Page 119 of Ruptured

“If you were a football, I would tackle you every day.”

Rebel’s eyes shone. “One day, scientists will want to study your brain and discover how one human could be so brilliant.”

He tangled his fingers through her hair, then palmed her cheek. “You’re my queen bee and I want to pollinate your honey. I want to dip my comb into your pot.”

“That is so romantic, my drone.”

He laughed, amazed at her acuity.

“I accept your offer, so I’ll ask Momma if you can move into the treehouse. CJ barely visits after Harley fucked over him.” Her eyes gleamed. “It’s just there. We don’t want anyone else laying claim to it.”

Kaia pulled his hand away, backed to the chair, and sat. When he felt the notebook underneath him, he shifted and took it in his hand again before addressing her idea. “I know I’m from a humble background, but a treehouse is a little below even my standards. I need a place to use the bathroom and shower.” A kitchen would be nice as well. He doubted Mr. and Mrs. Caldwell allowed staff to break bread with them.

“CJ’s treehouse has a big main room with all kinds of stuff. TV, games, stereo system. On the second floor, there’s a bedroom and a bathroom. It’s actually like a mini apartment in a tree. You know? A fuckingtreehouse.”

Kaia couldn’t imagine what she meant. Her description didn’t sound like any treehouse he’d ever played in. “Maybe CJ can give me a tour.”

“He’s angry with you for something.”

Kaia picked up on that, too. He didn’t know what he’d done, so he wouldn’t stress about it. “It’s all good.”

“It must be serious. My brother doesn’t get angry for no reason.”

She had the most perfect face. “Your nose is as straight as an elf ladder,” he complimented.

“I’ll accept that, since elves are small.”

“Oh, darling, you’re gorgeous,” he drawled. “You’re the chi to my huahua.”

“I love being your chi,” she said happily. “That can be our nicknames. I’m Chi and you’re Huahua.”

“I prefer Moon Goddess,” he said as the door opened. “You’re the Moon to my Sokka.”

“You likeAvatar: The Last Airbender, too?”

He nodded. “You?”

“I love it—”

“Hey, sweetheart,” Diesel interrupted, drawing their attention in his direction.

Kaia gulped at seeing Fia next to him. Diesel smirked.

“Hey, Reb,” Fia greeted, then nodded to Kaia. “Long time no see.”

“You know Fia?” Rebel asked.

Kaia threw Diesel a desperate plea. “We met at Nyx’s initiation.”

“I forgot you went there.” Rebel looked at Fia. “You, Tauriel, and Tennysee can visit. That bitch better not come near me.”

Fia shifted. “She can never—”

“That won’t be a problem, sweetheart.” Diesel walked to Rebel, bent, and kissed her forehead. “How are you feeling?”

“Intruded upon,” she snapped, “so get the fuck out. My boyfriend and I were talking.”

Diesel glanced over his shoulder at Kaia, the look in his eyes cold and vengeful. Immediately, Kaia understood he’d been set up. “Boyfriend? That’s interesting.”