Page 65 of Finding Redemption

Walker breaks our bond, pulling away from me. “What the fuck is wrong with you?”

“I’m asking you that same question.” She sneers at me with her arms crossed over her body.

“Get the fuck outta here.” Walker’s chest thrusts forward.

“You must be fucking kidding right now. You’re better than… this.” She points her long, black nail at me.

My heart pounds in my ears. Heat radiates through me as my pulse races. Don’t let her talk about you. Handle this. Now.

“Hold the fuck up.” I shove my sleeves up and step around Walker. “Who are you to talk about me?”

Her eyes trail down my body before flashing back to mine. “Look at you. Why would he want you?”

Here it is, why would he? I’m temporarily stunned. My lips part as my eyes flit between her and Walker. “You’re right, he shouldn’t want me. He’s damn well close to perfect.” I drag my eyes over his body. “But the way I feel when I’m in his hands. The woman I am when he kisses me. The man he’s capable of being in those moments. That’s exactly why he’s here.”

“You’re temporary, honey,” she spits at me. “He’s fucked better.”

“That’s it.” Walker manhandles her, spinning her around in a flash as he yanks her from the deck.

“What the fuck was that?” I shake, my face reddening. Anger boils in my gut. I stagger to the door and stumble through.

“Crazy bitch,” Alden hisses and I step into his arms. “Are you all right?”

“Did everyone hear?”

“It was a sight to behold.” His brows shoot into his hairline.

“I’m so embarrassed. Please, get me outta here,” I mumble through my building tears.

“Are you okay?” Ava asks. I mutely shake my head. “What’s going on?”

“I’m not sure.” I shrug. “Well, not entirely. What’s going on with him?”

She purses her lips and pulls the chair across from me out. “I think it’s best to hear it from him.”

“If he’ll tell me.”

Riley joins us, standing behind Ava. “He’s gone.”

“Did he leave with her?”

“Yeah.” His hand lands on Ava’s shoulder. She takes it in hers.

“I see.” I swallow hard. “He thinks he’ll hurt me. I told him he couldn’t. I was wrong.”

“Walker has a way of kicking his own ass enough for everyone,” Ava says.

“I can see that about him.” I lick my dry lips. “But when he walks away from me, it’s been a sore spot since my dad left us.”

“I warned you. I told you to tell him,” Alden huffs, sitting beside me.

“I know, I know.” I put my hand up to stop him. “I wanted to get to know him, but with us, everything goes off the rails.” My stomach rolls, making me nauseous.

Ava drags in a ragged breath. “He’s complicated. Such an amazing man who will forever berate himself for his misgivings, I’m afraid.”

I glare at her. “Well, it’s not like I’ve had a ton of experience with men like Walker.”

“What do you mean?” Ava leans in.