Reckless: The Legacy Begins, page 44
CJ immediately dropped his arms to his side. “I’m sorry, bae,” he murmured. “I shouldn’t—”
“You can touch it,” she breathed.
His stupid dick twitched in celebration of her words. She pushed further into him, and if he was a weaker motherfucker, he might’ve whimpered at the friction.
Instead, he grabbed her hand and weaved through the crowd. If he could have, he would’ve left her on the dance floor. But he didn’t want to hurt her feelings and he didn’t want a crowd of people to deal with. It wouldn’t be long before the Homecoming Court would be crowned and he definitely couldn’t walk on stage with a hard cock.
And with Mom there, too.
Fuck.
CJ guided Jaleena through one of the side exits and breathed in the crisp night air, happy it was virtually deserted. When he tried to let her hand go, she tightened her grip.
“I know you want to feel my ass, CJ. I want you to feel it.”
His heart pounded and suddenly all he could think of was Jaleena’s ass. It was round and pretty and perfect.
She drew in a deep breath. “I-I was wondering…I-I mean…I like you a lot and…and…” She released his hand and stepped back. “I like you so much and…and…and…” She bit her lush lip and her face fell. “N-never mind. I’m stupid…just because you seem so cool doesn’t mean you want to go steady with me.” Her eyes widening, she squeaked and slapped a hand over her mouth.
Protecting girls was what he did, so seeing her distress took his mind off her body and how he’d love to not only feel her ass but see it too.
He wrapped her in his arms. “You’re not stupid, Jaleena. You’re beautiful and smart.”
She relaxed against him. “So do you want to go steady with me?” Tipping her head back, she smiled at him.
Strands of music suddenly floated to them, and they started moving to the beat, grinding against each other.
You love Harley! You love Harley! You love Harley! You love Harley!
You love—
“Mr. Caldwell!”
The squeaky little voice interrupted CJ’s internal mantra, while Jaleena jumped out of his arms.
“That is highly inappropriate.”
Fuckface Lumbly materialized in front of them like a pissed off imp. Although Rebel mentioned Lumbly’s treatment of CJ to Dad a little over two weeks ago, nothing ever came of it. Dad hadn’t even brought it up again.
The corners of Jaleena’s lips turned down. “We were just dancing,” she protested.
“You were moving like a stripper, girl, and Mr. Caldwell’s hands were on your nether regions,” he barked, eliciting an offended gasp from Jaleena.
“They were not!” she screeched.
Not out here, at least.
“I’m sure you don’t know any better, but don’t practice your trade in front of innocent children, Jaleena.”
“There’s no one out here,” Jaleena cried, anger and embarrassment crumpling her pretty face.
“Don’t talk to her like that,” CJ snapped. “Miss Davis was having fun and not hurting anyone.”
“Jaleena had no business grinding like a slut around children.”
CJ drew his brows together. The fuckhead wasn’t making sense. Until Lumbly’s appearance, they’d been alone. When they were on the dance floor…
That dirty motherfucker!
Jaleena narrowed her eyes, apparently reaching the same conclusion as CJ. “Tell me, Mr. Lumbly,” she began in a saccharine tone, batting her lashes in an exaggerated manner. “How long were we dancing like that?”
CJ looked at her questioningly, but she just shot him a grin.
“All night, and I’ve let it go on long enough.”
“So, you’ve watched me dance ‘inappropriately’ with CJ for hours, and you’re just now doing something about it? You are aware how creepy it is to watch two minors grind against each other for so long, right?”
Lumbly’s skin flushed, but a triumphant smile spread across his face. “So, you admit to grind—”
“We were following the songs instructions,” CJ interrupted, before the little weasel redirected the conversation and tried to frame it to his narrative. “And Jaleena has a point. Suppose her father were to catch wind of your actions. Or, better yet, mine?”
“They wouldn’t appreciate a grown man watching us for so long, CJ,” Jaleena chirped, her smile growing as Lumbly’s skin grew redder. “Not to mention, he greatly insulted me.”
“I cannot believe what you’re insinuating, Jaleena! I’m highly offended that you’re calling my character into question, an—”
“So, why were you watching us for so long? I can’t think of a single reason that doesn’t equal you being a creep.” Jaleena sniffed, not keen on backing down. She held up a manicured hand as he opened his mouth to say something else, making both Lumbly and CJ gape at her boldness. “You know, my family may not contribute as much as the Donovans or the Caldwells, but we still pay enough to see you removed. You’ve had it out for CJ the entire year, and I won’t let you ruin my Homecoming because you’re a bitter little man.”
CJ bit back his chuckle at Lumbly’s expression. With zero effort, she was eating up the fuckhead; CJ loved it.
However, if he’d stayed inside, Lumbly wouldn’t have accosted them. They would’ve been within view of his mother and father, not giving Lumbly free range to harass CJ. Motherfucker was the worst kind of opportunist.
“CJ has done nothing to you, sir,” Jaleena insisted.
“Mr. Lumbly—” CJ started as the door closest to him opened.
“All this ruckus for a no-good thug,” Lumbly snarled, not bothering to see who’d come outside. “You’re as disgraceful as he is, girl.”
Lumbly gave short men everywhere a bad reputation. He did nothing to challenge their stereotypical Napoleon complex.
“You’re not only dreadful but a fool if you think he’s worthy of defense. He’ll just use you, then toss you away like trash. He’s a biker’s spawn, and those criminals only know—”
The door slammed with a thud, drawing their attention. Dad and Uncle Digger thundered toward them. Each time Dad’s spurs jingled, the air thickened with anticipation.
“What we know, assfuck? Since you a fuckin’ expert on us motherfuckers, tell my ass what the fuck we know,” Dad growled, stopping next to CJ.
Stumbling back, Lumbly paled.
“Cat got your tongue, motherfucker?” Uncle Digger barked at Lumbly’s silence.
Mom, Aunt Zoann, and Aunt Bunny rushed outside. Aunt Zoann beelined to Jaleena and whispered to her, before taking her hand and ushering her away.
Whatever was about to occur wouldn’t be good, evident by Jaleena’s removal. Maybe he should follow Aunt Zoann and Jaleena. Possibly, guard the door. Just as quickly, he changed his mind. Dad might think he was running away with his tail tucked between his legs. Definitely not a Dweller’s style. Whatever happened, he had to stay at his father’s side. He refused to look so weak, no matter how nervous he was.
“What are you doing out here, potato?” Mom asked.
“Jaleena and young Mr. Caldwell were being inappropriate…” Lumbly sputtered, his voice trailing off at Dad’s glower.
“The fuck that gotta do with you insultin’ my boy? Ain’t I told your fuckin’ ass to leave him the fuck alone?”
“Mr. Caldwell, I meant—”
“Not to get caught,” Uncle Digger finished.
“Go the fuck back inside, Megan,” Dad ordered, his gaze not leaving Lumbly’s.
“Go with Meggie, Bunny,” Uncle Digger said. “Fuck, I’m glad I didn’t wear no tux. Always ruining those bitches with blood.”
“What!” Lumbly cried, trembling so violently CJ thought his legs wouldn’t hold him up much longer.
“Come with me and Bunny, CJ,” Mom instructed. “We have to check on Jaleena.”
“I’ll be inside in a moment, Mom,” CJ promised.
“CJ—”
He bent and kissed her cheek. “I promise.”
“Ima send his lil’ ass in befuckinfore, baby.”
“Before what?” Lumbly sobbed.
The moment the door closed behind Mom and Aunt Bunny Uncle Digger snatched Lumbly off his feet. The dangling little asshole stammered out pleas and apologies as he was carried into the darkness. Though he was screaming for help, no one came running to aid him.
“Val waitin’ with the van,” Dad explained.
“You predicted bullshit?”
“Nope. I intended fuckin’ the fuck up. I heard every fuckin’ word Rebel said the other day, CJ. I warned that motherfucker. He ain’t listened. Oh-fuckin-well.”
CJ’s eyes widened. “What’s going to happen to him?”
“Ain’t gotta worry about that, boy. Be a kid and enjoy the rest of your fuckin’ night.” He turned in the direction Uncle Digger had gone with Lumbly. “Your Ma ain’t feelin’ good. Keep watch. Ain’t gonna be long. Ima fuck Lumbly the fuck up and dump him off Turn Creek Bridge. I just hope assfuck ain’t hauntin’ your lil’ ass when you fuckin’ cut.”
Busted! “I can explain.”
“Ain’t asked you to, boy. Just know that the fuckhead ain’t gonna bother you anymore.”
With that, Dad walked away, leaving CJ alone as intense relief swamped him.
Chapter Thirty-Eight
Hating the holiday season was a new experience for Rebel, but she supposed there was a first for everything. Instead of appreciating all the Christmas decorations, she saw them as dorky. But Megan wanted them, so the house resembled the North fucking Pole. Even the basement, built as the children’s sanctuary, couldn’t escape her stupidity.
What could Rebel expect though? Once, she loved the basement with a 50s styled diner, a theater, a game room, a bowling alley, a dance club, a unisex sitting room and private ones for boys and another for girls. There was also a kitchen, several bathrooms, and a couple of other rooms because her mother was spoiled and ridiculous, either trying to live out a misplaced childhood fantasy or seeking to control her children.
Rebel bet on the former. Otherwise, Daddy wouldn’t have herded everyone down here after they returned from Thanksgiving dinner at the club. The moment they walked into the house, Momma batted her lashes.
Simpering bitch.
Living with Megan Caldwell for almost fifteen years gave Rebel an insider’s view on what to expect. The Sunday before Thanksgiving, club brothers began decorating outside and in some of the rooms inside. Thanksgiving eve and morning, Megan and the aunts cooked while Daddy and the uncles drank. Black Friday, Megan and Daddy shopped. Saturday afternoon, the tree for the central hall arrived and they decorated it as a family. Sometimes, their weekly get-togethers fell on that date, so it turned into a fucking free-for-all. Sunday, the club hosted a party to decorate their tree. Cyber Monday, Megan allowed her children to shop. Only this year, Rebel wouldn’t. She didn’t have her debit card and Megan bowed to Daddy’s wishes that Rebel hadn’t earned the right to spend thousands of dollars.
“Reb, c’mon!” CJ called, ignoring Rebel’s shitty mood. “We’re going to the disco and dance.”
Unlike her, he was in a fucking great mood. Ever since Homecoming, he’d been so fucking…happy. He’d won one of the biggest games of the year and was crowned King. Lumbly hadn’t returned to school and rumors swirled he was no longer employed at Ridge Moore. Then, tonight, CJ and Harley made up. Rebel wasn’t sure what was said, but by the time they headed home, they were giggling quietly amongst themselves.
All was right in CJ’s world, while hers was falling apart. Now, he wanted her to fucking dance?
Fuck him.
“Not interested,” Rebel retorted. She was perfectly happy, sitting alone in the Cadillac booth, although she wanted to swipe the Christmas bouquet to the black-and-white tiled floor and stomp it. As a matter of fact, she’d go down the line of booths and destroy the bouquets if she could, then she’d do the same to the three on the L-shaped counter, especially the one in front of her parents.
“It’s okay, CJ,” Megan said, swiveling on the stool and smiling at Rebel. “Your sister isn’t in the mood.”
Daddy leaned against the soda dispenser behind the counter and glared at Rebel.
Poking out her lip, she glanced at the replicated menu board with offerings of milkshakes, banana floats, apple pie, ice cream, burgers, and fries. They’d come to the diner for their Thanksgiving dessert of warm pie and ice cream.
Gunner tugged Rebel’s jacket. “Webel, um on! MegAnn dance.”
Rebel snatched away from his grubby little fingers. She didn’t have much to say to her family anymore. Not even her twin, which was why she ignored Rule’s woeful gaze from where he sat at the counter. But Rebel most especially disregarded Megan.
If it wasn’t for her stupid baby, she would’ve spent more time with Rebel. Listened to her. If not for that girl child who’d enter the world in late spring and complete the ruin of Rebel’s life, Megan would’ve seen she was a hypocrite and a traitor. Daddy had been like a son to Big Joe, yet Megan married him. There was an even bigger age gap between Daddy and Megan than Diesel and Rebel.
“You comin’ to the disco and dancin’ with your Ma and brothers or you goin’ to your fuckin’ room,” Daddy told her, forever on Megan’s side.
Rebel sidled her father a glower.
At his growl, her heart sped up. Before he’d spanked her, she would’ve dismissed the anger in his eyes. Now, she knew the truth. It wasn’t about her. It was about following his stupid rules and keeping Megan happy.
“It’s all right, Christopher. Leave Rebel alone. She’s hurt and confused. Once Jo arrives, she’ll see no one will ever take her place.”
“Really?” Rebel demanded, still outraged at the baby’s name. “You named me Rebel, but somehow I’m special? If that was the case, you would’ve named me Josephine after Big Joe.”
“Rebel—”
“Shut the fuck up, Megan,” Daddy ordered. “You ain’t explainin’ yourself to no lil’ kid, especially one of our lil’ motherfuckers. Get to your fuckin’ room, Rebel.”
She jumped to her feet, forgetting Gunner hovered near her and knocking him over. “I hate you and your stupid baby, Mother. I want you and her to fucking die. Today! Now! The world would be a better place without you and her. Die! I hate all of you!” she screamed, fed up. “How can you be happy when my life is destroyed and I’m so emotional?”
Gunner wailed bloody murder.
“Fuck your motherfuckin’ emotions,” Daddy said, stalking toward her.
Yelping in fear, Rebel dodged him.
“Christopher!” Momma called in her stupid sad voice. Fucking weak cunt. “L-leave her alone,” she said, on the verge of tears.
Throwing her a look that promised murder, Daddy picked up Gunner and kissed his cheek. “S’okay, boy,” he said gruffly, ruffling his fingers through Gunner’s dark hair.
Rebel burst into tears, wanting comfort and understanding. “No one cares what seeing Tabitha and Diesel at the club did to me.”
“We don’t,” Ryder agreed with a nod. “We just think you’re fucking stupid.”
“And a weirdo,” Ransom added.
Axel stood between Ryder and Ransom, nodding in agreement. He was on the quiet side. Unlike Rule, an introvert at his core, Axel was a sneaky little motherfucker who listened to gather information for his own miserable use.
“Enough, boys,” Megan said sternly, her skin red and splotchy in some places but chalk white in others.
Rule rushed to Rebel and tried to take her into his arms.
She pushed him. “Fuck off!”
Megan took Rule’s place. Rebel had just enough self-preservation to not shove her away.
“Rebel,” Megan said softly, taking Rebel’s face between her hands.
Rebel recoiled. “I’m not listening to you.”
“It’s okay, love,” she soothed. “You’re hurting and emotional, but it doesn’t last. One day, you’ll look back on this time and realize it wasn’t the end of the world. When you meet Jo, you’ll love her and appreciate the infusion of estrogen.”
“Never!” Rebel sobbed. “She’s already taking you away. You already love her more.”
Ignoring Rebel’s anger, Megan embraced her. The feel of the baby bump made Rebel cry harder.
“When I was carrying you, there was so much going on, Rebel,” Megan explained. “Naming you Josephine didn’t seem a possibility. It didn’t cross my mind,” she amended. “There was a lot of animosity for Big Joe.” Stepping back, she thumbed away Rebel’s tears. “Now, there isn’t.”
Sniffling, Rebel swiped at her cheeks with the backs of her hands. For the first time in weeks, she appreciated Momma’s mothering.
“Tabitha told me she’s been off her birth control and might be pregnant with Diesel’s baby,” she cried miserably, her thoughts all jumbled.
Momma scowled and hugged Rebel again. This time, she returned her mother’s embrace, leaned down, and rested her head on her shoulder.
“God, I wish she would shut up sometimes,” Momma snapped.
“Ima talk to Diesel and tell him to shut his bitch the fuck up, baby. Ain’t no reason for her to constantly fuck with my girl.”
“Do it as soon as possible,” Momma said, sounding suddenly so tired. She tightened her hold on Rebel.
Then, without warning, she went limp.
Rebel had never seen so much blood or her mother so pale. She’d never heard CJ and Daddy scream and yell in distress, or the rest of her brothers cry in fear.
Daddy had shoved Gunner to Rule and rushed to Momma, taking her lifeless body from Rebel’s grasp. He turned and ran, not thinking just acting.
The trail of blood had horrified Rebel and she hollered, allowing CJ to jerk her behind their parents. She stumbled, her hate and anger burning away like mist in the sun.
“Go, CJ,” she said, jerking away from him so she wouldn’t slow him down. “C-Call Aunt Zoann. She’ll know what to do.”
