running their mouths. Adrenaline courses through my blood and I struggle to keep the anger from my expression. Not because they were talking about my family, but because they had her.
I open my mouth to ask her more about what she heard, but also about the shit they put her through. Before I get a word out though, a knock on my window surprises the shit out of me.
Fuck! Fucking sloppy of me to let a Valetti sneak up on me like that. I should fucking know better. I open the door and step out. The man who knocked on the window takes a step back with a smirk. Behind him is another man. Both are dressed casually, sporting jeans and tee shirts. They resemble each other quite a bit--both Italian with dark hair, and dark eyes. Most likely they’re true-blooded Valettis.
The smaller one, toned and broad-chested, but not nearly as muscular as the fucker to my right, smiles up at me like it’s a big fucking joke that they walked up on me. His hand is on the butt of his gun and as my eyes settle on it, he pulls his shirt out a bit and hides it away. I’ve got mine, too. But I’m not fucking ready to pull it out. Not without reason.
“Just a precaution,” he says with a smirk.
“I’m Tommy, and this is my brother Anthony,” says the one closest to me. I nod my head. I was right. Valettis. I know a bit about them. I know Anthony is the fucker who gets people to talk. His methods are known to be extreme, but effective. Looking at Tommy I don’t have to wonder what his job is. He’s almost as tall as I am, with just as much muscle. His shirt is stretched almost too tight across his chest. He should start investing in some that actually fit.
“Nice to meet you two.” Not fucking really. I lean into the car with the door still open. I put my back to them. It’s a deliberate move on my part. I want them to know I’m not scared of them, although I’d be a fucking liar if I said I wasn’t the least bit anxious. I also want them to know I trust them not to fuck with me with my back turned.
I look into the car and give Ava a small smile. I fucking hope she’s alright being here. I don’t know when was the last time she was around anyone without being in chains. She’s still sitting there, wide-eyed and looking like she’s waiting for a shootout to start any second.
“You ready?” I ask in a soft voice. “Just stay by my side and everything will be fine.” I hope that she’s reassured, but if she’s smart, then she knows I can’t guarantee a damn thing. Judging by the look on her face, she’s definitely doubting my words. I reach out my hand and cup her chin. “Just be a good girl and stay with me. I’ll protect you.”
Her shoulders relax slightly and her eyes soften as she replies, “Yes, Kane.” My heart warms at her words. It shouldn’t, but it does. I like that she trusts me and that she’s associating me with safety. My heart twists in my chest. I won’t be able to give her safety for long. But as long as she’s mine, I will.
Kane
“Stay. I’ll come around and get you.” I give her the order then quickly shut the door. I don’t turn around to face the Valettis, but instead I immediately walk around the car to get her. I had her slightly relaxed, so I want to make sure I keep her that way.
When I open the door, she stands gracefully. My hand rests on the small of her back to steady her, but also to give her guidance. I rub my hand in small soothing circles as we walk around the car to face Tommy and his brother. I fucking wish I had her in Kevlar, too. It’s standard attire for me now, after all that shit that happened. It’s the only reason I lived.
I clench my jaw and try to settle the churning in my gut. She’ll stand behind me if anything happens. It’ll be alright.
“This is Ava.” I introduce her and give them a hard stare. I know they saw her before back at the hangar. Back when she was in that dirty dress, bowing on the ground in shackles. But this is different.
Anthony gives