Page 74 of Beautifully Reckless

“I’m sorry,” Millie snaps, standing, her face contorted in anger. “Is no one gonna mention the fact that whoever’s after Abbey might show up here?”

My heart sinks.

She has a right to be concerned. What if I’m putting them all in danger? They don’t deserve that.

“Shut up, Millie,” Ringo growls, but I’m already standing, shaking my head.

“She’s right. I should go.”

I barely make it two steps before Ringo’s big hand closes around my wrist, his voice a growl, low and rough, not even trying to hide his warning from his mum and sisters.

“Don’t you fucking run from me again.”

I spin to face him, my jaw clenched tight, letting him see my anger. I’m trying so hard not to lose my shit in front of his mum, but my voice still comes out sharp.

“You know the last thing I want is to be a burden. To put everyone in danger.”

“Andyoushould know by now, Angel, that I’ll do whatever it takes to keep you safe. So how about you let me?”

His eyes are wild, like his monster is lurking beneath the surface, the storm brewing within him barely contained.

“You’re kind of bossy, big brother.” Lani tuts, which is Ringo’s tipping point.

“For fuck’s sake! Will you all just lay off for one goddamn minute?!” He explodes, spinning to face them, his face redder than I’ve ever seen it.

Shit. He’sproperlypissed. Not the haunted, grief-fuelled anger I’ve witnessed before. This is different.

This is raw frustration.

“I haven’t slept in fucking days.” He drags his hand through his hair, pulling on the long strands. “Actually, scratch that. I haven’t slept inweeks,” he grits through clenched teeth. “I came here because we needed somewhere to lay low and take a goddamn breath. Can you all just let us do that please?”

Silence.

For a long drawn out beat, no one says a word.

I don’t dare look at his mum or sisters. The guilt is already crushing me, reminding me I’m not worth this much trouble.

“Of course we can do that,” his mum says softly, stepping up to him and slipping her hand into his.

I stare at them for a moment. At the way she looks lovingly up at him. At the way he softens for her. This fierce man, unravelling with tenderness in front of his mum.

Damn.

Why is seeing Ringo like this so…. attractive?

If I weren’t already pregnant, I feel like I would’ve just conceived right this second just from watching the way he respects his mother.

But then, his mum rears back, and brings her hand down hard on his in a loud, echoing slap.

I jump at the sound, dumbfounded as she jabs her finger at his chest, and Ringo gasps… likeactually gasps… and yanks his hand back, no match for his mother.

“You will do well to remember that I don’t tolerate foul language in this house, Cameron.” Her finger wags like a weapon in front of his face. “You’re more than welcome here, since this isyourhome. But you will show respect and remember wedo notspeak like that around here, Cameron Eugene. Are we clear?”

“Geez, yes, Ma. Did you really have to slap me?”

“You’re lucky I didn’t still have my knife in my hand, boy.”

Oh my…

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