Page 182 of Rebellious

“Shocking that you went through this song and dance for no fucking reason.” It was what the fuck she always did. “Don’t keep me in suspense. What’s the location?”

Some of her happiness faded. “Turn Creek. I think he just wants sex.”

He did. CJ suspected Ryan was still hung up on Harley, whereas CJ’s feelings for her were complicated. They talked every day and sat together at lunch. He enjoyed their conversations and just being around her made his head spin and his heart lurch, but he was so fucking afraid that she’d hurt him again. He was trying hard to let bygones be bygones. However, he never wanted to go through the type of pain she put him through. Sometimes, he felt closed off. Other times, he felt too much. Especially for her.

“Does he?”

“Why didn’t you ask him? Ryan would let you know. He’s blunt to a fucking fault. He won’t leave you wondering.”

“If I have sex with him, will I still have a chance with you?”

CJ didn’t hesitate. “Fuck no.”

“Even if it’s just sex between him and me?”

“Yeah, Skye.” He wouldn’t get into his and Ryan’s fucked up history. “You really want to spread yourself among cousins?”

“Does it matter? You’re you.” She nodded to the trailer. “I’m me. Expendable.”

“If you make yourself expendable than that’s what you’ll be. I don’t see you that way. I don’t think Ryan does either. But you have to ask him. I’m not in his head.” Thank fuck. “If you want to sleep with him, then do it.”

“Will you think less of me?”

“No. What you do is your business.”

“It wouldn’t matter at all?”

Fuck, would it? He didn’t know. Even if Ryan slept with her, he doubted she’d stop tormenting CJ. She was determined he notice her.

“I’m tired of being poor. Living in a trailer. Wondering about food. I want a way out.”

If she didn’t have money, how she’d end up at Ridge Moore? Not that he’d ask. Too much information would keep her on his mind. Yet, something about her words, alarmed him, especially when he thought about how much she tried to insinuate herself into his fucking life.

She leaned across the console and pressed her lips to his without warning. She smelled like strawberries. CJ held himself still, but she was relentless, until he couldn’t help but respond, taking over and slipping his tongue into her mouth. He grunted at her sweetness, unable to stop tasting her, losing himself to time and place.

Losing himself to her.

When Meggie arrived home and brought all her purchases to the bedroom on the first floor, she regretted not convincing Kendall to return to the club. Hopefully, by the time Meggie returned from the cabin, her friend would’ve worked through her feelings and realized that, yes, sleeping with another man could have devastating consequences, no one looked down on her for her decision. They were there to help her through her turmoil.

Meggie planned to call Kendall before she started dinner but checked on Rebel first. Her daughter was lying on the sectional in her room, watching television.

Closing the door, Meggie hurried to where Rebel was pushing herself into a sitting position. She dropped next to her daughter and hugged her.

“Reb—”

“I’m okay, Momma,” Rebel interrupted. “I’m just hungry.”

Meggie inventoried the dark circles around Rebel’s eyes, her haggard expression and the sadness turning down her mouth.

“Talk to me, sweetheart,” Meggie said, grabbing Rebel’s hand and twining it with hers.

“I don’t know what to say.”

“What’s bothering you.” Meggie searched for a way to break through Rebel’s turmoil, took in her features again, and realized Kaia’s earrings were back in her ears. That hadn’t been the case when she’d come in to check on her in the early morning hours of yesterday. “You’re wearing Kaia’s gift again.”

Rebel untangled her fingers from Meggie’s and nodded. “I thought they would turn my ears green, but Kaia said they’re real gold.”

“Turn your ears green? Wherever would you get that idea?”