Page 186 of Relentles
Diesel thought of that fucking asshole, Brett. He wished he could’ve gotten his hands on that motherfucker.
He refused to go to that dark place. Everything was fucked up enough.
He gave Rebel a small smile.
Megan Caldwell had a backbone of steel, a quiet strength that held everyone up.RebelCaldwell promised to be hell-on-wheels.
For months, Diesel had been so fucking annoyed with her unwarranted crush on him and furious at her behavior because he didn’t see her in the same light. She completely ignored that she was a child and he a grown ass man.
“I’m forgiven?” She’d been annoyed with him, Uncle Chris, and the rest of their brothers over the Torie Incident.
Not offering an answer, she lowered her lashes. “It’s…” Pursing her lips, she rocked on her heels. “Say ‘hi’ to Tabitha for me.”
He’d prefer to saybyeto that cunt, but Rebel was dealing with enough. Besides, it was telling that she’d send a message of any kind to his wife. The Christmas presents Rebel had given Tabitha was a kind gesture that his wife hadn’t appreciated.
It only made Diesel hate her more.
He should do himself a favor and kill Tabitha before he got himself fucked up.
Until earlier today, he hadn’t found anything to solidly accuse her. He hadn’t known what he sought. It had been a gut feeling. Then, she’d revealed she was acquainted with brothers from the American Scorpions, dead fucking enemies of the Dwellers. The fucking bitch insisted he attend a meeting in Salt Lake City.
Rebel started to turn, but Diesel placed a hand on her shoulder, halting her. She’d turn fifteen in a few weeks, and she was already 5’7”.
“I thought you were in the basement with the other kids.”
“Ryan’s a fucking dickhead, so I quit myself of his company before I beat his ass again.”
No exaggeration on her part. She’d beaten Ryan’s ass at his birthday party a few months ago.
At Diesel’s chuckle, she giggled.
“Have you seen my new room?”
She knew he hadn’t, but he dutifully shook his head.
“Would you like to see it before you leave?”
“I’ll see it now. I’m spending the night and you’ll still be asleep when I leave in the morning.”
“No, I’m going with Momma to the hospital to spend time with Jo. We’re leaving at six.”
“I need to stop in and see Jo.”
She nodded, blinking away the tears pooling in her beautiful blue eyes. “Another surgery is facing her,” she said, sniffling. “Am...am I to blame?”
“Rebel, sweetheart,” Diesel crooned, wrapping her in his arms and holding her close. He tangled his hands in her hair and kissed the top of her head. When she was little and cried, he always picked her up. Her adoration had been sweet and innocent. Now, it concerned him she’d mistake his comfort for something more. “Jo is growing stronger every day.”
She leaned her head on his chest. “I’m still afraid, Diesel,” she wept. “It’ll be another several weeks, if not longer, before Jo comes home. And Momma has been so sad. And…”
Rebel drew in a breath.
“And?”
“Jo will need Momma and Daddy because she’s a baby. Babies are sweet and innocent and draw people to them. They’re going to push me aside, too.”
Backing away and holding her upper arms, Diesel searched her face. “I didn’t forget you, Reb.”
“You did. Rule, as well. You have Tabitha. He has Jesus.”
