Page 125 of Remorseless

Her brows snapping together, Joplin lifted her head and jumped off CJ’s lap. She glared at him, then slapped the ever-loving shit out of him.

CJ grabbed his throbbing cheek and glared at her. “What the fuck was that for?”

“Bitch, you hit CJ again and I will cleave you in two,” Diesel said, shoving Diana away and rebuckling his belt.

Swallowing, Joplin glanced over her shoulder, then looked at CJ again. He was too shocked by her actionsand Diesel’s threat to talk.

“I’m saying this one more motherfucking time,” Potter snarled from his place at the bar. “The motherfucking cameras are rolling. CJ ishere. That means Outlaw might be watching. See where the fuck this is going?”

“Not,” Bedhead said. “If I had a broad like Meggie to get into, I wouldn’t watch no fucking cameras.”

“That’s my mom!” CJ said in outrage. “Shut the fuck up.”

“No.” Dementor barreled to CJ and thumped the back of his head. He was tall, muscled, and mean. “Youshut the fuck up. We didn’t invite you here, so go home and climb back in her cunt for all we care. We don’t like snitches.”

Diesel sipped beer. “Do you like fucking living?” he asked, swallowing. “Because, motherfucker, I am fucking seconds away, from getting my favorite sword and lobbing your motherfucking head off.”

“I didn’t mean nothing, Diesel. It’s just that—”

“Why the fuck am I still hearing you talk, Dementor? You’re annoying me.” Diesel leaned back. “I might have to burn off your lips with my acid.” He smiled at CJ. “What do you think, little brother? Acid or are you good?”

“I’m good.” CJ gritted his teeth at the faintness of his voice. As it was, if he came alone he might be in trouble. Just as Mom had been. He shouldn’t have kept what happened from his father.

Like her, CJ had been trying to think about the good of the club. But not at the expense of their safety. Especially hers. He might not be in danger, but she was. Even if Nyx hadn’t put them up to it, she was a first-class bitch. She was probably giving everyone a rough time, so they were defending her.

He cleared his throat. “I’m good for now.”

Diesel nodded, sipped more beer. “You have one more chance, motherfuckers.One.Listen well and spread the word. If I hear about any of youmotherfuckers and cunts looking at CJ or Aunt Meggie or Rebel or any of my brothers, any of my family,I’mtelling Outlaw.”

“Now, Diesel,” Exorcist started. “Be reasonable about this—”

“You’re still in one piece. Aren’t I being reasonable? I’m offering to tell Outlaw. He’ll only shoot the fuck out of you.” A maniacal light gleamed in Diesel’s eyes and he smiled viciously. “As opposed to my modis operandi. Now, makeup to CJ. If he tells you to lick dog shit off his fucking boots, get on your motherfucking knees and get to licking. Am I perfectly fucking understood?”

“Dude, chill.” Narci laughed nervously. “You don’t…the ice in your voice isn’t necessary. Dementor’s just fucking around.”

CJ wouldn’t admit to any confusion over Diesel mentioning Outlaw and not having the type of blowback CJ had. Laughter rose around him. A glance at Diesel showed him at ease again, lacking the intensity of the past few minutes.

Maybe, CJwasblowing shit out of proportion. Perhaps, hewasjust a little kid, pretending to be a badass and would never be a legend like his father.

“We can move this party to my room,” Narci said lazily. “I have excellent nose candy, Diesel. Just the kind you like.”

CJ froze. He looked at Diesel, whose mood swung again. He seemed both stricken and angry. “You snort blow?”

Shame crossed Diesel’s face and he glanced away. “Only recreationally.” Sighing, he met CJ’s gaze. “I can take it or leave it.”

“You can OD, you stupid motherfucker.”

“I haven’t, and I won’t,” Diesel said, as arrogant as ever.

“If anything happened to you…” CJ swallowed, unable to imagine how it would feel if he ever received word that his big brother had overdosed. He didn’t even want to consider what it would do to his parents, especially Mom. “I can’t believe you use coke.” Accusation burned in his tone.

“What did I just say to you?” Diesel snapped. “Recreationally. What’s it toyouhow much I use?”

He got to his feet, adopting the same intimidation tactics he used with Dementor. Instead of only words, he loomed over CJ. But Diesel was CJ’s brother. Two months before Dad’s 49thbirthday, they’d beaten each other bloody.

“Motherfucker,” CJ snarled, shooting to his feet and shoving Diesel.

They both ignored the gasps and surprised laughter.