Page 60 of Perfect Pact

I can’t let that happen. I won’t let him steal my dreams and destroy Dusty in the process.

“Stop it!” I scream.

Dusty’s head swings in my direction. The look on his face kills me. The shock, then confusion. Maybe even betrayal. All I know is I wish it wasn’t me putting it there. He thinks I’m protecting Bobby, but he’s got it all wrong. I’m trying to protect him.

“Beth…” Dusty pleads.

“You’re going to make it worse,” I beg. “Please let him go.” I look around. Everyone is staring. It’s like the article was only an appetizer to the main course this shit show just served up to the scoop on a silver fucking platter. Police sirens wail in the distance.

This can’t be happening.

Bobby jerks out of Dusty’s grip. “I guess my whore of a wife still has that golden pussy. Tell me, new guy, how are my sloppy seconds?” His satisfied smirk, thinking he’s won, is the last straw.

I stumble back, and it’s like slow motion as Dusty spins him around and lands an uppercut that knocks him out on the ground. “She’s not your wife!” Dusty roars. “Not anymore!”

Security comes in, breaking everyone up. Dusty is held back while Bobby is helped to his feet.

I want to run over there and check on Dusty. Take him home and make sure he’s okay, but I can’t. Not now. Not with Bobby back in town.

I have to make sure he leaves just as fast as he came before he realizes who inherited what. When he wants something, he won’t stop until he gets it.

“Hey…” Charlee reaches for my hand and gives it a squeeze, “you’re going to be okay.”

There is no way it’ll ever be okay as long as Bobby is in town.

“She’s right.” Joey hands me my purse and takes my other hand. “Let’s get you home.”

I nod.

Wherever that may be.

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