Page 32 of Beautifully Reckless

“You’re fucking dismissing me?”

7

“It’s been a long night. I should get some rest.”

Is she fucking kidding me right now?

It’s been a long night?

The urge to hoist her in my arms and kidnap her all over again is strong.

Sure, I have to get past the Marx fuckers and her friends, but I’ll shoot their kneecaps if I have to.

But fuck it, no. I can’t do that. She doesn’t need a fucking caveman controlling her like that anymore. She needs to feel safe. Like she has some say in what happens.

I just need to figure out a way to convince her.

“You’re not safe here, Abs,” I point out, my eyes pleading for her to see reason.

“I’ll be fine.” She waves me off like I’m overreacting, already shifting like she’s about to stand.

No way willI let her walk away from me.

Not again.

“No, you won’t,” I snap, my fists balling as frustration burns through me. “Daniel. Donny. His uncle. They’re all gunning for you, and they won’t stop until they get you. And in case you missed the fucking memo, over my dead fucking body will I let that happen.”

Abbey throws her hands up. Exasperated. “What am I meant to do? Go with you?”

“Yes.”

She fucking scoffs.

“Why the fuck are you scoffing at me?” I snap, my patience hanging by a thread.

She stares at me, defeat clouding those caramel eyes.

“You can’t keep me safe from them, Ringo. No one can.”

“Like fuck!” I slap my hand against my chest, stepping closer. “I’m theonlyone that can.”

“He’s right.”

We both stiffen, our heads snapping towards the intruding voice.

A chick leans against the partition, arms crossed like she’s been watching this whole time.

Dark hair. Black lips. A smirk that tells me she knows way too fucking much.

“Lexi asked for his help for a reason, Abbey. And it isn’t because he’s easy on the eyes.”

“Who the fuck are you?” I snap before I can stop myself, already irritated that we’re no longer alone.

Abbey shoots me a glare, and the dark-haired girl giggles, her hand outstretched as she approaches.

“I’m Rhys, but you can call me Kitten.”

“No, he fucking can’t.”

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