Page 142 of Rebellious

“Then I’ll die happy, knowing my death will undo the fucking peace agreement.”

“Outlaw wouldn’t know—” Tio started.

Bash held up a hand. “I think he would. “This motherfucker is probably tracked. He might not find his body, but he’d know it was us and no one would be safe.” His pale eyes took in Diesel, sitting unafraid and undaunted by the scrutiny. “Christopher released Tabitha’s body to me, but I wanted to talk to you about that. Get your take on it. See if you’d like to tell me when Celia should fly down for the services.”

“Never,” Diesel said. “If you don’t want Tabitha, I’ll have her cremated.”

“What if I told you that isn’t good enough? That I want you to plan her goodbye, Dee Dee?”

“Then I’d tell you tough shit,” Diesel retorted. “That wasn’t part of the plea agreement. I hated that cunt then and I hate her now. I don’t give a fuck if she’s dead, so it’s your choice if you want her body or not.”

Pursing his lips, Bash studied Diesel, then nodded. “I guess I take her then, so Celia can say her goodbyes and have a place to mourn her.”

“Glad to know that’s settled,” Diesel said politely.

Bash looked at Jana. “But…” He smiled again, though Jana found nothing amusing and everything scary. “Before I make a final decision on if I’m killing you and Dee Dee, I want you to tell me in your words what the fuck happened at the creek.”

“I-I went there to g-get fresh air,” she squeaked. “I-I can’t shop the w-way Rebel does.”

“It runs in the family. I heard her Uncle Snake had a shopping addiction,” Bash interjected. He sniffed and wiped his nose. “I could do with another line. Can you get me more powder, Cleaner?”

A shiver went through Jana and she almost asked if she could do a line with him.

“You’re spending your money on blow?” Diesel asked in outrage as the sound of a car gunning down the street and screeching to a stop reached them.

“Shhh, Dee Dee.” Bash placed a finger over his lips. “Recently came into some money. Couldn’t resist a little fun.”

Cleaner and Tio laughed, but before Jana continued footsteps rushed toward the kitchen.

“Oh, thank goodness,” Hopper said, setting grocery bags on the counter. “I thought I’d missed you, Jana.” She glanced at Bash who was staring at Hopper with a look that was almost tenderness. “Is something wrong?”

“You came back,” Bash said.

“I have your car. You let me drive it from Salt Lake City. I have a responsibility to get it back there, Bash.”

Bash dropped his gaze. “Is that the only reason you’re back?”

Pursing her lips, Hopper glanced away, swallowed, and looked at him again. “I came back for you, too. But once we get back to Salt Lake City, I’m leaving. I can take the whores. I expect them. It’s part of your life.”

Diesel glanced at Jana and her jealousy shamed her. If Hopper wasn’t concerned about Bash actually fucking other women, why was Jana stressing over some random kid like Rebel? She didn’t want Diesel sleeping around, but, at the end of the day, he would come home to her. She’d get to call him hers. She’d wear his ring, share his bed, receive recognition as Mrs. Diesel Caldwell. Everyone else, anyone else, was just a fling. She was ashamed that she lost sight of that and his concern for Rebel blinded her faith in him.

“Your drug use is where my boundary is,” Hopper continued.

“You have nothing to say to what the fuck he does, cunt,” Cleaner barked.

Bash frowned. “Only I can call her a cunt, fuckhead. Don’t talk to her like that,” he warned, then looked at Hopper again. “Easton didn’t like to be around either when I used shit.”

“It makes you vicious and unstable,” Hopper told him.

“I’m a vicious, unstable motherfucker, babe—”

“You are,” Hopper agreed. “When you’re clean of drugs, you have better control of yourself.”

“That’s the same thing Easton said,” Bash admitted.

“Do we have to constantly bring that motherfucker up, Papi?” Tio demanded. “I’m sick of him.”

“He isn’t going anywhere,” Diesel snapped, inserting himself in the conversation when Jana wished he would’ve remained silent. “Get used to him at club events and family gatherings.”