Page 8 of Beastly Boss

My dad yanks it away from my reach and shoves my hand out of the way, knocking me off balance. I stumble into the side table, wincing when the sharp edge digs into my thigh.

“Kimbra,” he calls out. “Shit, I didn’t mean to… It was an accident.”

“I’m fine,” I rush to say. I’m the last thing he needs to worry about right now.

“You should leave.”

“What?”

“Go back to your apartment. Get away from me. It’s the safest thing for you until this all blows over.”

“No, you need my help. I might not be able to fix your work problems, but I can get you an ice pack and some Aspirin. Just let me help.”

“Get out of here!” my father yells.

I’m so shocked I can’t even breathe. He’s never been like this before. My feet are cemented in place, and I stare at him like he’s a rabid animal.

“Kimbra,go.” His words slice through me, jarring me out of my shock enough to grab my purse and race out through the front door, which is still wide open from the earlier intrusion.

I walk down the block on shaky legs, trying to catch my breath. What does this mean? Is my father in danger? Does Aurelio know? How–

My thoughts come to an abrupt halt when someone grabs my arm and throws me against the side of a building. I recognize the man as the officer who smirked at me before leaving my father’s house. His fingers dig into my forearm, and I can smell his liquor-soaked breath as he crowds my space.

“If dear ol’ daddy doesn’t quit, he’s not the only one who will get hurt. It’s in everyone’s best interest for him to step aside.”

It hurts to breathe; each inhale a struggle against the weight of the man pressing me against the wall. His glassy eyes meet mine, and I see an empty void where his soul should be. There’s no reasoning with him, so I just go along with his game until I can get to safety. I nod, though the motion makes me dizzy.

“Tell me you understand. Tell me you’re going to talk to your stubborn fuck of a father and convince him to go along with us.”

“O-okay,” I stutter.

Just as suddenly as the man appeared, he releases his grip on me and vanishes around the corner, slinking into the shadows of a sketchy alley. I can barely stand, but my fight or flight instinct kicks in, giving me enough of an adrenaline rush to hobble down the block and hail a cab.

Once inside, I give the driver the address. It’s not my apartment I’m going to, however. It’s Aurelio’s mansion. I don’t have a plan or even know what I’m going to say, but everything in me knows he’ll protect me. At least, I hope.

5

AURELIO

Irub my temples and sigh as I stare at the stack of folders on my desk. Who knew being the head of a criminal enterprise came with so much paperwork? It’s my least favorite part of the job, but it’s the only way to ensure the Family is running smoothly in all areas of our territory.

My phone rings, startling me out of my thoughts. It’s Isaac, the head of security, which is odd. There are multiple people in my inner circle he should report to before speaking to me directly.

“Yes?” I answer, cutting straight to the point. I have work to do, after all.

“Boss, sorry to bother you,” he starts. When I don’t respond, he continues. “There’s someone at the front gate asking for you.”

I look at my watch, noting the time. Eight-thirty at night - a bit late for a house call. Whoever is out there is either confused or asking for trouble.

“Tell them to get the fuck off my property,” I growl. I’m annoyed at the interruption. He should know better.

“I think…” Isaac hesitates before continuing. “I think you might want to come see her for yourself. She seems… desperate.”

“She?” I’m out of my seat before Isaac can confirm his words. There’s only one person it could be, but I still can’t quite believe it’s true.

I sprint down the ornate staircase, nearly tripping on the last step in my rush to get to the front door. Once outside, I make my way to the iron gate that secures my property.It’s her.

I motion toward the security station right inside the gate, signaling for Isaac to let Kimbra in. She steps forward on shaky legs, clutching her purse as if it’s a shield, warding off her enemies. When her hazel eyes meet mine, the breath is stolen from my lungs. Tears stream down her face, making my chest ache in an unfamiliar way.

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