Page 100 of Rebellious

Gasping, Rebel used her free hand to feel her lips, checking if they were dry and gross. They felt fine.

“Your hair is like a bridge of bullions, flowing like a river of gold from fairyland.”

“Uh—”

“Your skin is like a piece of ivory just culled from a poor dead elephant.”

“Oh brother,” Axel said.

Kaia grabbed her other hand and squeezed both of them. “Your nose is as twitchy as a Chihuahua’s tail and just as adorable.”

Momma cut off her giggle by biting down on her lip, though her shoulders shook and her eyes watered.

“Your eyes are as glassy as buttons, bright and blue and beautiful. Like a stuffed doll from Coraline.”

Rebel blinked at Kaia.

“Bro, shut up,” Mattie ordered.

Kaia snatched Rebel into his arms and laid his head on her shoulder, ignoring her, “oof,” and squeak of surprise.

“Your brain is a big gray noodle that comes up with the most brilliant words.” Kaia took her face between his hands. “It knows the difference between toodle, doodle, and boodle. I don’t know what you’d do without it.”

“Die,” Axel snarled. “She’d die if she didn’t have no brain in her fucking head.”

“You said you missed my poetry, Reb,” Kaia told her, the desperation in his eyes breaking through some of her defenses. They both ignored the roars of laughter. “Your breath is a sweet as a flower. I want to see you under a shower or in a rose bower outside a castle tower. Your lips are as cute as a tree. I will always bend the knee. Even if you charge me a fee. Nothing in life is free. Not even bumbles and bees. Your hands remind me of an octopus. Without them, I am lost. You’re such a fucking boss. Tell me whatever you want to toss. Your mouth is a little house. It’s as small as a mouse. It wanders around in thickets like a grouse. Your hair is a long, sensual chair. I can use it as a stair. To climb and escape the bear or float through the air. Your ears are delicate shells. I couldn’t find any more perfect ones even if I searched in a deep well. I can use them as my own bell. Your head is a beautiful big globe that deserves your ear lobes. It would be a perfect strobe or a Chihuahua’s robe. Your words are beautiful thoughts that none of my money could’ve bought. Except I fought so I’m not in a drought.”

“How about you in the fucking hospital?” Axel yelled, stomping to Kaia and snatching him and Rebel apart. He thumped Kaia’s shoulder. “One more fucking stupid word from your stupid mouth and I will stomp your tongue.”

“Tongue?” Kaia slapped the side of his head. “Rebel, your tongue is delish—”

“I wouldn’t fucking finish that if I were you,” Diesel warned.

If Rebel hadn’t grabbed Kaia’s hand, Diesel would’ve shoved him aside.

“You wrote all that for me, Kaia?” Rebel whispered.

Kaia nodded. “I thought of it just now as I stared into the most beautiful eyes I’ve ever seen. Yours.” He leaned against her shoulder again. “Please forgive me, Rebel. Please? I’m so sorry. I’ll never cheat or hurt you again. Please.”

Rebel hugged Kaia, then pulled herself out of his embrace. “I have to rebuild my trust in you. Putting your heart on the line in front of everyone means a lot to me. It doesn’t take away how much you’ve hurt me or embarrassed me. I’ll give you a chance to make it up to me, but I swear if you ever cheat on me again, I’ll ask Daddy and Diesel to kill you and her. That’s if I can forgive you this time,” she stressed. “I’m tired and in pain and emotional from your onslaught. I think it’s clouding my judgment.”

“I understand, Chi.” He kissed her cheek, then dug in the pockets of his leather bomber, removing a blue box with white ribbon from each. “I have more presents for you at home, but these were small enough to bring with me and not let you see.”

Diesel stepped behind her chair, hovering over her as she opened the first box and found gold knotted earrings. The second box contained the matching bracelet.

“Kaia,” Rebel said, not slapping Diesel when he snatched the boxes and passed them to Daddy. She hugged Kaia. “Thank you. It means so much to me. If I don’t forgive you, you aren’t getting your presents back.”

Kaia laughed. “I don’t expect to get them back.” He leaned back again. “Please forgive me—”

“Can you please have a smidgeon of pride?” CJ asked. “This much,” he said, holding his thumb and forefinger apart by a tiny fraction. “She said she’ll think about it.”

Shoulders slumping, Kaia nodded and got to his feet. He’d humiliated himself on Rebel’s behalf. She knew the guys already gave him a rough time. If she didn’t act, they’d treat him ten times worse. She stood and held out her hand. Daddy returned her gifts.

Although he glared at Kaia, he handed Rebel the boxes, so she held out her wrist and smiled at Kaia. “You are so kind and thoughtful. I appreciate it so much. Would you put the bracelet on me, Huahua?”

His eyes lit up. “Sure, Chi.”

“Not many men would put themselves out there like that,” Jana piped in, appearing from somewhere and ruining Rebel’s moment. “You’re so sweet, Kaia.”