Dark Romance Book 2

 Where I Belong by M. O'Keefe

This was better than book 1, not near as aggressive or trama-filled. It picks up where the previous book ended, with Tommy in a fight in a gas station bathroom. Beth takes the keys and drives them someplace safe. They are met by some dogs and an old man with a shotgun. But once he sees Beth, it's fine. She introduces Tommy and then shares a look with Peter, the old man. Beth and Tommy can't keep their hands off of each other and it's a good thing that her room is above the garage. Tommy and Peter are getting along okay until Tommy's dog is attacked by one of Peter's dogs and when looking for the first aid kit Tommy sees a picture on the fridge. Of his mom. Turns out Peter is the grandfather that didn't want him, signed away his guardianship rights and put Tommy in foster care. Then, we get the story: Tommy's first family was good and he probably would have gotten adopted but the dad got sick with cancer and they couldn't take care of him. He ended up back in the system and bounced around until ending up with the pastor. Then, we hear from Peter. He signed away his rights because he wife was sick with cancer and he couldn't take care of both of them, plus the social worker told him Tommy was with a good family. Now, Tommy feels betrayed by everyone. He gets a message from Carissa that forces a phone call between them and Tommy tells her about Beth; how her mother was drugging her and using her as a guinea pig and put her in foster care when she wouldn't cooperate because she kept running away. Carissa says Bates needs proof. Tommy leaves, but Beth has his phone and she sees the messages about Bates needing proof. She and Peter start to go after him, but don't know where to look. Instead, she makes a youtube video telling everything. Tommy shows up at the club that Bates is working out of and is met by Carissa who takes him to Bates. Tommy has no idea about the video and Bates shows it to him. Bates considers the debt paid. Tommy asks why, but Bates doesn't elaborate. They almost come to blows. Tommy goes back to Peters' and he and Beth get back together. They get a happy ending and Tommy gets a message from Simon, Bates has come to collect his debt from him. This sets up the next book without giving any of it away.