Page 53 of Property of Bones

“I don’t think that’s gonna be a problem, Abbs,” Riley laughs, nudging me gently. “Bones has already claimed her. There’s no way he’s letting her go now that she’s here.”

“He can’t keep me prisoner,” I laugh.

“Nah,” Abby chuckles. “If you decide to move back into your apartment once you’re healed and Bones can’t talk you out of it, he’ll just move in with you.”

“You’re crazy,” I say, shaking my head, but I’m grinning.

“Watch and see.”

She stands, brushing off her hoodie.

“I gotta go. Freaking Tank keeps texting me about taking my meds, and hewill notleave me alone until I do.”

“He seems very... protective of you,” I say, curious.

“Oh, heis,” Riley laughs, eyes dancing. “Tank and Abby are totally in love, but neither of them will admit it. Abby thinks she’s too broken to be loved, and Tank thinks he’s not allowed to touch the biker princess.”

“Biker princess?” I raise a brow.

“It’s what people call me,” Abby sighs. “Because my brother’s the MC President. I hate it.”

She hesitates, then her voice drops just slightly. Quieter, more fragile.

“And... I reallyambroken. I don’t want to go into it, but things happened to me over there. Things that killed the girl I used to be. Now I’m just... what’s left.”

I stay silent, heart aching.

“Tank’s a good man,” she continues. “The best I’ve ever known. And I am in love with him but he deserves someone strong. Someone brave. Someone who doesn’t flinch every time a shadow moves too fast. I’d only hold him back.”

No one argues. No one gives her empty comfort or Hallmark reassurances.

We just let her say it.

Because maybe, right now, that’s what she needs most. To be heard without being fixed.

“Bye girls,” she says. “Kiss Asher for me.”

“I should go too,” Riley says. “Let me help you to the couch.”

I smile and accept her help.

“Maybe the recliner instead?” I say. “That way I can rest my arms without having to hold them up. Who knew we used chest muscles for so many things? I can’t even turn my head without pain.”

Once I’m seated and reclined, Riley’s phone buzzes.

“Oh…here.” She hands it to me. “Hold on to this until Bones gets back with yours. I just need to get Asher fed and down for his nap. I can come back over if you want.”

I take the phone with a grateful smile and shake my head.

“A nap actually sounds really good.”

Her phone buzzes again. I glance down.

“Jack’s texting you.”

“He knows you have my phone,” she grins. “I can almost guarantee it’s for you. Call Spike if you need anything. Sorry you don’t have a TV yet, but you can use my streaming accounts on there if you get bored.”

“Thanks, Riley.”

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