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Her tears fall like rain, and my own heartbreak drips from my jaw.

“Danny,” she says in agony, covering her mouth.

“She told you to go,” I hear behind her. “She’s given you too many chances. You’re no good for her.”

I lift my chin and stand up. “This is none of your business.”

Her uncle shakes his head. “Look at you, son. Look at your clothes and your face. I don’t want my niece involved in anything you’ve got going on. You need to leave before I call the cops.”

“You can’t keep me from her,” I say.

“Oh yes, I can,” he says.

I straighten my back and ball my fists.

“What are you doing?” he asks. “Bexley, get behind me.”

I look at her and watch in utter horror as she moves behind her uncle. Rage replaces heartbreak, and I reach out and shove her uncle. He holds on to my arms, but I fight. He pushes me backward and I swing on him, my fist connecting with his face.

“Danny!” I hear behind me, recognizing Johnny’s voice.

“The cops are on the way,” a woman says from behind Bexley.

“That’s assault, my boy. You’re going to jail,” Hale says, touching his jaw.

I blink, wiping my face with the back of my hand, realizing what I’ve done by the look on Bexley’s face. I messed up. I messed everything up. “Bexley,” I say, reaching for her.

“Stop!” she says. “Just stop. Why are you doing this?”

“Because I love you!” You’re all I’ve got. You’re all that matters.”

“Then why?” she asks, moving around her uncle, who tries to stop her, but she shrugs him off. “Why didn’t you show up? Why don’t you show up?”

I grab her hand, gripping it with both of mine. My eyes scan hers and I try to tell her, to connect like we do. “Marry me,” I say quietly. “Let me show you I can be better.”

I hear sirens and a car pull up. Doors open and Johnny says my name again, but I don’t look away from Bexley.

Her beautiful face shatters. “No,” she says as tears roll over her lips.

I kiss her hand in agony, just before words are spoken to me from behind. My arms are snatched back, and I’m taken away. I look ahead, lifting my chin as the cops toss me into the car.

And as I stare at the seat, I make a promise to myself.

I will get her back.

Chapter Seven

Bexley

One month two days missing

“I know who it is,” he finally says. It’s been hours since the stranger left, and Danny hasn’t spoken a word to me.

“You know who who is?” I ask with narrowed eyes.

“The guy holding us here.”

My eyes scan over his face. “Who?”