Page 14 of Mr. Kelly

This time, when Von swings, Theodore catches it and twists his arm in a weird way until bone cracks and Von’s scream echoes in the alley.

“Because an elephant’s trunk is so sensitive that it can pick up tiny items with precision…” His elephant ring shines in the low-light when he bends to avoid another attacker’s advance. He rises with hard body blows to the new guy that make him look like a heavyweight trying to win a championship. The guy passes out after a knockout hit and Theodore cracks his neck to focus on Von. “It’s a useful tool.” When Von tries to run, Theodore wraps his arm around his neck, holding him from behind. Von drops to his knees as the tears flow and his hand hangs grossly from his broken wrist. Theodore’s knee adds pressure to Von’s spine, making him yelp. “When necessary, it can be a dangerous weapon.”

The last words come out in a near growl and damn near scares me although I’m the person he’s defending.

His dark blue eyes find me in the low light. “Go inside, River.”

My mama didn’t raise me to be an idiot, so I turn abruptly and run inside. The smile on Donnovan’s face drops once he sees me. His hands fall to my shoulders as he studies me with concern. His sweet demeanor pulls a few tears out of me.

“Are you okay?” he asks. “It wasn’t that guy…”

I shake my head. “Surly’s men.”

He shakes his head in disgust, but we both know the only thing he can do about it. He pulls out his phone, and I allow him since I don’t want to admit I’ve already seen him.

“Mr. Kelly? River was attacked…” He stops talking to listen to the other end. “Got it. He’s on his way. He told me to leave you in his office. Don’t worry about the bar, Riv. I got it. I hate what that man is doing to this town.”

Donnovan leaves me in the office with the door closed and a glass of whiskey like he was instructed. My hand shakes as I bring the glass to my lips. A few sips warm my body and I begin to worry something happened to him. The back doorknob jingles as it’s being unlocked. Just in case, I scurry to the front door, ready to run if anyone other than Theodore or Andrea appears from the other side.

Theodore comes in, his hair is disheveled, and his white t-shirt and light jeans have blood on them. I open my mouth to speak, but he shakes his head.

“Don’t ask questions you don’t want me to answer.” Clamping my mouth shut, I nod and attempt to take another sip of whiskey. “Come here,” he orders, and I follow said order without rebuttal.

He doesn’t touch me, but his eyes survey my face and exposed skin, looking for major damage. I’m assuming I have a little bruising, that's it. His jaw is still set firm like he’s permanently pissed off and it’s not changing.

“Go to the elevator and type in 3675433.” I do what he says, and the doors open. He steps inside and jerks his head to the right. “Let’s go.”

This elevator is smaller than the one I use, and it requires me to stand a little closer to him. Silence stretches between us as both relive our own versions of what the fuck just happened. I don’t care that he was supposed to be on a getaway with his wife. I’m just happy he showed up in time to keep me from being kidnapped.

“The building is your safe haven. You’re supposed to stay inside at all fucking times until we tell you otherwise.”

“I just didn’t think…”

“You’re fucking correct. You didn’t think.”

The door opens, and I step out first. “Look. I’m sure your irritation is justified, but can you just…not.” I hug myself, still chilled from the possibilities of what could have happened.

“Seeing you in danger scared the shit out of me. I don’t like that feeling.”

Tears sting my eyes again as I relive being grabbed. “Yeah, me either, especially since it was happening to me!”

“I understand that, River, but I’m allowed to fucking care!” The tears I was fighting spill, and he runs his fingers through his hair. “You’re right. I’m sorry. You don’t need a lecture right now.” He reaches for me. “Did they try anything sexual?” I shake my head. “Are you okay? I mean, physically.”

“I-I think so?” I respond through sobs. “Are you okay?”

I reach for his hands and study them while he looks at my face. There is a weird look in his gaze, but he drops it, and we both laugh a little.

“We can’t check each other for injuries at the same time. Go take a shower, then meet me out here so I can get a better look at the damage.”

“Okay.” I accept the order and turn towards my room. I’ll be more than happy to wash away any touch from Von.

Chapter Eight

THEODORE

“I’ve been invitedto do one more small little production after this.”

We stayed at the cabin since Helena appeared. She called it a second honeymoon and the moment I started to relax and allow myself to feel the love I wanted to feel for her, she dropped in that little tidbit.

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