Page 103 of Burn Like An Angel

“You are not a liability, Ripley. Say that about yourself again, and I’m going to take you over my knee.”

Her mouth opens, and he promptly clicks it shut.

“Priory Lane. Harrowdean. On the run. Dead in the ground. I don’t care where we are. You will stay right by our sides. Where. You. Fucking. Belong.”

Something about Xander’s emotive growl feels so right. Ripley has become our nucleus without even trying. She’s transformed the chaos and suffering we’ve endured together into an opportunity.

A chance to belong.

A twisted, toxic, perfect family.

Releasing her so she can respond, Ripley sucks in a breath. “I want to stay with you. I just… I don’t want anyone else to get hurt because of me.”

“That’s our choice,” Raine speaks up. “We’re choosing to stand by each other. Whether we get hurt or not is irrelevant. It’s our decision to face the danger as a united front.”

I nod in agreement, gaze locked on her. “If we get hurt, then we do that together too. It wouldn’t be the first time.”

Ripley flashes me a knowing look. We’ve witnessed far too much of one another’s pain. Caused plenty of it too. My motivations are different now, though. We’re standing together on the right side of the line this time.

I swore to myself that I’d make right on all the damage I’ve caused. If she thinks I’m giving up so soon, she’s in for a real surprise. We’re only just getting started. I’m going to stick around and fix what I’ve broken.

“Let’s go, then.” Her lips lift ever so slightly.

Picking up his stick, Raine unfolds it. “That’s our girl.”

CHAPTER 16

RIPLEY

SEE YOU IN HELL – BEAUTY SCHOOL DROPOUT

The checkout isfast and impersonal. Our favourite hotel owner barely spares us a second glance now that he’s milked us dry for an extortionate hush fee paid in cash. We step out into the daylight and follow Xander’s directions.

Each one of us has dressed to blend in, wearing dark colours and casual t-shirts. Raine is unrecognisable beneath his aviators and the indigo hoodie he pulled on. Don’t get me started on Mr Polo Shirt now wearing a baseball cap. Xander’s sleek style is long gone.

Tensions are high as we leave the town behind, walking along a concrete underpass that snakes beneath the main road. We’re moving away from the Derby vicinity now that we have supplies and medication.

Xander doesn’t release my hand as the miles sluggishly trickle by. He’s holding onto me so forcefully, I wonder if he thinks I’ll float away like a helium-filled balloon. Or start rambling about my incredible invisibility again.

The time between holing up in the holiday park and the hotel is worryingly disjointed. My episodes often leave me confused and left to pick up the damaged pieces my manic self has scattered around me.

It’s an exhausting cycle.

Not many stick around afterwards.

Part of me can’t believe they’re all still here and didn’t take me up on the offer to leave me behind. I wouldn’t have blamed them. I’m an unstable element. A liability. No one wants that on their team.

“About the press conference.” Xander draws my attention.

“It doesn’t matter, Xan.”

“Doesn’t it?” He quirks a brow. “That snake is still your uncle.”

“Trust me, I’ve long stopped believing he’s going to wake up and suddenly give a shit about me. That was just further proof of how little he cares.”

My words are bitter and caustic.

“You don’t need him,” Xander spits out.

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