Page 126 of Beautifully Wounded

What the hell?

“But you claimed her.” Smitty points out, gaining my attention away from Ringo’s broad back and the way his muscles look so defined under the fabric of his tee.

“I did.” Ringo nods. “To keep her safe.”

“From me?” Even though it’s a question, it sounds more like a statement.

“I claimed her so you wouldn’t have the power to send her out on the street… or force her to be a Doxy or a pass around,” Ringo admits.

Man, he has more balls than me.

Obviously.

He doesn’t even sound scared at admitting that to his President, yet I’m over here about peeing my pants.

“You really think I’d do that?” Smitty growls and again, Ringo shrugs.

“You have before.”

I watch as Smitty tilts his head to the side in consideration, and then his brows shoot up.

“Ahhh, yes, that’s right. I have. Now look at Nessy. She loves her life here with us.”

“Maybe, but Nessy’s situation was different to Charity’s.”

“Don’t you mean Abbey?”

Ringo chuckles at his President. “Yes. Sorry. Abbey.”

“So, what’s your plan?” Smitty asks, and I start to relax.

Now they just sound like two mates chatting.

“To find her somewhere safe,” Ringo admits.

“Where?”

“I reached out to the Angel sisters, but they don’t have room, and that’s as far as I got.”

Sighing, Smitty claps Ringo on the shoulder. “Perhaps you’re stalling for a reason, brother.”

What does that mean?

“Even so. You know the drill,” Smitty continues. “Church tomorrow night.”

“Yep.” Ringo nods before Smitty sidesteps him and his gaze lands on me.

“Who the hell decided to call you Charity?”

I point to Ringo quickly, more than happy to throw him under the bus for that, and Smitty’s brows shoot up.

“I thought it was suitable.” Ringo defends himself and I roll my eyes.

“He was being annoying.”

Throwing his head back, Smitty laughs at my expense, and when Ringo shifts to face me, I can see the grin lighting his eyes.

I like seeing him like this.

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