Page 152 of Rebellious

“Whatever it is, that’s what Ryan is,” Axel declared, glaring. He wagged a finger at Skye. “And I won’t always be a little man,” he said with disapproval. “One day, I’ll be taller than my dad. Mom said so.”

Rory rolled his eyes. “So of course you think it’ll happen if Aunt Meggie said it.”

“Yeah, fuck face, I do. Mom’s got more sense than that rancid rabbit you got for a dad.”

A rancid rabbit? Ryan would have to use that one.

“That’s my dad!”

Axel pointed to his crotch. “And that’s my cock. I know I got one like you know Uncle Fuck Face is your dad. You don’t got to keep saying that same tired fucking line. Say it one more time around me and I’m punching you in your fucking mouth.”

“That’s called assault,” Skye told him. “You’ll go to Juvie.”

“What’s that?”

“Some place a Caldwell boy will never see,” Ryan said with a grunt. “Not with Uncle Christopher’s connections.”

“It’s juvenile detention,” Rory said, smiling. “Kid jail. And Skye’s right. If you punch me and I call the cops…”

“Oh, for fuck’s sake,” CJ growled, walking outside and looking between Jaleena and Skye.

“CJ!” they chorused, like two fucking puppets.

He started to turn but Coach Yancy forced him back.

“Taylor, I need you to report to practice every day, including Saturdays. We want to win next season, but especially homecoming. Can you do that?”

“About that, sir—”

“CJ wants to be second- or third-string, Ryan,” Coach Yancy said, shocking Ryan into silence. “He said he isn’t at school enough for the starting position and expects you to have it.” His laugh was diabolical. “As long as you earn it.” He turned toward the door.

Panic crossed CJ’s face because Skye and Jaleena crowded him in. “Uh, Coach, I forgot—”

“Tonight’s date night with the wife, CJ,” Yancy said and smiled again. “Enjoy the attention.” He disappeared back into the building.

CJ’s actions left Ryan speechless, guilty, and relieved. Football meant so much to him. He winced at the belated realization.

“If you aren’t nicer to us, we’re giving Ryan and Rory our phone numbers,” Skye declared.

“Please fucking do,” CJ growled, trying to squeeze between her and Jaleena, but unable to because they closed ranks.

“CJ?” Ryan called, not sure what to say. “Why—?”

“It’s only fair, Ryan.” CJ freed himself from the girls by backing closer to Ryan. “I still love the game, but you’re here so much more than me. You deserve the top spot. I did everything I could to talk Coach into just giving it to you, but he said that’ll be too easy. He’s making you compete against Marksum’s son.”

“Fuck, are you shitting me?” Ryan said on a groan.

“I’m dead ass,” CJ promised, his eyes twinkling. “Sorry, dude. That’s the fucking breaks.”

“You’re enjoying my pain, cuck,” Ryan said, laughing.

“I sure the fuck am,” CJ gloated. “Davy Marksum is a beast.”

“Fuck me.”

“My men and me can break his legs,” Axel offered.

“No!” CJ and Ryan chorused.