Page 52 of Mr. Kelly

“When this is over, I’m about to mind my business as much as you do. Until then, let’s get my fucking woman.”

My best friend rubs his hands together with sick anticipation. This is where he excels.

“It’ll be my pleasure.”

Chapter Twenty-Six

RIVER

We stopped moving,but I can't stop shivering despite being in a tight space. I'm trying not to take big breaths to avoid the metallic stench in the trunk. I also don't know how much oxygen is available. The trunk files open, and the flood of lights momentarily blind me. I raise my hand out of instinct to shield my eyes but flinch in pain when Mario hits me again.

“Don't raise your hand again, bitch, or I'll kill you and take my chances with the baby surviving without you."

The rings of light clear in time for me to see Surly deck Mario in the jaw. Some of his blood and spit lands on my forearm. I wipe it on my soiled clothes with a frown.

“I told you about abusing my merchandise, idiot. Next time, I'll keep both of them.” Surly grabs my arm and pulls me out of the trunk. “Come on, sweetness. You can service me until you have that baby.”

I jerk my face away, and he grabs my jaws hard, squeezing until I tear up. “Don't test me. I can make these few months hell for you.” I try to hold my breath because he stinks. “You're not better than me! Stop shivering like I disgust you.”

He does, but that's not why I'm shivering. He's likely too stupid to realize that. His green eyes shine with hatred andinsecurities. I now think he really believes that I'm Andrea's woman.

“You kidnapped her and had her in the trunk with her dead friend. She's covered in his blood, and she's pregnant. She's not shivering in disgust. She's in shock.”

I'm confused and saddened by the voice I hear.Angelo. He’s Luciano’s cousin, but he never creeped me out like his cousin. I thought he was one of the good ones. When I’m around Andrea and his men, I’ve always gotten the feeling that he was more loyal to Andrea than Luciano. I guess I was wrong.

“Why did you call him?” Surly snarls his question at Luciano.

Luciano glares at Surly as Angelo approaches me. “Because he used to be a doctor. Every crew needs a doctor.”

His tone suggests that he thinks Surly is stupid, but I think they all are. Angelo studies me with his gray-green eyes, and there is something comforting about it although he’s on the wrong team right now. I feel like they won’t hurt me when he’s around.

“She needs some water and a blanket. Any more stress and you are going to lose her and the baby.” He looks between Surly and Mario, telling them to move with his eyes. Mario moves to get the items as Surly stares like he doesn’t trust him. “Lu, get her something less bloody to wear.”

Angelo grabs my arm and leads me to a chair and continues to examine me. His tattoos peek out from under his black t-shirt sleeves and his short brown hair still manages to touch his forehead as he checks me.

Tears cloud my vision, and I’m unable to stop the sobs. “How could you be like them?”

I don’t know if he understands me though my hiccups because he continues to check me out without answering. It could be the clinical approach, but I don't feel the need to scratch off my skin in the places he touches me.

“You have some bruising and minor swelling but no major injuries.”

Angelo gives my hand a reassuring squeeze before Surly comes and pushes him away.

“You’ve seen enough,” he growls, but Angelo doesn’t scare easily.

He doesn’t move away like Surly’s goons. Instead, Angelo stands to his full six-three and looks him in the eyes.

“I don’t work for you. Don’t ever fucking touch me again unless you want me to rip off your fucking hand and shove it down your throat.”

Surly balks but tries to look like he’s still in control of the situation. Although Angelo has betrayed us by helping, I’d still be happy to watch him beat Surly’s ass.

“Watch your fucking mouth,” Surly says without conviction, then turns and walks away to pick on someone he can control. “Mario, where the fuck are you with the water and blanket? Luciano, move your ass!”

Angelo remains near me, although we’re alone, and checks his watch like he has somewhere to be. I don’t want him to leave me with them.

“Please don’t be like them. Let me go,” I whisper through my tears.

He looks down at me with sad eyes, telling me everything I need to know. He feels bad about what he’s doing but isn’t going to change the outcome. Luciano returns with a shirt and throws it at me. Angelo pulls Luciano into a big hug like he doesn’t see him often.

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