Ruined By You (Reckless Love #3)

Prologue

BAILEY

“Hey! Get the fuck out of here,” I snap, my arms still hooked around my backpack holding everything important to me—the only things I have left of my family. I can’t lose them too. My eyes had drifted shut for only a moment, but I heard the footsteps before they could get too close.

In the flickering lights of the camp, I see a small, round face.

At least it’s not Terrence, a guy in the camp notorious for stealing other people’s shit after they fall asleep.

Maybe I’d be better off if I made friends, but I live in fear of the day I’m recognized by someone, so I stick to myself.

It’s better this way for everyone, but it’s not easy.

I don’t deserve easy, though. Not after what I’ve done.

Against my better judgement, I squint, looking closer. I suck in a sharp breath, realizing it’s a little boy, visibly shaking, and I hate how it pulls at my heart.

“I’ve never seen you before. Who are you here with?

” I ask, my voice harsher than intended, causing the boy to shrink back from me.

“Wait, I’m sorry. It’s okay.” I put my hands up, trying to show him I’m not going to hurt him.

“Where are your parents?” I ask, unsure of what answer I’m hoping to get from him.

“They died,” he says, his voice frail. If they’re dead, is he here with anyone?

“I’m sorry.” And I really am. “Where do you live?”

“I don’t know. I ran. They hurt me.” He inches forward, and while I think he’s talking about a different type of hurt, mine hurt me too.

The lies and secrets were too much. I couldn’t stay and pretend we were this perfect family, but I was blind.

They aren’t perfect, but the one thing I can’t ever deny is they loved me.

Now, it’s too late to take everything back—too much has happened.

“Mine too.”

“Really?” He scoots closer, clearing the shadows hiding his features from me. I can feel my chest crack at the sight of his swollen eye. He can’t be more than five. “Please don’t make me go back.”

“No, you don’t have to,” I say, despite knowing he can’t stay with me. I unzip my bag, looking for my spare jacket to offer him. Thankfully, the nights aren’t too cold anymore. “I’m Bailey.”

He smiles, taking the jacket, but it fits him like a dress. “I’m Javi,” he whispers, moving to curl into my side.

After that night, I never went anywhere without Javi attached to my hip. I promised him and myself, I’d never let anything happen to him.

Until it was something I couldn’t control.