Page 41 of Tainted Hearts

“Okay!” She’s ugly crying now, snot dripping down her face.

I let go, and she cradles her hand to her chest, letting out screaming sobs. “Might want to go get that checked out. Looks like some pretty nasty burns.”

There’s murmuring around us, and I look over to see other people in the shop watching. “Anyone helps her, I’ll give you matching burn marks,” I snarl. They all look away, going back to what they were doing as Tilly runs off, her whines of pain following behind her.

“Abby, Little Bird. Nothing happened, I swear.” I’ve never heard Zed sound so desperately broken in his life as he pleads his innocence.

I spin to face him, chest heaving as I use every ounce of willpower not to go full demon on his ass. The fire from my hand recedes. “I know that, you fucking asshole. I know you would never cheat on me. It’s not that I thought you would, it's the fact that apparently she’s stopped by here more than once, and you never once mentioned it.”

“I didn’t want to upset you because of some sad girl who can’t take rejection well,” he grabs at his hair. “I tried to get her to leave me alone. I used every nasty name in the book. I did everything apart from physically harming her to try to get rid of her.”

“Then after the first time, you should have told me. I’d have come down here and done exactly what I just did, ending this a lot fucking sooner.”

“You’ve been dealing with so much lately, I didn’t want to stress you out more. I hate seeing you in pain. I hate seeing you hurt!”

“It is not your place to decide for me when something is too much for me to handle. We don’t lie, we don’t keep things from each other!” His eyes flick up to Frankie so fast I almost miss it. That just pisses me off more.Is there something else he’s keeping from me?

“I know, baby. I’m sorry. Fuck.” He punches the car next to him. “I wasn't thinking.”

“Yeah, I’d say,” I huff out a humorless laugh. “I’m pissed. Really fucking pissed. And honestly, a little disappointed. I need air.”

“Don’t walk away, please,” Zed begs.

“We’re okay. But I need some space before I kick your ass. Then you can grovel like crazy and make it up to me.”

“Well, she might want to stop herself from kicking your ass, but I don’t.” Frankie steps up to him. “I love you like a brother, man, but what you did? Yeah, that’s not right.”

“I know,” he hisses at his best friend.

“Therefore, as your best friend, I think you deserve this.” Zed looks at her confused, and I watch with wide, shocked eyes as Frankie uses her full vampire strength and punches Zed in the face.

“What the fuck?!” he screams, his hands flying to his face. I heard the crunch, and now I’m seeing the blood. Then Frankie brings her knee up and nails him right between the legs. Zed lets out a strangled sound as he falls to the ground.

“Sorry, man.” Frankie shakes her head.

“I deserved that,” he groans.

“Yeah, you did. But don’t worry, I’ll take good care of her while you sit here and suffer for a while.” She reaches into his pocket and pulls out a set of keys.

He looks up at me with fear and sadness in his eyes. “I love you.”

My whole body deflates. A part of me hates to see him hurt like this, but he’s right, he deserved it, and being a dark angel, he’s gonna heal within the hour.

“I love you too,” I say, stepping close and kneeling down to kiss his bloody lips. “We’ll talk more tonight.”

“Okay,” he groans, rolling onto his back.

“What do you say about taking a drive?” Frankie asks, dangling the keys in the air. “I got to warn you, I like to drive fast.” She wiggles her eyebrows.

“You know what?” I look over at Zed’s McLaren F1 he repaired himself. “I could use a ride. Windows down?”

“Only way to ride.” She gives me a wicked grin.

Leaving Zed there on the ground, I follow after her toward the car.

“Keep her safe,” Zed growls out.

“Always, Rock Star,” Frankie calls back.

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