continue.”

“I-I was there and these g-guys s-saw me.” She held up the arm where the bracelet had been. “The br-bracelet c-caught their attention. D-D-Diesel spent a l-lot on it.” She’d lied on many occasions and for different reasons. But this was not the same. She knew it was life or death. More of the story Diesel had concocted came to her. “I fought for it because it meant so much to me. They started beating me and took the bracelet. That’s when Rebel found me.”

“So Tabitha really was a stupid cunt and overdosed on drugs?” Bash shook his head and blew Diesel a kiss. “Sorry, Dee Dee, for doubting you. Your cunt’s story matches Christopher’s.”

“Bash,” Hopper said with disapproval.

He raised his hands. “Sorry, babe.” He looked at Diesel. “Your bitch’s story matches Christopher’s.”

“Better,” Hopper said.

“Not to me,” Cleaner responded.

“Good thing your opinion doesn’t matter to me in this situation,” Bash replied.

“How are you, Jana?” Hopper inserted before Cleaner responded. “You’re looking much better.”

Jana studied the woman called Hopper. A vague memory of Aunt Seri rose in her mind. If Hopper was Aunt Seri, Jana wasn’t sure if she’d want Bash to know her real name. If Jana was in Hopper’s position, she certainly wouldn’t.

“How are you feeling, honey?” Hopper asked.

“Better,” Jana said, not entirely the truth, especially since she’d be away from Diesel for three months.

“I’m so glad you came by.” Hopper sounded as kind as Jana’s memories of Aunt Seri were. She always got pretty dolls and tea sets from her aunt. One day, she just stopped visiting. “Do you have any questions for me?”

“I don’t know what to ask,” Jana mumbled, glancing from Tio to Bash and, finally, to Cleaner. His dark eyes raked over her and she shivered, afraid if he got her alone, he’d hurt her.

“Ask me anything you’d like, Jana.” Hopper’s dark brown hair had a strand or two of gray hair, but her face was unlined and her eyes were bright and long-lashed. She’d aged well. “I’ll be more than happy to answer.”

“You’re very pretty,” Jana blurted, uncertain about how to proceed. Maybe if her motives were honest, she’d have more to say. She would’ve thought out her visit more. But she’d used it as a shot in the dark to stay at Diesel’s side. Possibly get him to change his mind and bring her back to the treehouse.

“You’re quite pretty, too, Jana,” Hopper said.

Mama never complimented her.

Diesel grabbed Jana’s hand and kissed the back of it. “You are.”