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“I’ood,” she whispered, then spoke to Copper “I ith Shark for a little over a year It was a long tiuys would have called me his ol’ lady”

“No fucking way,” Zach broke in “An ol’ lady is a ter of the word”

If she’d found hi and protective side of Zachaway fro So stupid considering she was dealing with the fallout of her last dysfunctional relationship

“Whatever,” she said shaking her head “That doesn’tand really stupid Things went…bad and I had an uncle pull me out of a really terrible situation I haven’t seen or spoken to anyone frohteen”

Copper frowned and rubbed at his bearded chin “How did you get out?”

“My uncle literally walked in, picked me up, and left with h at the time and don’t remember it I woke up in my uncle’s house about a day later To be honest, I’ Shark”

Zachto have an ounce of respect for her They’d think she was nothing better than a junkie whore

“Breathe, baby You’re doing great” Zach pressed a kiss to her temple and warmth filled her chest

“There’s no fucking way they just let you leave”

“Huh?”

Zach’s hand landed on her thigh again “I had the saht It was too easy”

“What do you mean?” She frowned and looked between Zach and Copper

“There are tays out of the gang Death or a beat out,” Zach said

“A beat out?” Was that as horrible as it sounded?

“Yes” Copper said as though reading her mind “They literally beat you bloody If you survive it, you’re out But you keep yourrelated when you leave or they’ll kill you And very few people are even granted a beat out Most of the time you’re in till you die”

A chill ran down her spine Zach must have noticed her tremble because he pulled her from her chair onto his lap Normally, she’d have shoved him away, but today she allowed herself the co about the day was normal Tomorrow she could repent for her weakness