Page 126 of Chaos

Brody’s eyes widen before one brow raises higher than the other. “Yours? Are you sure? That cute little baby looks just as much like me as she does you.”

Three more big guys appear behind Brody, who flashes me an arrogant grin.

Struggling, I manage to break free and dive towards him with my hands outstretched.

A boot lands squarely in my ribs, knocking me backwards.

Shaking it off, I surge again. I want to beat him for every moment of heartache he gave Sofia.

And, in a way, I want him to do it back.

I deserve just as much, if not more.

Another blow bounces off my jaw.

Alexei jumps in next to me, arms flying as he cackles through blows.

My hands lay limply by my sides.

As another fist connects with my eye, and it goes black, Brody laughs.

Just as my face bounces off of the hard concrete, I can feel a big palm wrap around the belt of my jeans and hoist me from the floor.

“Get up. Get out.” Nikolai practically throws me behind him.

“No!” Back on my feet, I try to rush back at Brody.

He’s standing safely behind a wall of leather vested chests.

“Brody needs to know to stay the he—” I’m cut off by Alexei pushing me backwards.

“Next time. You are acting like a small child. Let’s go outside and pout.” He grins, but forcefully carries me towards the door.

Nausea rolls in my guts. My ear is ringing and I can’t see past the swelling on one side.

“How did Brody know?” Nikolai asks Alexei as they carry me into the sweltering heat.

Alexei shakes his head.

I failed Sofia, again. I can’t even protect her when I’m away.

What am I even good for?

Alexei and Nikolai talk in low tones in the front seat.

All I can focus on are the street lights passing by his tinted windows and the feel of the warm leather on my back.

My head is swimming as I fight the urge to puke.

“I need a drink.” It’d help kill this pain.

“I don’t know why. You have a death wish, Jax. You should feel the consequences of your choices,” Nikolai grumbles.

“This hurts so bad.” Throwing my elbow over my eyes, I try to mute the world.

“That one guy got you solid. Did you see his rings?” Alexei turns back.

It sounds like he’s screaming.

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