Page 137 of The Dark Obsession

We fucking had it under control.

Only the Bratva would dare to think they could stand a chance against us. But then again, they were close to ridding themselves of his dead weight as well.

Apparently, this is John investing all his remaining resources and connections into one last reckless effort and it fucking panned out.

Though he must be desperate if he’s ambushing us in broad daylight, in a park filled with innocent bystanders not too far away.

And desperate people make mistakes.

Already, I can see people running away at the sight of blazing guns. Yet some of them stopped to gawk, even film the whole thing.

“No.” Malory’s tone is firm and resolute as she fists my shirt, determined to stay at my side.

That’s my good girl.

“Let my daughter go, you fucking worthless scum!” John barks, completely ignoring her.

His men close in on us, their hands resting on the guns at their hips, ready to shoot if I as much as move a muscle.

This isn’t the worst situation I’ve gotten myself into, but I can’t get both of us out without risking Malory getting caught in the crossfire.

And that’s not fucking happening.

“I’m not going anywhere with you, father.” My girl lifts her chin, looking straight at the bastard while he’s glaring at me. “Let us leave.”

“You don’t know what you’re talking about. Get away from that man!” John yells, finally acknowledging her. “Now!”

Malory flinches and I growl in response, my fists clenching with the need to cave his face in.

All I want to do is rip the piece of shit apart, feel his warm blood on my bare skin, running through my fingers.

“This isn’t your decision to make, I’m staying with him.” Her voice remains steady, but I can feel her hands starting to shake.

It’s too late when I notice the movement in my peripheral vision. A deafening boom reverberating through the air as sharp pain pierces my thigh, making my legs buckle.

Fucking damn it.

I can barely hear Malory screaming my name through the ringing in my head.

My first instinct to protect her, to hold onto her, makes me take her down with me. Falling hard to my knees on the pavement.

Before I can recover, strong hands are everywhere, restraining my arms behind my back.

Only when I feel her tiny frame being ripped away from me do I finally snap out of it.

No one touches my baby girl and lives to tell the tale.

Fuck. I can’t reach the gun tucked in my waistband.

Bringing my somewhat working leg behind me, I yank the switchblade from my boot, ramming it upward into the side of the guy holding my arms trapped, twisting out of his hold.

Still, there’s too many of them. Throwing themselves at me before I can swing the knife once more.

Despite rarely needing to partake in close combat, I know how to hold my ground.

I’ll rip them all apart even if it’s the last thing I’ll do.

Dropping down, I momentarily escape their reach in time to pull out my gun and shoot the unfortunate idiot in front of me right in his groin.

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