Page 177 of Relentles
“They?” Rebel echoed, like she saw inside Rory’s head. “I don’t suppose you mean our brothers,” she guessed, sighing.
“Of course not. I don’t listen tothem.” He tapped his head, then pointed up. “I talk to them.”
Rebel didn’t flinch. Rory tipped his head back, hoping a poster was taped on the ceiling. Talking to a photo of a favorite celebrity was weird enough. Hearing fucking voices in your head and around you?Listeningto those motherfuckers? Yeah, that was next level crazy.
“I should tell Daddy you helped.”
“I didn’t. They advised, and I passed on what I was told.”
A pained expression crossed Rebel’s face. Her vulnerability was a curious thing. Maybe, she was soherbecause she couldn’t cope any other way.
“You won’t tell him, Rebel.”
She nodded. “You’re right,” she said quietly.
If he hadn’t been frozen with fear, Rory would’ve hugged her.
“I’m not telling him. Twins share an unbreakable bond. Remember?”
“Sometimes. But it isn’t important. You aren’t important. Only them.”
Tears rushed to her eyes and her cheeks flushed. She was tough though. She swiped at a renegade tear sliding down each cheek, sucked in a breath, and drew herself up, the protective wall she’d temporarily lowered firmly back in place. “I love you. Very, very much. CJ taught me to fight. You taught me to laugh. We shared so many secrets—”
“It doesn’t matter,” Rule insisted. “All that’s gone.”
She swallowed. “Fine,” she gritted. “Fuck you. I don’t ever have to fucking talk to you. However, either I’m telling on your masochistic ass or you stop beating the fuck out of yourself.Or, better still, give me the strap, and I can beat the fuck out of you.”
Nostrils flaring, Rule threw the strap at her feet and stared at her in challenge.
She fisted her hands on her hips and tossed her hair. “There are enough murderous clergymen in literature. Please pick a profession. Killer or priest. You can’t do both.”
Believing she was joking, Rory laughed nervously.
“I don’t see why not, Reb,” Rule said softly. “It’s called duality. I can pray for the souls who wrong us, then help Dad to kill them. My prayers will save our souls.”
“Or get us sent straight to hell, dickhead,” Rebel snapped. “Please don’t pray for me. I can handle it myself, thank you very much.”
“As you wish, sister.” Rule stared at her, without blinking.
Rory’s knees could barely withstand his weight.
Smirking, Rebel picked up the belt and snapped it across Rule’s chest. Rory flinched.
Rule showed no emotion, except one. He smiled.
“Perverted asshole.” Rebel shoved him back and stormed out of the room.
No fucking way was Rory staying with Rule. He turned and almost tripped over his feet to get away.
“Bye, cousin,” Rule called. “I’ll keep you in my prayers.”
Rory ran, flying past his startled family without explanation, and didn’t stop until he was home.
Chapter Twenty-Four – Christopher
If Christopher was shocked to reach forty-nine, he was ten times as incredulous that he’d lived to the half-century mark.
Megan had intended to celebrate his milestone with days of partying. Brothers from around the world, bitches, bud, and booze were supposed to be never ending. Support clubs would pay homage.Hisclub brothers—the mother chapter’s—and their local support clubs would give tributes. Donations to the Dwellers’ special causes should’ve been made in his honor. Fuck,even the newly renovated Trauma Center at Hortensia General was going to be named after him with a massive celebration.
