Page 149 of Reaper's Claim

“We were friends once.”

I scoffed. “We skipped friends the first time we met.”

Brad and Kim walked in, ending our conversation. Well, it was more of an argument.

“Any news?” Kim asked, stuffing her cigarettes back in her handbag.

“No.” I stood up. “I think I need some fresh air.”

“You ok?” Brad frowned at me. “Want me to come with you.”

“No, I’m fine, just need to get out of this waiting room for a bit.” And away from Reaper.

“I’ll come.” Brad offered.

“I’m fine.” I smiled at him and touched his shoulder lightly before I passed him and headed for the exit.

Maybe the fresh air would help me think clearer. Maybe then I could process the fact that the Reaper had said sorry to me.

The question was, should I believe it? Or was I just asking for more drama?

Chapter 63

Abby

I was putting out my third cigarette when out of the corner of my eye, I saw Brad striding across the car park towards me.

“Thought you might need a new pack?” he said smugly.

Sure I had been out here a while, but I just wasn’t in a rush to head back inside to see Reaper.

“Any news?”

He shook his head. “Nope. Kim wanted me to check on you.”

“I’m coming in.” I sighed and stuffed my hands in my leather jacket. It was a chilly night, and the wind was ripping through me. That should have been an encouraging reason for metogo inside.

“Wanna talk about it?” Brad walked slowly beside me as we headed back to the hospital.

“Not really.”

Had he picked up on something?

“Look, Abby,” He gripped my hand lightly, stopping me. “Your old man being sick is a stressor. If you need someone to talk to, I’m here.”

Oh, he was talking about Dad. Thank fuck for that.

I smiled weakly. “Thanks. But Dad is strong; he’ll pull through this.” I was trying harder to convince myself of that than Brad.

The hospital doors slid open, and I walked into the last person I wanted or expected to see.

“You have to be fucking kidding me.” Vivien’s eyes narrowed nastily at me immediately.

“Vivien,” I said dryly. “Always a pleasure.”

“How dare you. HOW dare YOU come here!” She sharply shoved me backward.

“What the fuck!”

---