Page 57 of A Protector For Phoebe (Love will OUT 2)

Chapter 24

When in doubt, a breadstick makes a good gag. ~ Phoebe’s rules for becoming a better person

“Idon’t know why we couldn’t have snuck out the back,” I grumble as we walk through the mall toward the food court.

“I’m not letting you get kidnapped on my watch,” Suzie declares.

“Too late. Been there. Done that.”

Hailey wraps her arm around me. “When the joking starts, the healing begins.”

“Guru Hailey. Who knew?”

We walk into the pizzeria and take a booth in the back. Ryker follows us and settles at a table nearby.

Suzie frowns at him. “Aren’t we going to ask him to sit with us?”

“No. We are not eating with him. Have you lost your mind?”

She tilts her head and studies the traitor. “He looks hungry.”

“He can take care of himself.”

The waitress approaches our table. “Can we get a big glass of water for her?”

Suzie pouts. “I thought we were drinking since we have a designated driver?”

I grab my head and rock back and forth in my seat to stop myself from launching over the table. I have never wanted to hurt someone in my life, but I’m sorely tempted to grab Suzie by the neck and shake her right now.

“It’s not worth the jail time. Pretty girl like you would be eaten alive in prison.”

I have to agree with Hailey. I may have toughened up from my rich girl lifestyle, but prison is not the place for me. I’ve had enough of sharing bathrooms with criminals to last me a lifetime.

The waitress returns with three glasses of water. Suzie grabs hers and drinks it down in one gulp. Most of the water lands on her top, but she acts like nothing happened.

“We’ll have a large sausage and pepperoni pizza and a pitcher of whatever you have on tap.”

The waitress nods and leaves.

“Aw! Stop kicking me,” Hailey shouts before reaching down to rub her shin.

“Why is Suzie kicking you?”

“Um.” Hailey bites her lip.

Geez. What now? “Out with it.”

Hailey wrings her hands. “Well, Suzie and I were talking, and we think you should give Ryker a second chance.”

I stick my finger in my ear and pretend to clear it. Surely, I’m hearing things. “I know Suzie here lives in crazy town, but you?”

She shrugs. “You have to admit anyone who’s willing to take on the uncles is brave.”

“Or stupid.”

“Or maybe in love.”

I bark out a laugh at Suzie’s words. “You can’t be serious. You don’t kidnap someone you love.” And if you do, I want nothing to do with your kinky games.

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