Page 146 of Beautifully Shattered
“I had to be sure you’d die for her,” Smitty says over the noise, tucking his gun into the back of his pants. “This is cause for celebration! My stepdaughter has been claimed!”
The crowd cheers, but I’m ready to punch the fuck outta my Prez. His fucked-up mind games are gonna get him killed. Most likely by one of his own.
My gaze snaps to my wife, and I straighten as I see the rage twisting her expression. Her face red, fists balled, and eyes zeroed in on Smitty.
Fuck.
I move at the same time she does, knowing I need to stop her before she gets herself killed. I practically leap over JD and Jols still on the ground, closing the distance as Abbey charges straight for my Prez.
An oomph flies from her when I collide into her side, and I bite back a hiss from the burn of my healing wound as I wrap her up in my arms and shove us through the crowd.
“What are you doing?” she protests, nearly tripping over her own feet as we break through the rear of the crowd.
“You’re gonna get yourself hurt, Angel. Just leave it,” I mutter, needing to pick her up as she starts struggling to break free of my grip.
“I won’t leave it! That arsehole is crazy. Someone needs to stop him!”
I keep moving, carrying her across the yard, heading for the nearest tree.
“In his own twisted way, Smitty felt he had to test JD,” I try to explain, the only thing I can come up with myself. “What greater declaration of love is there than a man willing to die rather than give her up?”
A sob escapes her lips as she falls slack in my arms, so I stop and set her down so I can see her face.
Tears spill free, streaking through the dark eye makeup she’s wearing as she breaks.
“I thought we’d lost him,” she whispers, the agony of that thought clear in her eyes as she stares up at me. “I can’t lose anyone else, Cam. I can’t bear it.”
“Fuck,” I hiss, feeling the pain of her words slam into my chest and grip my heart in a tight fucking fist. “I know, Angel. I know.”
I pull her to my chest right as the heavens open up, and heavy drops of ice cold rain begin to fall.
Scooping her up, I hurry under the big oak tree, getting us out of the rain.
When I go to put her down, she whimpers, her arms tightening around my neck, so I squeeze her close and lean back against the trunk, just fucking soaking up the feel of her and taking this moment to be fucking thankful JD is still here. And now, he can be with Jols freely.
Istare out over the yard as everyone scatters. Most run inside the barn, while others dart for their bungalows or the carport to gather around the fire drum.
JD and Jols stay put, both of them on their knees, kissing in the rain and mud.
“Angel, look,” I urge, tilting her so she follows my gaze, finding our friends.
“Oh… wow, look at them,” she whispers on a sob. “Have you ever seen anything more beautiful?”
My eyes fall to her tear-streaked face. “Yes.”
Those caramel pools flick up to mine, and a soft flush blooms across her cheeks.
“Stop. I probably look a mess right now.” She swipes under her eyes, smudging her eye makeup, which she notices on her finger when she pulls it back. “Oh, God. Has my makeup run?”
“Yes.” I smirk.
“That’s not beautiful,” she sniffs, wiping under her other eye.
“It is to me. I love seeing you all made up and perfect. I love seeing you completely natural with nothing on your skin. And I love seeing you all messed up. Mostly after I’ve had my way with you, but still,” I brush my thumb over her black tears, “I love seeing how much you trust me to fall apart in my presence.”
Even as more tears pop free, she keeps her eyes pinned to mine.
“I was a bitch to you the other day. I’m so sorry for saying I was losing respect for you. I didn’t mean it,” she rushes out. “I’m so in love with you it hurts.”
