neck and with the momentum of her run and jump, she flings him against the wall.
Dad falls to the floor, but she’s not done. She grabs him by the hair and slams his face into the old credenza.
“You like beating on the defenseless. Try me,” she growls.
She slams his face into the credenza again. I sit up gasping and rubbing at my neck, completely in awe. However, Jordan isn’t done.
“You little bitch,” Dad says as blood flies from his mouth.
“You’re going to watch that filthy mouth. Is that where your son gets it from?” Her voice is so small yet menacing.
She releases his hair and throws a combo punch that knocks Dad on his ass. I don’t know if I want to dance or hug the shit out Jordan. Instead, I race to grab her arm and rush for her backpack.
“Go, get away from here,” Mom cries out. “Hurry, Weston.”
“Mom, you have to come with us,” I say.
“No, you get out of here. I’ll be fine. Don’t you argue with me. This was the plan.”
I nod, knowing this is what we talked about happening someday. I’ll come back for her when can. I promise I will.
Grabbing my backpack with the money I’ve been saving, I hold Jordan’s hand as she grabs her bag. We rush out the door just as her ride pulls up. I jump in after Jordan, hoping I can bum a ride to the bus station or something.
“Shep, get me to my dad and uncles,” she says angrily.
“What’s going?”
“Get me to Black and Lock,” Jordan demands.
Shep groans and starts to mutter to himself, but he pulls off. I tug Jordan’s trembling body against mine and hug her tight. Inhaling her strawberry scent, I allow it to calm me.
She turns her face up. “Hey, I’m sorry. I just couldn’t stand there and not do anything,” she whispers.
I brush my lips against hers, still not able to believe that I got to kiss her. When I look into her eyes, I try to memorize every single feature of her face. I want to remember the girl that kicked that bastard’s ass.
When we pull into the underground garage of the building, it’s like all of Jordan’s cousins are there as well as a bunch of adults. They have the backs of their cars open and two grills are being manned. It’s like a tailgate party.
“Don’t worry. My uncle is the fixer around here. He’ll make sure you’re safe. Your dad won’t ever hurt you or your mom again,” she says and rushes out of the car.
I follow after her and she grabs my hand, tugging me with her. We move for the group of guys talking and laughing together. They’re all huge. I swallow and squeeze Jordan’s hand.
“Uncle John, I need your help,” Jordan says.
All heads turn in our direction. They don’t look at all surprised to see us. Jordan releases my hand to run forward to wrap her arms around the tallest guy in the group.
“Daddy, I’m sorry. He made me so mad. He was hurting Weston and his mom.”
“Aw man, baby, come get your little Samurai before someone tries to sue my ass again,” her dad groans.
“He won’t be suing anyone. Not after I handed him his whole life,” Jordan replies.
“I swear to God, you’re just like your mother. Please tell me you didn’t cut anyone up? Carmen, Carmen, are you letting her take blades to school?” Jordan’s dad bellows.
“No, Dad,” Jordan pulls away and places her hands on her hips as she frowns.
“Ry, give me a break. I lock all of their swords away. They know not to take them out of the house,” I turn to see the pretty lady that must be Jordan’s mom.
“I didn’t need any blades. Uncle Noah tell him. I don’t need my swords.” Jordan turns to the big scary looking guy.
“Did you do me proud?” Her uncle Noah asks.
She gives him a nod. He winks, holding his hand up for a high five. Watching Jordan’s small hand slap his reminds me of how small she is and all she did to my dad.
Suddenly, a tall guy dressed in all black with black hair and gray eyes steps from the center of the other seven guys. He looks younger than them all. Closer to my age.
“Hey kid, catch,” he says to me and tosses an ice pack.
“Sammy,” Jordan sings and runs to hug him around the waist. “What are you doing here?”