Page 38 of Beautifully Reckless

“The moment I realised you had run, I was out looking for you.” The words leave me like a confession. “And I wasn’t looking because of any favour to Lexi. I was looking because I fucking care about you. I was looking because I was terrified something bad would happen to you. That those fuckers would get their hands on you and do all of those…” I choke on my own fucking words, not able to say the horrendous things my mind conjured up that could have been happening to her while I couldn’t fucking find her.

Dropping my chin to my chest, I fight for control. I fight back fucking tears. Tears I haven’t let fall since the day I buried Hope.

Until tonight.

Abbey’s small booted feet step into my line of sight, and I glance up to see her right before me.

“I’m sorry I worried you.” Her fingers tremble slightly as she hooks them with mine. “All I’m trying to do is keep my baby safe.”

My eyes drop to her bump, watching how her other hand rubs over it protectively.

Fuck.

I understand that need.

So fucking much.

“Then let me help you keep him or her safe.” I flick my gaze back to her caramel pools. “You don’t have tobewith me. I know lines got blurred in my motel room, and I probably shouldn't have acted on the way I fucking crave you, but I can be man enough to control myself around you if it means keeping you safe.”

Her lipspart as a silent breath rushes from her.

“You crave me?”

I smirk, just a little, some of my worry falling away because, fuck, I’m touching her.

Nodding, I lift our entwined fingers and press my lips to the back of her hand, hovering there for longer than I probably should. “I crave you in ways that fucking scare me, Angel.”

Her brows shoot up at that.

“Do tell.”

I chuckle, shaking my head. “Now’s not the right time.”

She sighs at the reminder, her gaze drifting to the rooftop door.

“I should go to my friends.”

I nod. “Lexi will be up here any moment, ready to throw me over the ledge if you don’t go to them soon.”

She smiles. “She’s pretty pissed at you.”

“Yeah well, I let her down.”

Her smile fades.

“It’s all my fault though. All of this is my fault.” She huffs, shooting a worried glance at the rooftop door.

“Nope.” I shake my head. “No more thinking like that, Angel. We’re all here fighting for you because we care. That’s what happens when you need support. Your family and friends rally to help.”

Her expression shutters slightly.

“I don’t have any family here.” Her voice is flat, but I just grin.

“Don’t you?” I tilt my head, watching her. “Because when I saw you and Lexi earlier, I could have sworn you were sisters. Just remember, it’s not just blood that makes someone family.”

Her eyes shine.

“Stop it. You’re going to make me cry again.”

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