Page 143 of Beautifully Wounded

“What’s going on?” Jols asks, moving to my side.

I stare down at her, taking in her concerned gaze as it darts between me and the men.

She’s seen this circle before. She knows someone’s about to get a beating, and the fact she’s by my side tells me she has an inkling it’s going to be me.

“Do me a favour? Stay with Abbey. Keep her out of trouble.”

Jols expression drops.

“Sure.” She nods, walking across the circle where I see the familiar sight of golden blonde hair in a high ponytail.

“Listen up!” Smitty calls over the chatter, and everyone falls quiet, the Doxies shifting closer behind the perimeter of my club brothers. “We have rules for a reason. When they are broken, there must be consequences.” Smitty starts pacing in the centre of the circle, his expression serious, his shoulders rolled back, his demeanour demanding attention.

Even though I should be paying attention to my President, my gaze won’t budge off Abbey, a frown tugging at her brows as I read her lips as she asks Jols what’s happening.

Jols doesn’t respond.

“Tonight, one of our most respected will endure his punishment. He will receive a beating, publicly, and every fully patched club brother will take part in delivering it.”

“What!” Abbey squeaks from across the courtyard, and the moment she goes to take a step forward, Jols captures her arm and starts talking in her ear.

“Every single person will remain present and witness the beating of Ringo. No one will intervene. No fully patched member may refuse.”

A round of slaps rise up as my club brothers clap their hands against their shoulders, a sign of respect to our President as he does what he was voted in to do.

Lead.

“Secrets are dangerous. Secrets can bring trouble to our doors. And secrets are why our Sergeant in Arms is receiving a public beating today.”

“No wait. You can’t do this,” Abbey cries out, trying to shake Jols off her.

“Tie his hands behind his back,” Smitty calls, ignoring Abbey, and Spud steps forward with the rope, but JD steps in front of him and snatches it from his grip.

“I’ll do it.”

“Fine.” Spud holds up his hands, smirking before he backs away and JD turns to me.

“Sorry man. I don’t want to do this, but I’d rather he not be the one to do it.”

I chuckle. “How manytimes have you told me you wanted to tie me up?”

“Dude, only so you couldn’t fight off a chick so you could finally get laid.” He counters and we both smirk at each other before his grin falls.

“Still. This sucks.”

“Just do it.” I sigh. “I knew the rules.”

Nodding, JD rounds me and I shift my arms, crossing my wrists behind my back as he makes quick work of binding them together.

As he tightens it, I stretch my neck from one side and then to the other, trying to limber myself up as much as I can in preparation for the oncoming bashing I’m about to receive.

When my eyes find Abbey’s again, I spot the tears glistening in her eyes as both Nessy and Jols talk quietly to her.

“You ready?” Smitty asks, stepping into my line of sight, and I shake my head.

“Any chance I can have a minute with her?” I gesture my head in Abbey’s direction, and Smitty glances over his shoulder before returning his hard glare to me.

“You’re pushing your fucking luck, Ringo.”

---