Page 178 of Ruptured

“What did Rebel do to you?”

“She doesn’t like me.”

“Mom doesn’t either. If she knew you lied on Rebel, shereallywouldn’t like you.”

“Please don’t tell her, especially now when I’m so worried about her.” Tears filled Tabitha’s eyes, and she rushed to Diesel, throwing her arms around his neck. “Please don’t give up on us.”

Diesel yanked out of her hold and opted for gentle words. “I’m sorry, sweetheart,” he said quietly. “We shouldn’t have married. Don’t take out the anger and hurt you have for me on Rebel. She doesn’t deserve it.”

Wrapping her arms around her waist, Tabitha broke into loud sobs.

“I’m sorry,” Diesel said again, lifted Axel from the counter, and left his wife in tears.

Uncle Christopher: Come to the motherfucking clubhouse. We got a video to watch. Don’t know what’s on it. Hoping to put shitinto perspective since Val said you been talking about Logan.

Scowling, Ryan reread the text, thinking of ways to decline and wishing Pops had never told Outlaw about Ryan’s curiosity toward Logan Donovan. He didn’t feel like spending an evening watching some stupid fucking video. Ryan bet it had nothing to do with his great-grandfather.

After snatching on his boots, Ryan stomped downstairs, where he found Pops and Dev waiting for him in the kitchen. Mom and Harley were standing near the stove, scrolling recipes on an iPad.

“We’ll be back as soon as we can, Puff,” Pops said.

Mom spared him a smile. “Be careful,” she said, and went back to whispering and giggling with Harley.

“Always, babe,” Pops said, then nodded to Ryan and Dev, so they could finally go.

“Dad, I think you’re right,” Devon whined, just as they reached the edge of the Caldwell property. “Mom wants a girl.”

“Probably, Dev,” Pops said with a shrug, and tossed the cigarette he’d lit on the way out.

“What are you going to tell her when she finally admits it?” Devon demanded.

“It’s not up to me if she want another kid, boy.”

Devon halted without warning, and Ryan stumbled into him.

“Cuck,” he said irritably, thumping his little brother’s shoulder.

“What do you mean it isn’t up to you, Dad?” Devon asked, absently shoving Ryan’s hand away. “You have a say. It’s your cock she’ll use to make it.”

Pops shook his head. “Your momma lease my cock to me. She got final say over it, though.”

Ryan snickered, laughing harder at Devon’s confusion. “Old man, that’s a beta worldview.”

“Nope, Ryan,” Pops denied, “that’s a smart motherfucker world view. Now, come on.”

“Babies cry a lot,” Devon said, but since he complained the entire fucking way, Ryan tuned him out the rest of the conversation.

At the clubhouse, Potter directed them to the conference room, filled with Ryan’s uncles and cousins.

“Lights off,” Uncle Christopher announced the moment Ryan sat.

Uncle Christopher nodded, and Axel pressed play on a DVD player, then scampered to the wall near the door to flick off the overhead lights.

“Kendall found this VHS tape amongst K-P’s shit. She had it transferred to DVD, but she don’t know what the fuck’s on it.”

“Really?” Johnnie eyed Uncle Christopher coldly. For a motherfucker who’d just hand his fingers shot off, he was doing remarkably well and still stuck the fuck on stupid. “Kendall’s coziness with you warms my heart.”

Uncle Christopher remained silent, but the Caldwell boys all glared at Johnnie.