Page 14 of Beautifully Reckless

Strong arms wrap around both of us as a familiar weight presses against my back.

“Thank fuck you’re alright, Yeb.”

Marcus.

His voice, his words, the childhood nickname they called me, shatter whatever control I have left.

The dam breaks, my sobs spilling out harder, louder, buried pain rising to the surface and spilling over.

His grip tightens, keeping me and Lexi firmly in his warmth, and I let myself collapse into the love I never thought I’d have again.

I don’t know how long we sit there, tangled together, sobbing on the deck-like floor of the rooftop. Eventually, our tears dry up, and Marcus’ hold loosens as Ayden steps in to help Lexi stand.

Marcus shifts, straightening, then turns to face me, his hand outstretched.

I take it, my fingers curling around his as I watch his familiar brown eyes rake over me.

By the time I’m on my feet, his gaze is trained on my bump, the worry etched into his face almost suffocating. His dark gaze flicks to mine, searching my expression.

“Abs, you’re…”

I snicker, but there’s no real humour in it. I’m too drained, too emotionally wrecked to feel anything other than the pain I’ve been shoving down for months.

Licking my lips, I take in a steadying breath and drop Marcus’ hand, stepping around him to look over the rest of the group.

My friends.

Well… most of them.

I can’t claim all of them. Specifically Lexi’s new best friend, Rhys.

I can’t fault her for that. She was there when I wasn’t. She was there when I hurt Lexi.

“Uh hi.” I wave awkwardly, not entirely sure what sort of reception I’ll get from them.

Do they still hate me for what I did?

“I don’t mean to state theobvious…” Simon, the playful class clown of the group steps forward, hazel eyes flicking from my face to my belly. “But, Abs, you’re pregnant.”

A laugh bubbles up from my throat this time as I watch his eyes widen like his brain just short-circuited.

“Super observant, Hastings,” Garrett scoffs, clapping Simon on the shoulder before stepping towards me. “You’ve had us all worried, Abs.”

His voice is softer than expected, matching the warmth in his blue-grey eyes.

He towers over me, and I have to crane my neck back to look up at him.

Garrett is such a big guy. Not just tall but broad, thicker with muscle than the last time I saw him. But underneath all that size, Garrett is still a teddy bear.

He reminds me of Ringo.

My heart clenches at the thought of Ringo. The ache is immediate, but then Garrett bends, pulling me into a hug that momentarily helps the pain to ease.

“Hurry up! My turn.” Simon bounds forward like an overexcited puppy, shoving Garrett aside the second he lets me go, and takes his place, yanking me in for a hug.

I giggle. He gasps.

Simon’s hands grip my upper arms as he shoves me back.

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