Page 7 of Forever Golden

While the other three were easily signaled to leave, Ricky—as expected—lingers like a fucking rash. His eyes are locked on Southside and he moves in closer. Closer than what I deem necessary, but why am I even fucking surprised?

“The fuck happened to your hand?” he asks, not bothering to hold his tongue.

Waiting for Southside’s answer, I see that damn look in Ricky’s eyes again. The one that makes me want to rip him to shreds every single time.

“I was upset,” she answers with a sigh. “At the time, I suppose the wall seemed like a great place to plant my fist. And then… maybe the mirror.”

A short, humorless laugh is meant to hide her embarrassment, but I see through it. Mostly because I know what’s hidden in her room, sitting beside her bed right now. And because I know that before taking a walk to clear her head, she came in and wrecked shit to get her rage out. Something happened here tonight, and I get the feeling she doesn’t want to talk about it. However, with Vin being involved, one thing’s for sure.

It was shady as fuck.

Ricky and I share a look. Our mutual animosity doesn’t ease with time. Actually, it grows whenever we’re face-to-face, forced to acknowledge that we’re stuck with each other in a way. I know Southside will never fully kick his ass to the curb because they’ve been friends since childhood. And as much as he wishes otherwise, I’m not going anywhere either.

“I’ll be expecting a call from you by morning, rich boy,” he threatens. “Either you find out what the fuck is going on, or I’ll get the job done myself. And trust me, you don’t want me to get shit done myself.”

“You’re not helping, Ricky!” Southside snaps, interjecting just as I open my mouth to tell this dipshit to go fuck himself.

He meets her gaze, and it isn’t until now that the hatred he holds for me starts to fade. Why? Because he’s not looking atmeanymore; he’s looking ather,and that damn soft spot is showing again.

“I know you’re just worried about me, and I know you made Hunter a promise, but this has nothing to do with you,” she adds. “I’m a big girl and I can take care of myself.”

“So, I’m supposed to just—”

“All you need to know is that West willnotbe calling to reportanythingto you in the morning,” she cuts in, “So, please, just… stop. I can’t do this right now.”

Ricky stares, shoulders heaving as he holds in whatever else he wants to get off his chest, but he says nothing.

Well, I’ll be damned. She did it. She found this dickhead’s off-switch.

Don’t think I’ve ever seen him this quiet. While I would’ve typically gloated a bit, I don’t. Because, as someone who’s seen Ricky off his leash, I know this is just another example of how deep his feelings run for her.

“I’m dropping Scar off with Jules for tonight and taking Shane home, but I’m coming back,” he says flatly. Like his mind is already made up.

“Ricky—”

“I’m coming back, B,” he repeats, but with more authority this time. “I’ll chill in the driveway to keep watch. You know, in case Daddy Warbucks decides to bring his ass back.”

It takes strength I didn’t know I had not to put him in his fucking place. He starts toward the door and makes it to the porch before Southside calls out to him again.

“And I’d like my key back,” she asserts. “Hunter gave you that for emergencies only.”

“Guess it’s a good thing this was an emergency.” He doesn’t bother looking back as he continues toward his car.

“Fine, I’ll just have Dusty change the locks.”

Ricky shrugs, still not meeting Southside’s gaze. “Do what you gotta do.”

“Ugh! He’s so damn stubborn,” she groans, glaring as he hops in his car and revs the engine.

Frustrated, she slams the door, and all I can think about is what screwed up shit my father might’ve done or said that made her pack those bags. Made her bust up her hand.

Something my brothers taught me not so long ago stuck in my head. That thing about not pushing too hard, not backing her into a corner.

So, slow and steady it is.

I lift her chin until her gaze meets mine. She’s fucking beautiful, yeah, but that’s not what has me addicted. Life’s dealt her a shit hand, but despite all that, she’s one of the toughest people I’ve ever met. There’s a fire in her that nothing’s been able to kill—not even me, before I came to my senses.

I lower my stare to her hand and gently examine it. The bandage is bloodier than before, which means the wound needs some attention.