Page 210 of Rebellious

Rebel buried her face against CJ. “I don’t feel like ordering anything,” she said, her voice muffled.

Rory understood the horror on their faces at her announcement. Rebel loved shopping.

“Everybody knows how I look under my clothes,” she cried. “No wonder Diesel…and Kaia…” Her crying morphed into fresh sobs. “They think I’m gross.”

“That’s the last fucking thing you are,” Rory blurted, before he thought better of it.

CJ growled, Ryan rolled his eyes, and Grant shook his head.

Remembering he was still on his haunches, Rory got to his feet and raised his hand in supplication. “I didn’t mean to say that.”

“Who else saw the stupid videos?” she asked, not raising her head.

“No one at the club,” Ryan said hesitantly.

“As far as you know,” Rebel replied. “But tonight Torrin confronted me about Diesel and…and Diesel slept with a sixteen-year-old and…and…and Kaia likes Fia. She’s never made a video and had everyone see. Despite how much I hate her.”

Rory exchanged glances with the guys. Not only did Fia have a video, but it was with Kaia.

“Rebel, Fia fucks every dude who wants her,” Ryan said. “Out in the open in the main room.”

“Rebel?”

“What, CJ?” she asked tiredly, sounding so defeated.

Rory did that to her. Shamed her, made her cry, and took away her spirit.

“What the fuck did Torrin tell you? I’m not even commenting on that fuckhead sleeping with an underaged girl.” CJ thought for a moment. “When did Axel start pestering you?”

“About 5.” Rebel pulled away and bowed her head. “He’s never done that to me. Usually, he gets an update and waits until the next day to ask for another one. Diesel was the one who suggested I go to the club.”

CJ’s nostrils flared and rage flickered across his face.

“I’m tired,” Rebel said. “Of everything, playing on repeat in my head. I’m tired of believing they don’t think I’m gross because that’s what they said and then having proof that they’re lying. I’m tired,” she repeated. “I have to take the sedative because I can’t sleep. Every time I close my eyes, I see that man. I see the water over my head and…and…I see myself sinking into the murkiness. And, now, I’m behind on my lists.”

“Why don’t you hang out with Mattie and we’ll come back and get you in an hour?” CJ suggested. “I have something to do.”

“What’s that? I just want to go home. Kaia’s downstairs and—”

CJ got to his feet. “We have something to do for Axel’s party, bae. We’ll take him with us. I won’t be long. I promise.

By the time CJ stormed into the club, he’d heard the entire story of how Fia called Kaia and was convinced Diesel put her up to that as much as he was convinced Diesel set Rebel up again. Only this time she couldn’t think clearly, so she didn’t realize what he’d done.

Aware of Ryan, Grant, Kaia, and Rory behind him, CJ stormed to Dad’s table, where Diesel held court with Narci, Torrin, Seven, Fia, Tennysee, Tauriel, and a gorgeous young blonde.

He’d get to Diesel in a minute. Or at home. He snatched Torrin’s hair and jerked his head to the side, punching his fucking jaw. Everyone jumped up.

“CJ!” Diesel yelled. “What the fuck is wrong with you?”

As Torrin stood, he swung. Luckily, CJ turned and took the brunt to his arm, gritting his teeth at the pain and socking that fuckhead in the stomach, knocking the air out of him until Diesel stepped in and snatched his T-shirt.

“Stop it, now, before I punch the fuck out of you.”

CJ yanked himself away, not caring that Diesel wouldn’t let go and ripped his fucking T-shirt. He punched that fuckhead’s jaw, too.

“Leave Rebel the fuck alone, you miserable motherfucker,” he screamed, livid that Diesel constantly fucked with his little sister. “You don’t fucking deserve her. Ever.”

Diesel swung but CJ jumped back, so Diesel kicked the fucking chair. It flew into the next table, knocking over glasses and bottles.