Page 42 of Tainted Hearts

We get in and the moment we pull out of the parking lot, the tears fall.

“Hey,” Frankie says softly, getting my attention. “You know he loves you. I can promise you, that bitch didn’t get her way. He didn’t touch her, didn’t do shit with her.”

“I know,” I sniff, wiping my eyes. “I know he wants me and only me. It’s the fact he kept it from me. Am I overreacting?”

“No,” Frankie says. “But don’t be too hard on the guy after this. I think he learned his lesson. You don’t need protecting, and these guys need to see that. You're a badass demon princess who doesn’t need anyone to treat her with kid gloves.”

“Thank you!” I say, tossing my arms in the air. “Someone who gets it.”

She laughs, the sound making me smile. “Come on, let’s go for a ride, get some wind in our hair. Then I’ll bring us back to Zed’s place to get ready for the party with Libby. We will make you look so mouth watering, then make Zed watch you dance with all your mates before he finally gets his chance.”

“Deal.”

Today has been one crazy day. First, I’ve been getting nasty glares from the Heathers all day, now this. I really want to enjoy tonight, I’ve been excited about it all day. I’m not going to let it ruin my night. But first, I’m going to hang out with my new best friend. The drop dead sexy vampire who’s making me rethink way too damn much.

I’m fucked. I know it. But I can’t seem to stop.

Chapter 12

Abby

“How are you feeling?” Frankie asks as we lay in the long grass by some forgotten headstones.

“Better,” I sigh, rolling onto my belly and picking at the grass. “I think I overreacted.”

“No, you didn’t.” Frankie rolls over too, laying across from me so we’re facing each other. “I trust Zed. That man would never cheat, never hurt you on purpose, but I can tell he cares too hard sometimes. He was trying to protect you, but only ended up hurting you. When you love someone so much, it’s hard to realize that they just might be able to hold their own. And in your case, you're a lot stronger than they give you credit for sometimes.”

“So, what do I do?”

“I say we head back to Zed’s, get ready with Libby, and meet the guys at the party. Then you pick one of your mates and enjoy your night with them.”

“Okay?” I narrow my eyes. “But how’s that going to fix anything?”

“Because.” She gives me a wicked grin. “He’s going to be forced to watch you be all sexy and dirty dancing with a mate who isn’t him. Make him sweat it out for at least the night; then, if you want to let him off the hook, go for it.”

“I do like that idea.” I grin, biting my lower lip. I don’t miss how it attracts Frankie’s attention, making her lick her lips. “Leo has been giving me too much space, and I hate it. He’s trying to give me time to find my way with the others, but he’s only around during classes and at night to sleep. I’m going to have a talk with him tonight.”

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