Studying her face, CJ gave her a half smile, then backed away. “As much as my words meant to you.”
Ryan stepped next to Harley. “We can go to the swings, until dinner is ready. If you aren’t feeling better, I’ll walk you home.”
“Okay,” she said miserably, allowing Ryan to take her hand and guide her into the central foyer.
It was a short cut to the hallway where the door with the quickest route to the swings was located.
Five minutes later, Rebel and Kaia were in the den with everyone except Momma and Mattie. After declining Rebel’s offer to help, they went to the kitchen.
Rebel still held her bouquet, until Uncle Mort took the flowers and disappeared, returning a few minutes later with her pink roses in a water-filled vase. He set them on an end table, then joined Daddy, Diesel, Uncle Digger, and Uncle Val at the bar.
CJ and Kayce sandwiched Rebel and Kaia on the couch, while Grant and Rory sat in wing chairs on each side of the coffee table and Devon leaned against a wall, in almost the exact position she’d seen Uncle Val—and more recently Ryan—do so many times over the years. Rule read a bible on an ottoman he’d pushed in a corner. Every time he turned the page, he glared at her.
Rebel wanted to know how many fucking times did one need to read the bible. She knew there were different versions, but they all carried the same messageRule always a King James edition.
Meanwhile, the Terrible Triplets sat on the floor directly across from them on the other side of the coffee table. They stared at Kaia like he was the star attraction at a freak show.
Gritting her teeth, Rebel searched her mind for something to say. She’d been nervous at the restaurant, but once she gave up her purse, she and Kaia had some privacy. Bishop, Narci, Potter, and Torrin weren’t at the table, listening to her. Here, especially if Kaia didn’t stop his nonsense, everyone wouldcomment.
Kaia picked up on the tension. He hadn’t said one word since they sat and were suddenly squeezed together with CJ next to him and Kayce next to her.
The tasseled earring caught her attention. “Did you have that specially made?” she asked, hoping to jumpstart the conversation.
“It’s one of a set,” Kaia told her. “I bought the pair last weekend at a flea market. I can take you tomorrow and see if we can find something similar.”
“Can’t tomorrow,” CJ said.
“Why not?” Rebel demanded.
“Nyx’s initiation is tomorrow,” Grant answered.
“What’s that?” Kaia asked, and lifted a brow at Rebel.
They smiled at each other.
“Barf,” Ryder said. “You two are stupid.”
“Your little brother’s stupid,” Rebel snapped.
“Nuh uh!” Axel yelled. He pointed at her. “I can sue you for cessation of character.”
“It’sdefamation, doofus,” Rebel told him. “I’d love for your miserable little character to cease.”
“Dad! The Blonde Viper wants to kill me. Can I throat punch her?”
“No!” Daddy, CJ, and Diesel said.
“The Blonde Viper is bad ass,” Kayce told her.
“Right?” Rebel smiled at him. “They thought they’d insult me.”
“We need to find a more insultable name, men,” Axel said, glancing from Ryder to Ransom.
“You need to shut the fuck up,” Daddy warned.
“New orders, my good fellows!” Axel said, hopping to his feet and saluting Daddy. “The top dude has ordered silence.” He sat back down.
“As I was about to explain,” CJ said, “Nyx will become an official club girl. She’ll get the full protection of the Dwellers as our property.”
