Page 94 of Beautifully Wounded

I nod, forcing a half smile at Jols before glancing at Ringo. “Good. People like that deserve to die.”

Ringo smirks. “That they do, Angel.”

The way he stares at me, his dark stormy eyes somehow looking like they soften as he takes me in, does something to me.

I know I’m only young. I know I’m naïve. And I know we are complete opposites, but there’s something about the way he looks at me that makes me feel… like I’m more.

Of course, it could be just the desperate part of me wanting someone to at least like me a little. Just enough to want to fight for me. And yes, I know he’s been doing that, but it’s only because Lexi asked him to. If it weren’t for her, he’d never have come across me, let alone gotten involved with me.

It’s at that moment that some of the men start stumbling from different rooms, followed by the Doxies too, so any conversation about Red Eights and the attack Jols survived ends quickly.

“I need to help the Doxies with brunch,” Jols says, dragging her gaze to the hungover men, slowly staggering closer to where we are.

She’s not a Doxy, but she helps around here, and I guess I should be too since I’m eating their food and using their water.

“I’ll come and help.” I offer Jols a smile when her eyes dart back to me.

“That would be great.” She beams, and I wonder if perhaps I’ve made myself a friend.

“You sure, Angel? You’re a guest. You don’t have to.” Ringo steps forward, stroking back more of my hair.

I grin. It’s like he can’t help but touch me.

Of course, I’m likely wrong, but I’m going to let myself think that since it makes me feel warm and fuzzy on the inside.

“I’m sure.” I nod, leaning into his big palm when he cups the side of my face. “I want to help.”

“Of course you do.” Ringo smirks, leaning closer and pressing a whiskery kiss to my forehead.

I notice Jols grinning from ear-to-ear as she watches us, and behind her some Doxies stare at us for a little too long.

Do they have the same opinion as Wendy? Do they think I won’t last?

I decide I don’t care, and follow Jols where we spend the morning helping the Doxies prepare brunch for the club members.

Using my hands and keeping busy is good, and even though I was sick just before, I feel like I have more energy than I’ve had in weeks. Plus, the mundane activity helps me to not think about last night’s or this morning’s discussions.

Ringo watches me most of the morning. Each time I glance over at him as he chats with the President, or his mate JD, his eyes remain locked on my every move.

When one of the younger members challenges anyone that will say yes to a bottle flip competition, Ringo mouths,"come here", much like he did the night before when his hand was wrapped around his… um… dick.

Immediately my cheeks heat, remembering the look in his eyes and how hard he was. I thought I’d be more terrified of seeing his…

For Christ’s sake, Abbey. Even in your own head, you have trouble thinking the word.

Dick. IT’S A DICK!

Ugh.

Dammit. Focus.

Where was I?

Oh yeah, I thought I’d be more terrified of seeing hisdick, not to mention all the other dicks that were out. For the briefest of moments, I wanted to go to him so badly. I wanted to have the courage, just like the Doxies, to stand before him, and touch it.

I wonder what he would have done if I had.

The two of us are playing a part, after all. Did he want me to go to him because people may have been watching? Or did he just want me to go to him simply because he wanted me near?

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