Page 105 of Ruptured

When Tabitha announced she and Diesel were trying for a baby, Meggie had been shocked and concerned. But Diesel thought he knew it all, so she’d kept her peace.

No longer, especially if Rebel were involved. The moment Rebel said she liked Kaia Diesel’s demeanor changed.

Grabbing her IV pole, Meggie limped back to her bed and sat, various emotions swirling through the room at Jana’s supposed pregnancy.

Rebel, devastated. Diesel, smug.

Meggie, livid. “I expect to see the results of her pregnancy test, son.”

He swallowed. “Uh, that’s private.”

“Not in this case.” As much as Meggietriedto consider CJ’s plea, the idea of Diesel and Rebel together turned her stomach. And once she found out about Tío’s injuries, supporting a relationship between Rebel and Diesel was even less unlikely.

His violence was as bad as their family connections. The misery he handed out would catch up to him eventually. And if Rebel was his old lady? Meggie didn’t even want to think about it. However, if he truly loved this Jana, CJ’s concern might be for nothing. Meggie doubted it, but Rebel wouldn’t turn eighteen for another three years. Twenty-one was an unrealistic expectation, considering the parties involved. Her potato gave Rebel and Diesel too much credit. She was headstrong and stubborn and he was an arrogant moron.

Meggie glowered at him. “Jana doesn’t set foot on club grounds until you prove she’s pregnant or your divorce is final.”

“But Aunt Meggie—”

“Shut up,” she snarled. “You’re a grown man playing mind games with a child. How dare you?”

He stiffened and balled his fists at his sides. “I’m not a child molester and I resent that insinuation.”

“Do I look like I carewhatyou resent? Touch my daughter before she’s eighteen, I will see that you’re cast out of the family, castrated, and then killed.”

“Momma, no! Please!”

“I thought you loved me, Aunt Meggie,” Diesel sneered, his face ashen, and hostility radiating from him.

“Momma, listen—”

Meggie raised her hand for silence, unable to placate Rebel right now. “I love you, Diesel, so don’t try to guilt me into changing my stance. You won’t. When Rebel’s eighteen and you and she get together, I will watch Christopher beat you to within an inch of your life.”

“That doesn’t sound like love to me,” he said resentfully.

“Nothing sounds like love to you if it doesn’t go exactly your way.”

“Jana has had a very hard life. She told me she was pregnant. If I insist she prove it, when IknowI’ve been with her without protection, that will crush her. She’s very fragile, which is why I want to move her to the treehouse.” He thrust his fingers through his hair. “I already know I’m not good enough for your daughter. I just want my own happiness. Is that so fucking bad?”

“As a matter of fact, yes,” Meggie replied. “It is. If you were really searching for happiness, I’d jump for joy. You’re not. You’re searching for escape. A quick fix to your internal pain.” She nodded to the empty chair. “Sit.”

“I’m tired. I’ll find Axel, Ransom, and Ryder, and usher them to the room—”

“No, you’re sitting in that chair.” She pointed to it. “Immediately.”

Huffing, he stomped to it. Despite her annoyance, she hid a smile. He reminded her of that exasperated teenager he once was whenever she demanded time to talk to him aboutsomething he felt he and Christopher had already settled. Now, as then, he folded his arms and threw her a sullen look.

“What?”

She ignored his petulant tone, and glanced from him to Rebel, before settling her gaze on him and clearing her throat. “When I think of you and Rebel, it opens other wounds. Thomas Nicholls, for instance,”

His eyes flared in surprise. “Your stepfather?” He seemed uncertain.

Meggie nodded. “An awful man. Because ofmybackground, your behavior toward Rebel feels like a betrayal. It has nothing to do withyounot being good enough. It is you being under my roof, watching Rebel grow up, and suddenly looking at hersexually. That’s disgusting. It’ll be revolting three years from now, but at least she’ll be legal.”

It made the idea of Kaia and Bishop working for her more likely. She had to fight fire with fire, though it made her no better than Christopher and their boys. While they were scheming to block Rebel from datinganyone, Diesel was working under the radar.BecauseRebel was so sheltered, she wouldn’t give herself the chance to find the right person.

Christopher, CJ—and Diesel—wouldkeep Kaia and Bishop in line.