Filthy (The Reckless Series #2) - HJ Bellus Page 0,59
call her?” Rhett asks around a mouthful of a bacon cheeseburger. He’s finished his plate and laying claim to mine.
It makes me smile. The man hasn’t slept and did everything he could to get to me. Of course, with the help of Zane and Ava. He was honest in sharing his feelings of resentment and not wanting to come here, but it was his best friend who talked him through it when I wasn’t there. Ava knew the city like the back of her hand, guiding and telling him where to go. She knew exactly what news station I was going for when Rhett called her telling her about my text messages.
She doesn’t know the whole story, but knew I’d be going for the sucker punch of all sucker punches with KKTY on FOX. They’re known for eating The Democratic Party alive in Tennessee. It’s their game and they’re the best at it. I glance down at my phone knowing the story is airing now and can only imagine my asshole parents freaking out.
“Who?” I ask, running my sandal up the inside of his leg and smiling.
“Your birth mom.” He catches my foot under the table with one of his hands wrapping his hand around my ankle. “You have her contact information.”
“Honestly, I haven’t thought that far out yet.”
“Do you want to reach out to her?”
I nod. His grip around my ankle tightens, securing me in him. I’m not a weak woman, but with him in my corner it makes the picture perfect.
“Did you notice her address is only a few hours away from our house?”
“Home,” I correct him. God, I long to be back in that place.
“Home,” he corrects himself for me with a huge grin on his face. “I’ve shipped out about twenty more orders.”
“You have.” I light up.
“Yes, it’s looking like a full-time job.”
“Oh my god, I’m so proud of you.”
“I’ll go with you when you’re ready, baby.”
“Okay.” I nod. “Life is funny.”
“How?” he asks, shoving a mouthful of French fries in his mouth.
“I was brought to you in California. I know it was a higher power that brought us together and taught me to truly love, and my birth mother is there as well. It’s like my whole life was supposed to happen this way.”
“It sure in the hell isn’t fucking fair.”
“No, it’s not. But I’m not the victim. It was meant for a reason.”
“I don’t care.”
I prop my other leg up on his thigh, enjoying his touch. “It brought me to you. I wouldn’t change a thing.”
“I’ve never met a stronger woman than you.” He clutches both ankles in his hands, promising me so much more.
23
Rhett
“I’m with her.”
“Is she okay?” Ava’s worried voice fills the phone.
“She’s going to be, Ava. It’s bad, really bad, but she needs to tell you.”
“I saw the news story.” Ava bursts out into tears.
“It will be okay, Ava, I’ll bring your best friend home. I promise.”
“I can’t do this.” I hear her pass the phone and then my best friend’s voice comes across the airwaves.
“Rhett.”
He’ll never know how much his support means to me.
“I’ve got her and I’m not leaving her side.”
“Get her home.”
“Our flights are scheduled for first thing in the morning.”
“He’s going to come for her.”
“I know.” I rub the scruff covering my jawline. “Trust me I know.”
“Are you packing?”
“Yes, and we are at a hotel near the airport. It’s out in the open with lots of foot traffic. He’d be a fool to come here for her.”
“Desperate people do desperate things.”
“Nobody will hurt her.” It’s more of a reassurance to me as well.
“I’m not just worried about her.” Zane’s message is loud and clear.
“I showed her how to use the Smith and Wesson 357.”
“Good. I’ll be there to pick you guys up in the morning. What time does your flight land?”
“12:45.”
“I’ll be there, Rhett.”
“Thanks. I love ya, Zane.”
“Love you too, brother. Keep us updated.”
“Will do. I’ll have Darby call Ava later.”
“She’d love that.”
We both hang up and I flop back on the bed. Darby’s been in the shower for nearly an hour, and I give her time even when I hear her sobs. I know she’s trying to wash it all away even though that’s impossible. She’s so fucking strong, I can’t even begin to comprehend the different emotions she’s experiencing.
I check the gun to make sure it’s loaded and out in the open, then scroll my phone, checking the shit storm ensuing on the political pages. Her parents’ lawyer made a statement and promised a press