Page 19 of Exes and Oh Hell No

A shiver rolls through her.

It’s barely noticeable, but of course, I notice.

She avoids my gaze for a few beats before finally nodding. “Sure. That would be great.” Her voice is small, and when her eyes meet mine, I see the shadows in them.

She looks haunted.

The bottom drops out of my stomach. “What did Todd do to you?”

She stiffens. “It’s nothing.”

She’s lying, and I damn well know it.

I shove back from the table, slapping cash down on it for the tip. “I’m gonna kill that motherfucker.”

“Ford. Stop.” Her fingers wrap around my bicep, her palm branding through my shirt. Her touch elicits a flame directly into my bloodstream, and I freeze.

She’s not pleading with me.

She’s reminding me.

Grounding me.

“It’s not worth it,” she murmurs.

My jaw ticks, rage thrumming through me.

Not worth it?

She sure as hellisworth it.

I hold her gaze, willing her to see it.

Tonight is about making sure she gets home safely.

But Todd’snotoff the hook.

Not even close.

I’ll find out what happened.

And when I do?

He’ll fucking pay.

8

HARPER

Achill washes over me as I walk beside Ford.

I hadn’t realized how late it was until Ford and I stepped outside into the darkness.

The night air clings to my skin, cool and damp, making me shiver.

Or maybe it’shimhaving that effect on me.

“I hope Gram isn’t starving,” I say, glancing at the takeout bag with wings and cheese fries Ford ordered before we left.

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