Ride It

Chapter 17

Bentley's POV

Someone is going to die.

I can't explain the rage burning my chest as I listen to Jessie explain what happened when she went to pick Beatrice up from her parents' house.

When did Beatrice go to her parents' house?

I didn't even know she left the damn ranch.

Rebecca had to call for me, screaming that Beatrice was in trouble while I sorted out the paperwork for the upcoming races.

The ranch is about to get busy, and for this to happen while I was giving her the space she needs is driving me up a wall.

"Why the fuck did you let her go!?" I can't control the volume of my voice as I shout at Jessie. I'm pissed off. I have reason to be.

Jessie points at herself and stubbornly argues. "She asked for a ride! I just gave it!"

"And didn't think to tell me!?"

"Oh, I didn't know she had a damned keeper."

I narrow my eyes at her sarcastic remark and run a trembling hand through my hair. If I could hit something right now, I would.

This is pointless. I shouldn't be arguing with these idiots right now.

Jessie said that when she called for Bea and didn't get a response, she took liberties and went into their house. There, she found Bea's little sister crying over her mom's unconscious body as she told Jessie what happened.

That bastard.

I clench my fists at my side and grit my teeth.

I'm going to kill him.

I'm going to grab my gun, march my way into his house, and blow his brains out.

"Sal, get Pug and the others," I order. "We're going to raze down this whole fucking town if I don't find Bea back in this house."

"Got it. Oh, the poor girl." she sighs.

I turn to head in the house for the keys to my truck.

"Wait." Jessie hesitates before she sighs. I look back at her, my eyes catching the flash of guilt in hers.

"Look, I didn't know her situation, or I'd have stayed with her the entire time. I'm sorry." She apologizes.

That doesn't calm my anger in the slightest.

"Is she going to be okay?" Mona asks worriedly.

"Bea's a tough nut. She'll be just fine," Rebecca tries to reassure the teen.

The sound of an approaching vehicle catches our attention and we turn to look for the source.

A truck rolls up the cobblestone driveway and parks next to Jessie's van.

My eyes instantly latch onto the woman in the passenger seat, and my body jumps into action before my mind can.

I make it to the passenger side quickly and almost rip the door open in my haste. She looks at me in surprise, tears running down her face that's covered in dirt and grime.

I don't care about anything else. I ignore her startled yelp and grip her arm, tugging her out of the truck and into my arms.

Relief instantly drowns my body when I feel her pressed against me.

I haven't known this woman for long and she already has such a hold on me. It's dangerous, but my heart wants to say otherwise as it threatens to beat out of my chest.