Page 104 of Ruptured

Groaning, Momma rolled her eyes.

“That isn’t what that motherfucker said,” Diesel sneered. “He said Aunt Meggie’s eyes were the color of a blue crab from the deep blue ocean and her hair was like fields of wheat sprouting from her hair.”

A giggle escaped Momma, then she clapped a hand over her mouth and cleared her throat, amusement dancing in her eyes. “Did, uh, did your daddy hear?”

“Yes, Momma.” Rebel threw Diesel a triumphant smile. “He’snever compared Kaia to Brett, soyou’rejust nitpicking.”

“He’s probably blocked that stupid shit out of his head,” Diesel retorted. “Brett only said one or two lines. Kaia keeps it up.”

“I know it’s a little rough around the edges,” Rebel said defensively, “but his sentiment is so romantic.”

“Umkay.”

Diesel winked at Momma and smiled before his face went blank again. “I hope you and your emo boy live a long and happy life together, sweetheart.” He looked at Momma. “Has Uncle Christopher mentioned my plans, Aunt Meggie?”

“About you divorcing Tabitha?” Momma nodded. “He has, son.”

“I’ve filed for legal separation from her.”

“Withdraw it,” Momma said flatly. “You’ve been unhappy since you married her. You have zero chance of reconciling, so skip this unnecessary step and file immediately for divorce.”

“I don’t think—”

“Exactly, son. You don’t think. What happens if you’re incapacitated or critically injured? Your daddy and me willhave absolutely no say. She will have the power of life and death in her hands.Yours. What happens if you’re killed? She gets everything, unlessshe’skilled. As far as I know, she’s an annoyance, not a threat. She doesn’t deserve to die because you’re an idiot.”

“I’m not ready to sever ties with her yet.”

“Then you aren’t ready to move on with your girlfriend.”

Jana, a name burned into Rebel’s memory. She pretended Diesel’s intention to marry that girl didn’t crush her. “My girlfriend is who I want to talk to you about, Aunt Meggie. I love Jana. I want her to move into the treehouse.”

“You’re out of your mind,” Momma said. “Tabitha will pounce. You want Jana to move into the treehouse? Divorce Tabitha first. Otherwise, the answer is no.”

“I want Jana close, Aunt Meggie.”

“You can want her on top of you. It isn’t happening at our house, unless you divorce Tabitha.”

“I understand your concern,” Diesel said. “But shehasto be under my protection as soon as possible. Please. This is important.”

At Diesel’s desperation, Rebel’s anxiety increased.

Momma studied Diesel. “I see.”

“I don’t,” Rebel inserted.

Momma winced; Diesel smirked.

“Your carelessness will cost us a fortune,” Momma said after a moment. “I can’t believe you.”

“You’re letting Jana move into the treehouse?” Rebel cried.

“Jana’s pregnant, Rebel, so I’m sure Aunt Meggie would want the woman carrying her first grandchild safely under our protection.”

Forcing herself to ignore her baby girl’s devastation, Meggie smiled at Diesel. The only reason he claimed to have made a girl pregnant and expected her to believe that nonsense was because he took her for a fool.

Diesel was infamous amongst the club girls. Meggie tried to ignore all the rumors, innuendos and escapades about him, but they were inescapable, so she pretended they didn’t exist. She knew of three abortions he’d funded. Though he didn’t want children, he didn’t always practice safe sex.

He had so many emotional scars, so she understood his behavior. Years ago, she’d taken him aside and brought up counseling. He’d just turned eighteen and the hyper-masculine club culture was already in his psyche, so he’d declined. She’d kept her promise and told no one about her suggestion.