Page 84 of Beautifully Reckless

It’s another reminder of how little I actually know about the brute who kidnapped me. Which seems strange, considering every time I look at him, it feels like we’ve known each other for years.

As my thoughts spiral, I sneak a peek around the corner, only to get busted by the man himself.

Those whiskey eyes lock onto mine instantly, and I swear I can feel my heart do a flip inside my chest.

And… cue the blush.

Lexi and I have that in common. Our blushing disorder. And yes, I’m calling it a disorder because it basically rats me out to everyone.

Oh look, Abbey is embarrassed, or humiliated, or angry, or about to cry, or horny.

I bite my lip at that last one, because honestly, it’s all I seem to feel when I’m around Ringo.

Horny.

It’s just your hormones, Abbey. You’re not a deviant.

Ticking his head in that classiccome heregesture, Ringo waits for me to obey, his brows lift when I don’t move right away.

I like annoying him like this. Not obeying him, just because I can.

It’s like some part of me knows I can push him, and still be safe.

Like earlier, up inhis room when I dared ask about his sex toy. I could barely believe the words flew past my lips, but it’s like my soul knows something my brain is still playing catch up with.

Whatever it is, I know I’m safe with him. He’d never lie to me. He’d never hurt me. He’d never force me into anything. Not like my parents did.

I mean, aside from kidnapping me and making me his captive, but that was with good intention. I can appreciate that.

His little captive.That’s what he called me.

Why do I like the sound of that?

His words from earlier pop into my head.

“Because I like it when you submit to me. And I think you crave being controlled, even if you don’t understand why.”

The submissive stuff has me a little rattled, to be honest. Not because I don’t like it, but because I really think he’s right.

I do like it.

Which is confusing as hell, given what I know now about how I was raised.

The moment Ringo steps towards me, I sigh, pushing my thoughts away, and move into the room. His mother spots me instantly, a toothy smile flashing my way.

“Ahhhh here she is. Beautiful Abbey. You must be starving.”

I nod, spotting the massive spread of food across the kitchen bench.

“She loves veggies.” Ringo grins, shooting me a wink. “How about meat? Still making you queasy?”

He remembers.

It’s such a simple thing, and I don’t know why it affects me so much, but knowing he remembers how I’d been struggling to consume meat, sends warmth through my chest.

“Not so much now.” I smile. “As long as it’s cooked right through, I should be fine.”

He looks genuinely pleased to hear this, taking my hand before leading me to the bench. He loads up a plate with marinated chicken skewers, grilled corn, jacket potatoes, and a generous heap of mixed grilled veggies.

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