Chapter Twenty – Diesel #3
He covered his head with his arms and waited until it thunked to the ground before he looked at her again.
Afraid she’d find another weapon, he raised his hands in supplication.
“I care about Jana,” he swore, the truth.
He wanted the best for her. Wanted to help her however he could.
“I want to make a go with her. Rebel has nothing to do with it.”
Rolling her eyes, she shook her head. “If you aren’t lying to me, then you’re lying to yourself.”
“What the fuck do you want me to say?”
“In a minute, nothing,” she said evenly. “Because you won’t be able to when I have your stupid lips sewn shut.”
He glowered at her.
“Mom!”
“Shut it, CJ,” Aunt Meggie ordered, ignoring the hurt that crossed that coddled fuckhead’s face.
Everything was his, but most especially Aunt Meggie.
“Is there anything wrong with Diesel marrying Jana until Rebel’s eighteen?” CJ pressed. “It would cool the situation off.”
Aunt Meggie gasped, as appalled by the suggestion as Diesel.
“If you can’t stay quiet for two seconds, you have to leave, so your brother and I can finish the conversation, CJ.”
“That isn’t fair, Mom!”
“It’s exactly fair, fuckhead,” Diesel stormed. “How fucking dare you tell me to use Jana and then cast her aside.”
His eyes narrowing, CJ stiffened.
“Either keep your mouth shut, CJ, or get out,” Aunt Meggie warned.
Although CJ wasn’t happy, he chose the former.
Aunt Meggie looked at Diesel. “Are you and Jana planning to have kids?”
“No. I don’t want children.”
“You don’t, but does she?” she asked.
There was no way in fucking hell he’d place that type of responsibility on Jana’s shoulders. He could hire a full-time staff for her, but the first time something overwhelmed her, he couldn’t be sure how she’d respond. Rebel was more suited to motherhood, given all her younger siblings.
“Suppose CJ is right, Diesel?” Aunt Meggie asked, unable not to give that fuckhead validation.
“Jana isn’t a fill-in for Rebel!”
“Suppose that’s not true sub-consciously, son? What’s your end plan? How would you plan on leaving her to be with Rebel? What are you doing to work on yourself? You have a lot of unresolved issues, Diesel. We both know how you handle them, son.”
“That isn’t fair,” Diesel raged. “I haven’t fucked another woman since Jana came back to town.”
“It is quite fair. You may not have slept with anyone else, but you play mind games with Rebel,” she snapped. “Do I need to remind you about Fia? Or the pregnancy announcement?”
“I’m not some immature jerk.”
“Why am I wasting my breath?” she said in frustration. “Your level of delusion cannot be overcome.”
That hurt. “Your low opinion of me warms my heart.”
She made a face at him and folded her arms. Rebel hadn’t stolen her attitude and temper. She’d inherited it from her mother
Tossing her hair and tapping her foot, Aunt Meggie lifted her chin and waited for Diesel’s answer. Wanting to sulk in his room, he glanced at the door.
“I haven’t given you permission to leave, son,” she said.
“I don’t know what the future holds, Aunt Meggie,” Diesel said, having no choice but to relent and offer the brutal truth.
“If…” He couldn’t fucking believe he was actually about to say stomach turning fucking words.
“If…the…if…Rebel is…is…in—” He swallowed, ashamed and on the verge of tears.
Aunt Meggie’s disgust didn’t help him. “I’m sorry. ”
“Save your apology,” she barked. “If I overcome my complete and total revulsion and fight to save your miserable life, you better treat my daughter with the utmost respect. Most of all, overcome your self-hatred so you’d love her the way she deserves.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
She started off, then halted. “My current anger toward you is solely because of Rebel, Diesel. I want both of you to find different partners. I want Rebel to enjoy her teenage years without planning her life with a grown man. I don’t understand how her crush turned into this.
At the moment, she’s the child. You’re the adult. It’s loathsome and disgusting.”
“I haven’t touched her.”
“I hope by the time Rebel’s eighteen, you and Jana have found common ground and are settled into married life. I hope Rebel sees something in Kaia.”
Diesel balled his hands into fists. “Kaia’s an adult, too.”
“I’m well aware, but his life experience compared to yours can’t be compared. Not only are you ten years older than him, you’re you.”
“Is that a good or bad thing?”
“As long as Rebel’s out of the equation, it’s lovely.”
“I don’t like Kaia.”
“Leave him alone, Diesel,” Aunt Meggie warned.
“If he touches her, I’m killing him.”
“Refer to my previous statement,” she said. “What I want most for Rebel is that she enjoys her teenage years. That she goes on dates with several boys, instead of focusing on just one person.”
CJ and Diesel recoiled, united in their disgust and disapproval at her words.
“Hey, Mom,” Axel said, opening the door without warning and running in. He stopped, squinted, and stiffened. “What’s going on in here?” he asked suspiciously.
“Nothing, son,” Aunt Meggie said and swept away.
Axel stood still for a moment, then swallowed. “Mom’s mad.”
“She’ll, er…” CJ’s voice trailed off and he shrugged. “It’ll be okay, big head. She’ll get over it.”
Diesel gave Axel a wary look.
“I told you motherfuckers not to make her mad so she won’t leave again.”
“She’ll only leave if she’s angry with Dad,” CJ said carefully.
Axel glared at them, his eyes bright and teary. “Sleep with your fucking eyes open,” he said, and stalked away.
“Fuck,” CJ mumbled, a sentiment Diesel thoroughly echoed.