Page 157 of Beautifully Reckless

“Why is it so hard for you to believe that we care about each other?”

For a long moment, Jared just stares at me, his eyes assessing before he flicks them to Ringo. He can’t tell if I’m lying, and as his eyes snap back to mine, his concern bursting to the surface, I feel guilty.

Guilty for the lie. Guilty for wanting something I shouldn’t.

Stepping closer, Jared leans in, his voice low.

“I just don’t want to see you get hurt again, Abs.”

“What’s hurting me is things like this.” I gesture to him and then Ringo. “Two men I care about, ready to kill each other. I know you mean well, but how about having a conversation with me before reacting with violence?”

“You’re right. I’m sorry.” Honesty swarms in his blue gaze, so I nod and turn to face Dee.

“Dee, I swear to God, I’ll throw down with you if you don’t get that knife away from JD’s throat and get off his back.”

A slow, deliberate smirk pulls at her lips, before she finally removes the blade, slipping off JD’s back with a grace so quiet you can barely hear her boots hit the ground.

“Somuch for not reacting with violence.” Jared snickers, clearly amused by my very obvious threat, and I roll my eyes as Dee approaches, her phone in hand as she taps away on it before holding up the screen for me to read.

‘It’s cute that you think you’ll throw down with me, but since you’re pregnant, I know you won’t even try. Still. It’s cute.’

Even though she’s right, I still roll my eyes, biting back a smile.

As Dee passes Ringo, she shoots him a glare sharp enough to cut, a silent promise if I’ve ever seen one.

“So you came here to bitch at Abbey for getting married?” JD asks, clearly feeling like he can have a say now that his throat isn’t on the line.

“Actually, no. Griffin sent me to give you this burner and tell you to call him.” Jared holds out a phone to Ringo, who snatches it. “But I have to fucking say, your security measures are crap. Not one of you knew we were on the property, and Dee looped the surveillance an hour ago, and no alarms were set off.”

“For fuck’s sake,” Ringo snaps before shooting JD a glare. “Call Lewy. And take Stoner with you since he’s supposed to be our top-fucking-notch security.”

“On it.” JD jerks his head at Stoner, motioning for him to follow.

As soon as they disappear inside the barn, Ringo’s furious glare shoots back to Jared.

“So you’re here because your boss sent you?” he snaps.

“He was going to send someone else, but I volunteered.” Jared glares right back, his voice laced with venom. “Thought weshould have a face to face about forcing my friend into something she doesn’t want.”

Ringo’s jaw ticks and his fists ball, but he refrains from attacking Jared.

“As she fucking told you already. Shewasn’tforced.”

Jared scoffs, jabbing a finger in Ringo’s direction.

“You know, and I fucking know, that’snottrue.”

“Someone give me a gun,” I snap, stepping closer to the two men about ready to swing fists again. “I’m ready to start shooting people.”

Jols laughs, catching my attention, pure joy spread across her expression. “You’re a feisty one tonight.”

“Well, yes I am.” I give a curt nod, lifting my hand to count on my fingers. “I’m hormonal. Emotional. And quite frankly, sick of peoplenotlistening to me.”

“Jumping in front of a loaded gun isn’t smart,” Jared says dryly, raising a brow. “So don’t forget to addrecklessto that list.”

“Beautifully fucking reckless,” Ringo mutters, and they both nod.

“Are you two done?” I snap, hands shooting to my hips.

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