Page 78 of Beautifully Shattered
Before I even reach the top, I stop and spin around, my glare molten as I stare at my three friends.
My fury isn’t aimed at them, though. It’s for my parents and that stupid, bloody church.
“Banes is the one willing to throw around serious cash to catch me, but I’m done running,” I snap, jabbing my thumb into my chest. “No more running.”
“What are you saying, Angel?” Ringo moves to the bottom step, looking up at me.
“I want to go hunting… for him. For all of them.” I clench my fists as I struggle not to scream. “I’m sick of waiting around for other people to find intel on them while I sit here useless. I can’t let more people die while I hide.”
I brace myself, expecting Ringo to push back. For him to shut me down and tell me it’s too dangerous. To tell me he won’t allow it.
But he doesn’t.
Instead, he nods.
“Okay. If that’s what you want.”
“It is.”
My voice is softer now, some of the rage bleeding out of me, now that I know he’s not going to fight me on this.
With that settled, the ache in my chest returns as I steel myself for what has to be done.
I don’t want to. I really don’t. But I have to.
After going to the compound today and experiencing the brotherhood. The grief they shared. And the honour they gave their men… well, it’s time.
“There’s something else I have to do first…” My voice cracks as I speak, and just like that, tears spring to my eyes and my lip quivers.
Climbing the steps, Ringo stops on the one just below mine, his big warm hands framing my face as I stare up at him, his touch working like magic to ground me.
“I know there is, Angel.” His thumb swipes at my falling tears. “Just tell me how I can help.”
Of course, he knows what I’m talking about. I’ve been avoiding it, shutting down every conversation that he tries to start about it. But I can’t keep running from it anymore.
It’s not fair to me… and it’s not fair to Bobbi.
“I don’t know how to organise a funeral.” A sob lurches from my throat, and Ringo pulls me in, his arms wrapping around me, holding me tight.
“I’ll help, Abs. We’ll do it together.”
“Thank you,” I whimper into his chest, fisting his cut, scared he’ll step away and leave me to feel the chill in the air.
But of course he doesn’t. He never leaves me to suffer through this alone. Not even when I point a gun at him.
He’s always there for me.
I really need to start returning the favour.
“Can I…” I pull back, releasing his cut to swipe at my tears, peering up into his whiskey eyes, now lit by the porch light. “I was wondering… and you can totally say no if you want… but I’d hoped…”
A warm smile tugs at the corners of his mouth, hidden just behind his beard.
“What is it, Angel? Just ask.”
“I don’t really have any family anymore… and well… you’re my husband. For now, at least. And your family is so lovely. Your mum and sisters…” His brows shoot up, so I stop talking.
“I’m your husband, for now, at least? You planning on leaving me, Angel?”
