Page 19 of Rebellious

“I almost died,” she said around a sob. “It isn’t bullshit.”

“Only two ways you can be. Dead or alive. You didn’t die.”

Swiping at a tear, she glared at the wall, her back still to the biker. “Not for their lack of trying. First time because Momma has Spidey senses and this time because I called Diesel after his card declined. That fluke saved me.”

“Then chalk it up to your Guardian Angel during her job.”

“One day, she might be napping and then I’m fucked.”

He laughed. She found nothing funny.

“And Meggie didn’t have Spidey senses. She had a mother’s intuition. Leagues better in my book.”

“Momma’s the best mother a girl could ask for.”

“She’s strong and brave. Like you.”

Rebel snorted. “I don’t feel very brave.”

“You’re just tired, babe. Once you rest, you’ll see things differently.”

She wasn’t so sure about that. The first time she almost died, her twin had a mental breakdown. She’d never been a ‘victim’ before. “This is so different because it was random. I was only trying to save Jana.”

“No trying it in, Rebel. You succeeded. She’s alive and so are you because of you. That’s something to take pride in.”

“I guess so.”

“I know so. I’m sure Jana can’t wait to thank you.”

A smile broke through Rebel’s misery and she nodded, forgetting their past grievances amid their shared trauma.

“I’m turning twenty-five in a couple weeks. I have a long scar down my stomach from where I was shot seven times. I coded on the table, but the doctors revived me. Mom says it’s because she’s a God-fearing woman.”

“And you’re a fucking idiot. Wouldn’t you want to change your life after almost losing it?”

He snickered, and she glanced over her shoulder. He wasn’t as tall as Diesel, but he had obsidian eyes and jet-black hair that complimented his swarthiness.

“You’re laughing, but I’m serious.”

“I know, babe, but what’s life if you don’t live on the edge? Diesel is sponsoring me. He told me to keep my eyes open for any prospects between the ages of eighteen and twenty-five.”

Facing the wall again, Rebel frowned, until she realized Diesel’s MO. He was searching for potential members who would support CJ.

“Diesel represented me in a couple of cases. He invited me to party at the club with him and his friends, and I liked what I saw.”

“And you chose the road name of ‘Seven’ for what reason?”

“I’m the seventh kid.”

“You’re joking.”

“Not at all, babe. My parents had five more after me.”

“Well. Goddamn. Uh—”

“That’s some serious fucking,” he said cheerfully.

“So fucking gross that you think about your parents fucking.”