Page 99 of Rebellious

“Thank all you motherfuckers for showin’ up to welcome my girl home,” he said. “This mean a lot to her, Megan, me, Jo, and her brothers. But my daughter still healin’ so Ima take her home and—”

Kaia standing interrupted Daddy, who growled.

“S-sorry, Outlaw,” Kaia said, raising his hands, dodging Kayce’s attempt to grab his elbow. He snatched it away when Kayce managed to catch it, and scowled. “Stop it.” He looked at Daddy again. “Aren’t we…aren’t we giving Rebel get well gifts?”

“No,” Daddy, Diesel, and CJ chorused.

Momma cleared her throat. “Yes.”

“What the fuck you talkin’ about, Megan?”

“Mom, that’s not fair!”

“When, Aunt Meggie, was that decided?”

“All you motherfuckers shut up,” Axel warned. “Mom said it’s okay. It’s not her fault you senilities didn’t think to get Reb a present.”

“What the fuck is a senility, boy?”

“This isn’t a fucking celebration, Ax,” Diesel gritted and glared at Kaia. “Something emo boy should know.”

“Did you get her a fucking present, Axel?” CJ demanded.

“Uh-huh.” Shoving back from his chair, Axel stood and ran to Rebel’s seat. He dug into his pocket and came up with a roll of cash. “I just got a big settle.” Beaming at her, he opened her hand and plunked the money into it. “Get whatever you want, big sis.”

“Settlement,” Rebel blurted, ignoring the laughter floating around and removing the rubberband. He’d given her a combination of twenties and fifties that amounted to three hundred dollars. “Where’d you get this from?”

Axel gave her a disapproving look and wagged his finger. “Don’t question a man when he gives you his hard-earned money from all the good in his heart.” He smirked at Daddy, then returned to his seat.

“Christopher gave you money to give to Rebel?” Momma asked, wiping away Axel’s satisfaction.

He and Daddy exchanged glances, then looked at Momma warily.

“Dad owed me money and forgot to pay me,” Axel said. “I charged him interest.” He pointed to the money Rebel still held. “It was that, and I wanted Rebel to have it, Mom.”

“Oh, Sweet Pea,” Momma said as Rebel laid a hand over her chest then blew her little brother a kiss.

“You are so sweet, Axel,” Mattie complimented.

Grinning, Axel looked at Harley.

She smiled. “You’re the best little brother.”

“He is!” Momma gushed, holding her arms out to Axel. He got up and ran to her, returning her tight hug.

Ransom and Ryder whispered to each other, then laughed like little lunatics. But it was CJ’s outrage that told Rebel there was more to the story. She wouldn’t give Axel’s game away.

Axel stepped away from Momma, then indicated Daddy step away with a nod of his head. Daddy crouched and listened to Axel, then shook his head and chuckled.

“I don’t fucking believe this,” CJ grumbled as Axel skipped back to the table and Daddy stood.

“Kaia?” Momma called. “If you have something to give to Rebel, do it so we can get her home.”

“Thank you, Meggie.” Kaia cleared his throat, walked around the table and met Rebel’s gaze before dropping to his knees and grabbing one of her hands. “I am so sorry for hurting you, Rebel. You will always be my Chi. Please forgive me and give me another chance—”

“Kaia—” Rebel started.

He kissed the back of her hand. “Rebel, your lips are adorable, like tiny Chihuahua teeth.”