Page 92 of Rebellious

“That’s a little extreme. Besides, neither I nor my daughter should have to police you so aggressively. You know right from wrong.”

“I do,” he croaked.

“I won’t send you away, Kaia. I don’t want you with Rebel—”

“Do you want Diesel with her?”

“Do you want her so badly to best him?”

“What? No! I want her for her. She’s beautiful and smart and just a great girl.”

“Who isn’t ready for sex.”

“I know! I swear I won’t pressure her ever again.”

“To answer your question, I don’t want her with Diesel. He’s a dangerous man with addictions and a deep disregard for women. He’s also legally my son and I adore him as such. It would be a stretch to accept him as my son-in-law. You, on the other hand? You’re a sweet guy with a lot of potential. You’re also super talented.”

Kaia puffed his chest out. “My poetry.”

Meggie laughed. “Your drawings.”

“Those, too,” Kaia said happily.

“Yet, I don’t want you with my daughter. You have deep emotional scars and a lot of growing up to do.”

“So does Reb,” Kaia argued. “That makes us perfect for each other.”

“No, it doesn’t. Not only did you cheat, but you also opened your mouth and confirmed all of Rebel’s suspicions about CJ tapping you to meet her at Turn Creek.” Mrs. Caldwell…Meggie shook her head. “What is wrong with you?”

“She asked me and…and…there were enough lies—”

Her raised hand interrupted him. “It’s done,” she said flatly. “I can only guide Rebel. Try to guide her. She is as stubborn and tunnel-visioned as her daddy.”

Kaia didn’t know where the conversation was going, so he remained silent.

“I will set up a savings account for you and redirect some of your pay to it. Just tell me how much.”

“You take care of everything for me, Meggie,” Kaia told her. “I’d like two-thirds of my pay to go into my savings account.”

The pride in Meggie’s blue eyes meant more to Kaia than she’d ever know.

“Oh, you know what?” She snapped her fingers as if she’d just thought of something. “It’s almost time for your quarterly review.”

“Oh,” Kaia said, deflating. He still hadn’t repaid the debt for her ruined clothes.

She waved her hand and her rings caught a ray of light from the overhead pendant fixtures. “You’ve done an excellent job so far, so I will bump up your pay. You will barely notice a difference in the money you receive after the deposits into your new savings account. Just make sure to use your money wisely.”

“Yes, yes! I will. Thank you.” He’d spend every dime on Rebel. “What can I get her as a get-well and welcome home present?”

Meggie thought for a moment. “After we eat, you and I will head to Portland. We’ll set up your savings account and then we’ll go shopping.” She got to her feet and started off but paused. “You deserve happiness, Kaia. Never forget that. If Rebel only wants to be friends with you, accept that. It’s better than nothing. If she ever takes you back and you hurt her again, no part of your body will ever be found, and I’ll make sure of that.”

Early this morning, Diesel knocked on Easton’s door at the clubhouse to give him the keys to Dr. Marvey’s old office at Ridge Moore with the announcement that today was the first day of the rest of Easton’s educational life.

Luckily, he’d kept two suits from his days as a financial advisor. Otherwise, he would’ve been scrambling to look presentable. He doubted Outlaw wanted him to wear his cut as a school official in upper management.

A big part of his initiation with the Scorpions had been murder, along with bullshit from sadistic motherfuckers like Cleaner and Tom Harris. Even Bash had jumped in. Back then, he’d been more suspicious of Easton, despite the DNA results that proved they were father and son.

Here, with Diesel as his handler, Easton didn’t know what to expect. He’d spent most of the weekend at Hortensia General. Last night, he’d been ordered back at the clubhouse. Outlaw told him to have a good rest. Diesel though? That motherfucker put him on gate duty, promising dire retribution if Easton fell asleep.