Page 184 of Restless
A half-smile curved Rule’s mouth. “Don’t worry, Ry. I’ll never harm a pet.”
Goddamn.
Uneasy—and honestlyfrightened—Ryan put a hand on Rule’s shoulder. As if in slow motion, Rule glanced at Ryan’s arm, then searched his face. The intensity in those pale green eyes alarmed Ryan and he stumbled back.
“W-w-w-what…?” Ryan paused, swallowed, and tried to gather his thoughts. He licked his lips. “We’ve always been friends, cuz.” Better to be friends with a murderous zealot. The thought made him shake and he snapped his hands behind his back to conceal his terror. “We share…we share, er ‘R’names.”
“If you ask me, there are too many ‘R’ names, Ryan.” Rule shoved his hands into his jacket pockets. “But He’s whispered to me that Momma meant no harm, so I can forgive her. He’s also reminded me that she had no say-so in some instances. Aunt Zoann named you Ryan Matthew, instead of Matthew Ryan, because Uncle Val was…” His voice trailed off and he shrugged.
“You’d hurt Meggie because of some stupid fucking names?”
“She’sAuntMeggie to you.”
Ryan jumped at the note of cruelty in Rule’s voice.
“And, no, I wouldn’t. One of the commandments is ‘honor your father and mother.’Do you know it?”
Fuck. He wished he did. As a child, he’d been forced to endure Mass. Now, he searched his brain but came up with nothing.
“Honor thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee.” Rule smiled. “It is the only commandment with a promise. Doyouhonor your parents? Mine?”
“O-o-o-o-of course,” Ryan stammered, stiffening his muscles to stop his entire body from shaking like a leaf in a storm.
Bash groaned.
“We aren’t friends, Ryan,” Rule said conversationally. “You and me. It wasyourteasing me and calling me names that started me on my journey.”
Another groan from Bash accompanied by movement. But Rule’s stare pinned Ryan to his spot. Part accusation and part dislike that promised religious retribution.
“But you’re family, Ryan. Do you know a bible verse about family?”
“Uh—”
“I expect that you don’t.” Rule sighed.
Bash sat up.
“Should I slit his throat?” Rule whispered and glanced up at the sky. “Yes, okay,” he answered, as if someone had spoken, then he made the sign of the cross again, walked to Bash, and elbowed the side of his head so hard that Bash toppled over, unconscious once more.
Rule walked off without another word, his head undoubtedly filled with voices, bible verses, and blood sacrifices.
Ryan staggered behind. He’dneverfucking turn his back on his cousin again. He’d warn Val to keep a close eye on Hogzilla. He’d tell Meggie…Aunt Meggie…to never name any other child with an ‘R’. He’d ask Roxanne…Lolly…to choose another name.
He’d…
Goddamn.
Breathing heavily, Ryan paused. Despite how cold it was, he dripped with sweat.
The family worried about Rory’s psychopathy because of Uncle Johnnie. Perhaps, though, they were concerned about the wrong motherfucker.
Chapter Thirty
Ten days before Christmas, CJ waited anxiously at the clubhouse for the arrival of Jaleena and her parents. He was so nervous he’d even cut his visits with Molly and Jo short earlier today.
The clubhouse was crowded tonight and particularly rowdy as more brothers from out-of-town chapters arrived for the annual holiday celebrations that began with Thanksgiving. After Mom’s collapse, the pace of the convergence slowed to a trickle.
Each day she grew stronger, Dad returned to normal, and CJ breathed easier. He noticed small things again, like the club decorations, which hadn’t been completed until a couple of days ago.
