Page 157 of Beautifully Shattered
Inside, Ringo’s sisters warm to Tahli instantly. They are kind and gentle. Yes, even Millie. They show Tahli around the kitchen, telling her she doesn’t need to ask if she wants something to eat, that she’s welcome to eat whatever she wants, whenever she wants.
It’s such a simple thing, but it instantly has Tahli relaxing, and I take a moment to try and understand how daunting this must be for her.
Just this morning, she thought she’d have to endure another day living with our mum, Maggie and…him.
Ugh. The thought of Minister Banes anywhere near Tahli makes me feel sick.
The gentle brush of fingers on my thigh pulls me from my spiral, and I shift my gaze to Ringo, finding him watching me closely.
“What’s going on inside that head of yours?”
I smile, though it’s tight. “So much.”
His lips kick up, and he lifts his fingers to graze over my jaw.
“I can just imagine.”
“Should I find a lawyer?” I lean in close, keeping my voice low so I don’t worry Tahli as we sit around the large dining table. “Like… how likely is it the cops will turn up? I did shoot my mum. There must have been cameras.”
“You don’t have to worry about that. It’s all been taken care of,” Ringo says quietly, making me frown.
“How?”
“Griffin’s hackers wiped every bit of video footage from the store and within a five-kilometre radius. Jason Zimora is fielding any reports coming in. He just happens to be the responding officer.”
“Convenient.” I smirk, and Ringo winks. “What about my mum? Has she reported Tahli missing?”
“No. Not yet. Apparently, she was nowhere to be found by the time law enforcement arrived.”
“I should have shot her again,” I mutter, and Ringo chuckles.
“She’ll get what’s coming to her in time, Angel. For now, just enjoy having your sister back.”
Smiling, I glance at Tahli, who is listening eagerly to a story Alana is telling about her days as a ballerina.
Worrying my lip between my teeth, I turn back to Ringo to find he’s still watching me.
“We never spoke about this.” I gesture subtly to my sister. “About what would happen when I got her back.” My eyes drop to my lap, and I swallow the lump forming in my throat as I speak quietly. “I’ll get a job to help pay for her expenses. And she’s really a good kid. Super helpful around the house. She loves to cook, so she can help in the kitchen and—”
Ringo’s finger presses to my lips, silencing me.
“Angel, remember when I said I wanted to raise Bobbi as my own?”
When I nod, a tear pops from the corner of my eye, and Ringo sweeps it up with his finger, holding it between us.
“Same goes for Tahli. I want to look after her. I want to look after you. Don’t worry about money, food, or clothing. Or… whatever it is girls like or need. It would be my honour to take care of you both. To give Tahli a safe space to heal and grow and thrive. My ma and sisters want the same too.” He pops his finger in his mouth, swallowing my tear. “I want this to beyourhome. Always.”
Completely overwhelmed with the barrage of emotions swirling through me, I fist his cut, yanking him forward until our noses brush. “How’d I get so lucky to find you?”
“You didn’t.” He nips at my lips. “I’m the lucky fucker who found you.”
Heclaims my lips in a kiss that sends heat spreading through my entire body, and a second later, the clearing of a throat has me stiffening, my eyes snapping open.
“Whoops,” I whisper against his lips, feeling his smile curve against mine before we pull back.
“Don’t worry. You’ll get used to them sucking face.” Millie rolls her eyes as laughter ripples around the table.
“Is he really your husband?” Tahli asks, her eyes wide, gaze dancing from me to Ringo, and I nod, holding out my hand.
