Page 237 of Ruptured

“I amnotthe father!” Bash chuckled. “I said it right, didn’t I? No, fuck. You were supposed to say it to me.”

Fully awake, Diesel stood and refused to respond.

“In other words, I’m not Tabitha’s father, Diesel.”

“I got what the fuck you meant, asshole.”

“You’re really hurting my feelings. All the name calling is unnecessary.”

Diesel glowered at the ceiling. He wasn’t getting anywhere with the motherfucker. If not for Shine, Diesel would’ve automatically assumed Tabitha gave Bash his number as she had Tio. But Bash wouldn’t give away his sources unless he chose.

“Now, listen up. You’re going to work on your marriage to Tabitha and call off your fucking wedding to Jana.”

“The hell I will.”

“Your stubbornness is showing. A Caldwell trait, I suppose. Don’t matter that Christopher didn’t squirt you out of his cock, he nurtured you into his image. Admirable.”

“I think so.”

“You should. Ungratefulnessandstubbornness isn’t a good look, asshole.”

The comment surprised a laugh from Diesel.

“Shine introduced me to Tabitha,” Bash announced, killing his amusement. “I thought she was a good girl. Saw a little of myself in her and felt sorry for her lot in life. She might be a cheating slut, but she loves you.”

“Who’s Tio to you?”

“Her friend. By the way, you had every right to rip that motherfucker’s head off and fuck up Shine. Idiots get what they deserve.”

“Not necessarily. Johnnie is still alive.”

Bash laughed. “For now.”

As much as he wanted Johnnie and Cash to die, Diesel had to warn Outlaw. Protecting the stupid motherfucker would be his call.

“But I didn’t call to talk about him.”

“Then you’ve wasted your time calling on behalf of Tabitha.”

“You see, Dee Dee. That’s where you’re wrong. If I wanted trouble, I would’ve killed Johnnie, Meggie, and Rebbie. But you can’t fuck over my little friend. That’s where I draw the line.Killing Jana has nothing to do with Christopher. This is between you and me.”

“If she’s with me, it will have something to do with Uncle Christopher.”

“I’m crushed. You call him uncle but not me?”

“Did you fucking raise me?”

“Did he? You were almost grown when he found you.”

“I’m not calling you ‘uncle’, Bash.”

“Almost said it. Just change the inflection a little.”

“No.”

“Johnnie’s much more fun.”

“Idiots usually are.”