Page 80 of Bishop

Reality hits like a freight train, the disgust punching me in the gut.

I snatch her wrists. Hard. “You think I don’t know what you’re doing?”

She gasps. Her eyes flare.

“That I don’t know you’re currently using all the skills in your arsenal against the only person who’s on your fucking side?” I shove her arms away. “Not a smart move. I’m not a goddamn target you can manipulate.”

Her face falls, her shame staring back at me in merciless technicolor.

“Stay the fuck away from me, belladonna,” I snarl. “Before I decide your daughter isn’t worth the goddamn effort.”

16

ABRI

He storms away.

“Bishop, wait.” I reach for him, but he yanks his arm from my grip and continues across the room. “I’m sorry.” I follow him into the darkened hall.

He doesn’t stop. Goddammit. He barely pauses once he reaches the front door, flings it open, then stalks outside.

“Let me explain.” I step onto the porch, not sure what I’ll say if he does decide to listen.

He jogs down the front steps and marches toward my car.

I chase after him to the overgrown lawn. “Where are you going?”

He shoves a hand into his pocket and my car indicators flash as he continues to the back of the vehicle, pops the trunk, then leans forward, disappearing out of view.

“Talk to me,” I beg.

I walk to the trunk, finding him hauling out a jack and a lug wrench.

“What are you doing?”

He ignores me and moves to the left back wheel throwing the wrench to the dirt drive before shoving the jack under my car.

“Are you removing the tire?” I frown.

“What I’m doing is making sure I get enough notice if you’re stupid enough to try and leave.” He winds the jack, raising my car.

“I’m not leaving.” I throw my hands out at my sides. “I stayed while you were sleeping, didn’t I?”

He keeps winding, his face stony.

“Bishop, I’m sorry, okay? I—”

“I don’t give a shit. Go back to the house.”

No, he needs to listen. “I didn’t know how else to get you to help me.”

His gaze snaps to mine, his narrowed eyes predatory. “Get me to help you?” He shoves to his feet and squares up to me. “I already said I would. I’m here aren’t I? I didn’t tell Langston what the hell is going on even though I fucking owe it to him. What more do you want from me?”

“You’re right. And I’m sorry. I just… I don’t know how to do this.” The words tumble from my mouth. “I don’t know how to be reliant on someone. And I hate it. Especially when everyone I’ve trusted to help me has…” I sigh, not wanting to repeat the sordid details we’ve already hashed out.

He still glares at me, though.

It’s not the first time a man has looked at me that way. It’s the first time I’ve felt this dirty though. This worthless.

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