Page 27 of Ruthless Beasts

He claimed I had nothing to fear from them. Yet when he looked like that, with his anger so strong it pulsed between us, how could I be so sure?

I couldn’t eat, though they all but begged me, urging me to take a few bites because it was good for me. All but Ace, who looked on angrily, like he hated me, and I didn’t know why. We’d barely talked. He didn’t know me. In the end, we settled ontaking the food to go. Even though I had no desire for anything. Not when my nerves were going haywire and my heart wouldn’t stop pounding.

Pulling up to the medical building was an event. I felt like all eyes were on me as I walked into the office, three men in tow. I started to open my mouth at the front desk, but it was Adam who cut in, taking over the check-in, right down to the paperwork.

It was all so very domesticated, watching him fill out papers, asking me questions when I could fill it all out myself. But he refused, not letting me lift a finger at an appointment that was made for me.

“You’re insured, in case you’re wondering,” he mumbled low, so no one but me could hear it.

I wasn’t. In fact, I hadn’t once thought about if I had insurance or not when all my mind could focus on were the three men crowding my space, learning my secrets. Not like I could hide it for long. I’m sure they knew, but if by any chance they didn’t, maybe I could still just pretend.

I needed shelter until I could figure this out. I couldn’t have them kick me out now, and there was no way I could go back to my father. I could go to Hannah, but yesterday on the secure line, I assured her I was fine and not in danger at all.

What a fucking lie that was.

The men surrounding me oozed with danger.

“Bellamy Ferrari.” I nearly fell off the stiff office chair when the nurse standing by the open door called my name. The new name, the one that linked me to the powerhouse of a made man next to me.

I stood up, and so did the rest of them. What the hell did they think they were doing? “I’ve got it.”

“We’ve got it,” Adam corrected. “We’re coming.”

“Absolutely not,” I hissed as I watched the nurse, looking slightly impatient at the delay. “This is a private appointment.”

“If you think you’re walking into that appointment alone, you're delusional.”

“I can’t take you all.” Hell, I didn’t think they would let me even if I tried.

“Too late for that.” He nodded to Ace and Mercer, who were already through the door and waiting for us.

Fuck.

I followed because what else could I do besides panic and obey? These were three large mafia men, and one little ol’ me, and I was about to shove my body into a paper gown and put my legs up with all of them a foot away.

I should have died in that church. It would have been for the best.

Adam’s eyes burned into my skull as I passed the nurse. She waited until Adam was through the doorway before letting it close. Leaning in, she whispered, “Which one is the dad?”

Ace choked, pounding on his chest to get himself in check. Mercer leaned into him, whispering, “Surprise.”

“Fuck off,” Ace scratched out.

Ignoring them, I followed the nurse. “We’re in our why choose era. The possibilities are endless.”

The nurse laughed. “I love me a good smut book. You are living the dream.”

“My advice, keep it as a dream.” Adam cleared his throat behind me as the nurse led the way. I turned to him and glared. “What?”

“You read?”

“It’s my favorite thing,” I informed him.

“Had I known?—“

The nurse cut in. “Stand here on the scale so we can get your weight.”

After taking off my shoes, which Adam leaned over and picked up, I stood on the scale. “Don’t speak that number out loud.”

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