his jacket on; therefore, all his gun holsters and weapons were clear to see. “Please let them handle this.”
Angel took a step toward me but caught himself. Our mountain getaway was now occupied with deadly Italian Mafia men, all preparing for revenge and… “I need to be there to search for Seth.”
My eyes slid shut. My son.
“Star,” growled Angel, so I opened my eyes. “Meet me in Sal’s room.”
Frustrated, I nodded, then, when no one was watching, the ‘Giordano Princess’ slid into the dark room. Bella was taken from me and set on Sal’s bed before I was shoved against the wall, a heated and suited man pushing his body to mine. Our lips mashed together with anger toward having to hide in a house where I had learned to be so free, and because we were not allowed to love each other.
“Tell me,” he growled, “that you understand.”
“It doesn’t mean I have to like it.”
Lips battled in the dark. Hands gripped and groped.
Knock, knock. Sal snuck in. “Angelo, they are waiting.”
Angel aggressively kissed me one more time. “Be ready.”
Then he left me in the dark.
Sal handed me back Bella, then kissed my cheek, promising they would both be okay. The room was eerily quiet after he shut the door, following Angel.
I stood there, fighting a shock that wanted to take hold. The two men I adored were off to a gunfight… If they were to live and succeed, we were all to load onto a private jet and race back to Italy.
Thankful the wall was supporting me, I laid a hand on my flat stomach. What I hadn’t told Angel was that he would soon be a father.
What if he dies? I covered my mouth to contain my gasp and fear. He has to know!
I ran out of the bedroom and into an empty living room. “No.”
I ran to the front door and swung it open.
I was too late.
Wheels were spinning, and cars raced from the driveway.
As I watched Angel drive off, I had no idea that he was joining a battle that would link us in ways that could not be undone.
Blood.
Blood, murder, revenge, and family.
How could we ever have known the son I was carrying, our Mafia Prince, would someday fall in love with the princess of the Steel Stallions, creating a Hostile Grace.
More by India
If you are wondering where a good place to start is, feel free to join my reader group on Facebook, India R. Adams Flames https://www.facebook.com/groups/IndiasFlames/
And ask! Myself, my PA, or my readers would be delighted to show you the India Map and answer any questions.
Okay, to all of you, thank you so much for reading this book that was incredibly dark. It hurt to write, and most likely hurt to read, but I am grateful for your empathy toward a damaged soul who deserves love and respect. She has quite a journey ahead of her. Thankfully, she has a guardian angel, too. ;)
India’s Thank Yous
Even though The Girl Without Hands is a very short story compared to my novels, it still takes a team for me to release a book.
Let the thank yous begin…
Cat, thank you for handling my crazy like a trained pro! I’m pretty sure no one envies your job. I am an artist, through and through, and have the chaotic brain to prove it. Yet, you constantly keep me from falling apart. You are my star in the night and a cherished friend! You Alpha read, make me beautiful artwork covers at TRC Designs, format my books… and you manage to love me, even though I have you going in a thousand directions at once. Your talent is endless. Thank you.
Lindsay, my Uni, Post Master, Boo-Boo Finder, and beautiful friend, thank you for everything!
Deb, thank you for being one of the first in my work! Thank you for being everything that you are. Your support, advice, and heart are so special to me. Deep inhale…
Jay, thank you for the Slay Belle Anthology cover!! It is wickedly perfect!!
Kendra, what would I do without my editor? Lose my sh— That’s what! Thank you for being so much more than my word fixer. I impatiently wait for the day I get to finally hug you.
Michelle! You have entered my world by a storm I hope never ends. Not only have you been so kind as to speak so highly of my work, but now you are a part of it! Thank you for jumping in when I needed another beta reader. I