Page 20 of Beautifully Wounded

“We still have a bit of a drive. You should try to get some sleep.”

Sleep. Hell, it sounds good in theory, but how will I ever sleep while these thugs are around? I can’t take my eyes off them for a second. What if they try something? What if they…

Nope. Not going there.

As we drive off, following behind two of the motorcycles, while the other two follow behind us, I get a better view of the fire burning in the reflection in the side mirror, the van fully alight as it burns wildly.

I’ve heard about this on the news. The police said burning the cars used in crimes is common practise for organised crime in Australia.

Which begs the question.

“Am I the crime you committed? Is that why you’re burning that van?”

My question doesn’t even surprise Ringo, and he shoots me a sinister smirk, leaning in to bring us close again.

“What do you think?”

Shrugging, I lick my dry lips, suddenly feeling parched. “I don’t know. That’s why I’m asking.”

Even in the dull light, I don’t miss the way Ringo’s eyes dart down to my lips, watching as I lick them again, and when he answers, his eyes linger there briefly before he locks his gaze with mine again.

“Kidnapping is a crime, Charity. How does it feel to know all of this effort has gone into stealing you away?”

My cheeks feel hotter than they should. I’m not entirely sure what’s happening. Maybe I’m falling ill. I mean, it would be my luck.

I take a moment to try to compose myself and consider his words, and my brows hitch when I realise I’m kinda happy that there’s been so much fuss. Something I’m not used to.

Ringo takes that moment to lean closer, his lips hovering just by my ear before he speaks.

“That’s what I thought, Charity case.”

6

At some point, I fall asleep, no longer able to keep my eyes open as the music in the truck reminds me of the music my best friend, Lexi, listens to. Well, I guess I’m not really her best friend anymore, not after what I did. She has a new best friend now, and me? Well, I only have me, and my littlest sister, Tahli. And hell, right now, I don’t even have that.

When my lids flutter open again, my head is resting on Ringo’s arm, so I sit up in a hurry, mortified I did that.

The prick just chuckles quietly next to me.

The truck has slowed. We are no longer on a highway but driving in what looks like a metro area of Melbourne. A little rush of excitement has me sitting taller, my eyes scanning everything I can see to find a sign that gives away our location.

I’m happy to be away from Timber Valley, where my hometown of Fox Pines is. I used to love the regional area, but now,the things that happened to me have poisoned any love I have for that place.

My family never ventured into the city much. My only taste was the few times a year I went and stayed with my Gran, but she got sick a few months back, and my mum was quick to shove her into an aged care facility.

I don’t even think she’s been to visit her since the day she moved her in.

I hate my mum. She was always hard on me growing up, but her true colours didn’t show until I committed an irreversible sin in the eyes of the Lord.

“We’re nearly there. Pull your hood up,” Ringo orders, not even bothering to look at me, so I poke my tongue out at him.

“I like this one,” Stocky says from my other side, a deep chuckle rumbling from his chest, and my eyes widen.

Did he just catch me sticking my tongue out like an immature brat?

Whoops.

I have no idea what’s gotten into me. I would never normally act like this.

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