Page 31 of Reaper's Claim

“What’s wrong?” His tone was deep, and he looked slightly worried. “It isn’t like you to be a mean, cold-hearted bitch.”

“If you are referring to my treatment of the blonde pinup bitch, then I hate to break it to you, but yeah, that was all me.” My belly was full of fire, and I was spitting it out.

He was across the room in two long strides. “You’re pissed off that you didn’t get your way. I get it. But that is life, so grow the fuck up, Abby, and act your age.”

“Oh right, you mean I should act like a girl because that’s what I am, remember? A. Girl.”

“You want to be treated like an adult, then here is your perfect opportunity to act like a fucking adult. Your aunty is taking you in. Be fucking grateful.”

“You know what, Reaper?” I was on the tip of my toes now, glaring into his face. “Fuck. Off. And take your advice with you.”

“You’re more trouble than you are worth.”

“Well, then you must be over the moon now. Because you won’t be seeing me again after this.” I couldn’t be sure why I felt so angry and hurt by that fact. “When you ride out of here in a few minutes, you won’t be coming back. There is no club in fucking Rod Valley. There is no fucking reason for you to be back here.”

I watched realization flash across his eyes and for a split moment, I thought I saw pity within those big, gray-black, soul-sucking eyes of his.

“And it is not like you are going to come back here to see me, right?” I crossed my arms, taking a step back away from him.

Then he said what I was hoping he wouldn’t. “I guess you’re right.”

I was more than right; I was bloody sure of it. There would be no more running into him at club parties.

No club, no Reaper. It was that simple.

Dad had taken more away from me than just my friends, home, and school. He took my Reaper as well. Maybe that was why the fury in my stomach couldn’t be put out.

Kade took a step forward. Slowly, he ran his knuckles down the side of my face. He looked down at me as if I was something special—his something special.

“You’re a good girl, babe. Maybe it’s a good thing. You were always too good for me.” The corner of his lips twitched into that alluring smile I had dreamed about. “You always deserve better than me. This will just make sure you get something better.”

“Yeah, something.” I felt bitter and robbed, but mainly just sad. “I kind of really liked you, Reaper.” My lips formed a tight smile.

He pulled his hand away and without his touch, I felt hollow.

I thought I had dealt with a few hard things during my life, but watching him turn away and walk to my door just blew my heart apart.

He paused, hand on the door. “If you get in trouble and you need me, call me.” He didn’t look back and why I might have wished he would, I knew it was better if he didn’t. If he did, it might be harder for me to let him leave.

“Ok.” As soon as the words left my lips, he opened the door and walked out, closing the door behind him, leaving me empty and surrounded by brown boxes.

Chapter 10

Abby

Perhaps it was the fire within my stomach, or maybe I had finally lost my mind. Either way, it still may or may not have influenced my next move. Opening the door quickly, I caught Kade in the hallway.

“Stay the night.”

He stopped.

“It’s late, and you have been riding for hours now. I’m sure the boys won’t mind the stopover, and I’m sure they can find a bar within this shithole town.”

I was beginning to think I was talking to myself until he turned around. That look in his eyes, it was the look that drove me insane.

“And why would I do that?” He titled his head to the side. He wanted me to convince him.

I didn’t know what to say. I had acted like a hell of a bitch to him for a few days, and there I was asking him to stay around a bit longer.

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