Page 18 of Beautiful Revenge

“What’s wrong, Brie?” he whispers, quiet enough that we’re the only ones to hear him.

She smiles up at him, reaching her hands around his arms to cup his cheeks in the same way. “I just wanted to make sure you’re okay,” she whispers back.

“I’m solid as long as you are, baby,” he promises, leaning forward to kiss her gently before pulling back.

“Okay. Let’s do this then,” she says before kissing him once more and breaking away.

“Let’s.” I wink and finish securing the bastard to the chair just as he starts to wake up.

“What the hell?” he groans, opening his eyes when his body doesn’t move. “What’s happening?” he spits out, and Briar giggles.

“Penance, Daddy,” she says sweetly, almost reminding me of the little girl that made me feel something for the first time.

But even then, she was jaded and hurting. She’s never had an easy life, and it’s all this asshole’s fault.

“Penance?” he questions, his eyes looking around until they land on his friends.

We watch as the colour drains from his face before he looks back at Briar. “Sweetie,” he tries, and she reaches out and slaps him across the face, stunning him into silence.

Bad move, dude.