Dead at Heart (Ariel and Jayson) novel Chapter 133

Chapter 133

+25 BONUS

Ariel didn’t even have time to react. While applying pressure on her lower abdomen, she looked up in shock.

Blood was already smeared at the corner of Perry’s mouth. His face darkened with fury.

Across from him, Lucas‘ usually roguish gaze had turned cold and sharp. Without a word, he stormed forward and grabbed Perry by the collar.

“What the hell are you doing with her? Don’t you know who she is? You sure have a bad taste in women!”

Perry had never taken that kind of disrespect from anyone. He immediately threw a punch in return. “Show some respect for me and Ms. Walker!”

Lucas ran his tongue over the corner of his mouth and let out a cold laugh before lunging forward again.

Respect? After what he just saw? Perry’s ears were burning red!

Just as it looked like the two men were about to come to blows, Ariel stepped in with a pale face. “Lucas! What the hell is wrong with you?”

Lucas froze mid–motion and glanced back at her. He gave a cold, mocking laugh. “Did you want this?”

He smirked and clicked his tongue. “You could’ve said so earlier, Ari. I really gotta hand it to you for going after your man’s buddy like it’s nothing. Aren’t you worried they’re comparing notes about you behind your back?”

Ariel’s face went white. Her jaw clenched so hard it trembled. She couldn’t believe he actually said that.

Suddenly, Perry delivered a punch to Lucas‘ cheek. “Mr. Sanderson, that’s way over the line!”

Lucas frowned from the pain. Just as he was about to lose his temper, the sound of police sirens grew louder.

Sitting in the police station later, Ariel felt her headache intensify as the troublesome situation weighed heavily on her. Her expression grew even colder.

Lucas was never easy to deal with. Maybe in that moment, he had misunderstood her and Perry. A reflex from his protective instinct toward her in the past made him throw the first punch.

But what he said afterward were casual, cutting insults. They made Ariel feel suffocated and, frankly, ridiculous.

They’d finished taking statements, but someone still needed to post bail and sign off.

Wendy rushed over and threw herself into Lucas‘ arms with red eyes. She gently brushed his split lip. “What happened? How did you end up in a fight?”

Lucas pulled her close, slipping back into his usual laid–back demeanor. “It’s nothing.”

Angry and anxious, Wendy glanced around instinctively and spotted Perry, who was also hurt, and Ariel sitting in a chair with a cold expression.

Her eyes welled up again, and she snapped, “Ariel, you’re here too? Why didn’t you stop Lucas? What the hell happened?”

Wendy knew Perry, but she couldn’t make sense of the situation.

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Chapter 133

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In their circle, even with only a distant relationship, they didn’t usually tear each other apart like this.

Ariel looked away. She didn’t have the energy to deal with Wendy right now.

Instead, she walked over to Perry and pressed her lips together. “Did you call someone?”

Noticing her sour mood beneath the calm exterior, Perry cleared his throat and replied, “Yeah. Matt will be here soon.”

Ariel nodded. After hesitating for a moment, she said, “I’m sorry.”

But…

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Chapter 133

+25 BONUS

Ariel touched her stomach subtly.

Everyone kept questioning why she never had children after all those years of marriage. It reminded her of the possibility that treatments for her illness might take away her chance to have kids.

Wendy turned to Lucas and asked coyly, “Lucas, you only got eyes for me, right? Promise me that you’ll stay faithful after we’re married.”

Lucas glanced sideways at Ariel, who was looking down lost in thought, and let out a soft laugh. “Of course. You’re different.”

Ariel didn’t care about their lovey–dovey act. That was their business. She just wanted to get through this mess as fast as possible.

She was about to ask a police officer when she could leave when the sound of a car pulling up outside caught her

attention.

Voices came through the door. “Sorry you had to come all this way, Mr. Larkin.”

Ariel turned, surprised.

Two figures came into view–one tall, one short–a strikingly matched pair.

Nancy frowned when she saw Ariel there.

Jayson’s eyes flicked over Ariel and paused for a beat.