Page 87 of Bitter Arrangement

“You can,” I whisper, reaching over to stroke her cheek with my thumb. I cross the distance between us and kiss her. “You’re strong. You can do so much more than you give yourself credit for. Don’t let anyone talk to you like that.”

“I’ll try.” She smiles a little. “But I’ll probably just take my anger out on you.”

“Be my guest. It might be fun.”

She laughs and wipes her eyes. “Come on. Let’s head over to The Hen and see if we can find Brenden.”

I start driving, but inwardly, I’m seething with rage and passion. I hate seeing Riley like that. I fucking hate her father for how shitty he is to her too. And maybe she doesn’t want me to say anything to him?—

But the next time I see that, I won’t be able to keep my mouth shut.

Much less my hands to myself.

Chapter32

Riley

I’m feeling pretty miserable when we park near The Hen and The Snare. It’s bad enough letting my dad walk all over me, but letting it happen in front of Alexan is humiliating.

I want to be a stronger person now that I’m out of my father’s house. And I think I am, at least a little bit every day. Going back there makes me regress to that pathetic loser I used to be, and it makes me sick remembering the way my father’s always been such a fucking bully.

It’s not easy to shrug off that shitty interaction as I head into The Hen. Alexan follows close behind like a protective bloodhound. The place is loud and surprisingly crowded for the early evening, with most of the tables packed by youngish people and a lot of men and women in business casual clothes. I’m guessing they’re the post-work rush.

“I don’t see him,” I mumble as we search the people at the bar. “I really thought he’d be here.” I check the back hall, and Alexan even pokes his head into the men’s room. I’m about to totally give up when I come back out into the main room and spot my cousin Ricky sitting in the far corner.

He glances up when I approach. His face is tense and his eyes are sunken, and right away I can tell something’s wrong. He’s a good friend of my brother’s and a few years older than us both. I grew up with Ricky, and it’s pretty obvious that he’s surprised to see me, and not in a good way.

“Riles, what’s up?” he says, glancing uneasily at Alexan. My husband looms behind me, big and scary in his sleek Armani suit.

“I’m looking for Brenden. Have you seen him?”

Ricky clears his throat. “I mean, I guess a little bit.”

My eyebrows raise. “What’s that mean?”

“It’s complicated, you know?” Ricky squirms and downs his beer. “I don’t think he’d want you getting involved.”

Alexan steps forward. He leans in slightly. “Where is he?” he asks simply.

Ricky stares at Alexan, clearly afraid. A little thrill runs into my stomach. It’s one thing living with the gorgeous hulking monstrosity all the time, but it’s another to see the way other people react to him too.

And I like it. The way Alexan demands respect.

“They showed up for him.” Ricky looks from Alexan to me, clearly panicking. “I couldn’t do anything. I swear, I tried, but?—”

“Who came?” Terror jolts into my stomach. “Ricky, who the fuck came?”

“They’re out back,” he whispers, looking down at the table, then back up again. “Don’t go out there. Please, Riles, he wouldn’t want you getting involved. Just… just let them figure it out, okay? You can wait here with me, and?—”

I’m already running. I sprint to the door, ignoring the looks I get, and fling it open. There’s an alley alongside The Hen, and that must be where they took him. I make it two steps before Alexan’s got my arm.

“Hold on there,” he snarls, pulling me back.

“Let me go,” I say, struggling toward the alley entrance. “Alexan, please. Brenden’s in trouble.Let me go!”

“You’re being too loud,” he snaps and drags me back. He pushes me against the wall. “Deep breaths. Come on, fucking breathe, Riley. I’m going to take care of this, alright? But you’ve got to stay calm. I don’t want you getting hurt.”

“Alexan.” I’m hyperventilating. I have to struggle to get myself under control. “They’re hurting him again.”

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