Page 3 of Cassio (Belles & Mobsters 3)

Rage rolled off Luca, but I was grateful he kept his emotions at bay. This kid needed us to get her out of here, not rain our revenge on these assholes. Though I’d be sure to come back and burn this place down after I rescued the rest of the women and children here.

She placed her small blood covered hand in mine, and I wrapped my fingers around it. A slight wince crossed her face, and I cursed myself for not being more careful.

“Can you stand up?” I asked her.

She went to move her legs pressed against her chest and slowly she stretched them over the little corner bed. I noted whip marks on her legs and felt myself shake with rage. As if she felt it, those beautiful blue lagoon eyes raised up to me.

“You are doing good,” I soothed her, forcing a smile.

Wincing, she stood up and pain crossed her face. She was badly hurt. There would be no way she’d be able to walk, even less run out of here.

Luca and I locked eyes, both of us having the same exact thought.

“What’s your name?” I asked her, keeping my tone gentle. I wasn’t sure if I succeeded. I honestly couldn’t remember the last time I used a calming, soothing tone towards anyone. Probably my brother when we were kids, but that was a long time ago.

Her eyes turned wary again, and I wondered what she was thinking. “My mum didn’t give you my name?”

It was the first time I detected a light accent in her words. I frowned. It was British. Callahan never stepped foot outside the U.S. Who was this girl?

“I’ve never met your mother,” I explained. It wasn’t her mother that hired me. My sixth sense was telling me she didn’t know Callahan. “A mutual friend of hers and mine asked me to help.”

Although, I had no idea why. Callahan and I weren’t exactly friends. Something about this girl seemed familiar, but I couldn’t quite place it. It was hard to think seeing the beaten state she was in. I wanted to punish all that had caused her this pain, regardless that she was nothing to me.

“Butterfly,” I started. Great, I already gave her a nickname. “My brother, Luca, will carry you so we can get out of here fast.” I was a better shot, so he’d have to carry her.

“No,” she whimpered. Her whole body started shaking, her eyes big with terror and her fingers squeezed mine tight although I was sure that caused her pain. The lollipop slid to the floor, but she paid it no attention.

“You can’t walk like this,” I tried to sooth her.

“You carry her,” Luca suggested in a low voice. “You have her already; just lift her and let’s get the hell out of here.”

He was right. I was surprised we didn’t have men swarming this place already. Without another word, I grabbed the lollipop off the floor, then scooted her up into my arms effortlessly. She weighed barely anything. I knew the movement hurt her even before the whimper left her lips.

“I’m sorry,” I told her in a soothing voice. “I know it hurts. When we are safe, we’ll get you a doctor.”

She shut her eyes, her breathing slightly shallow.

“I’ve got you,” I murmured softly, ensuring I had a good grip of my gun and could maneuver my right hand with her in my arms.

“Is there another way out?” Luca asked the kid. “Show me a way out, and I’ll give you American dollars.”

He nodded and instead of going back the way we came, we carried on down the cave hallway. I prayed to God this kid delivered; otherwise, we’d all be dead. Suddenly, getting out of here alive meant more than ever before. This girl deserved to live.

True to the kid’s word, we found a way out.

“Give the kid money as promised,” I told Luca. Hell, if I had my entire bank account at disposal right now, I’d give it to this kid.

Luca handed him a roll of hundred dollar bills. “You shouldn’t go back there, kid,” he told him. I wasn’t sure if he would or wouldn’t.

“Let’s go,” both of us started running.

I glanced down at a small body in my arms, covered in blood and bruises. Her eyes were still squeezed shut, as if she hoped everything would go away. Luca glanced her way several times, his lips pressed in a thin line. This girl still wore her school uniform.

How long was she here for?I recalled Callahan stating she had been missing for a week, but this girl looked like she’d been beaten for a month straight.

“There it is.” The helicopter was still here, thank God.

We sped up, running.

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