Total pages in book: 88
Estimated words: 82662 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 413(@200wpm)___ 331(@250wpm)___ 276(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 82662 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 413(@200wpm)___ 331(@250wpm)___ 276(@300wpm)
Bones nodded, his arm still protectively around my waist.
Frankie returned his focus on the leader. “Was it you who touched her?”
The leader shook his head fervently, his eyes wide with fear. “No, no, we didn’t touch her. We were just trying to talk to her, that’s all. We didn’t mean any harm.”
“Put your hand against the wall,” Frankie demanded.
“What?”
Frankie’s tone left no room for argument. “Do it.”
The leader hesitated for a moment, then slowly raised his hand and placed it against the wall.
Frankie stepped closer, his gaze never leaving the man’s face. With a swift movement he punched the man’s hand with all his force.
Bones gave with a crack as the man yowled in pain, cradling his now-broken hand against his chest. Frankie’s expression remained impassive, his eyes icy cold.
Bones tightened his grip on me, pulling me closer as if to shield me from the sight.
“You think you can touch what’s mine?” Frankie growled, his words echoing through the hallway.
Frankie looked over the group, his eyes filled with a mixture of disgust and anger.
“You should have thought twice before messing with her,” he said, his voice low and dangerous. “Now, you’re going to pay for your actions.”
“Frankie.” I stepped out from behind Bones. “Let’s go. We don’t need the added attention.” I took hold of his arm, hoping it was enough to soothe the storm.
Frankie turned to look at me, his expression softening for a moment. He nodded, understanding my concern.
I then looked at Bones, and repeated, “Let’s all go.”
Frankie turned to the men and spat. “Get out of my sight before I change my mind.”
The men scattered instantly, disappearing down the hallway and around the corner, leaving us alone in the dimly lit corridor.
I drew a deep breath, trying to steady my racing heart. Frankie came up behind me, his arms encircling my waist in a comforting hold.
“Are you okay?” he asked, quiet and gentle.
I nodded, leaning back against him. “I’m fine. Thanks to you and Bones.”
Bones grunted in acknowledgment. I could feel the tension in his shoulders; he was still on high alert.
Frankie brought up his hand to rest it on my cheek and turn my face toward him. “Why didn’t you wait where I told you? I fucking warned you that these low-rent fights bring these kinds of assholes.” His eyes burned with intensity.
I sighed, feeling a mix of frustration and gratitude. “I know, I’m sorry. I just... I can’t always be babied.”
Bones stepped forward, meeting Frankie’s gaze. “We just need to stick together. All of us.” Bones extended his hand to shake Frankie’s. “Thanks, man. I couldn’t have taken them all.”
Frankie hesitated for a moment, then took Bones’ hand in a firm grip.
I couldn’t help the small smile that tugged at my lips. Frankie had a way of being overprotective, but I couldn’t deny that it was comforting that he cared so much.
“Let’s get out of here,” I said to break the tense silence. “We have a fight to prepare for.”
Frankie nodded and let go of Bones’ hand. “Yeah, let’s go.”
Chapter 32
Bones
Fucking hell, my brain swam with chaos as I took in Lotto’s update of what the doctor had said, that they had been released from the hospital, and were on the way home.
I sat in Ari’s office. Stunned. Frozen. Broken.
We had just flown back from Detroit, and Ari was cutting me a check for my share of the night’s winnings. It was a nice purse, but not anywhere close to even making mortgage let alone the other bills. Medical expenses on top of that? Forget it.
Ari slipped her hand onto my thigh, trying to calm me down, but even her touch wasn’t enough right now. Not when my entire world had been shaken up.
“I wish you would have told me,” she said softly. “You can trust me with stuff like that, you know.”
“Everything is just a whirlwind right now,” I offered, noticing pain in her eyes. I couldn’t tell if it was the result of me shutting her out, or if she was feeling my pain herself.
As we all filed out from the office, I felt like I was floating on air, having a horrible, sickening out-of-body experience. I no longer felt connected to anything anymore.
“I’m sorry,” Ari said quietly to me once we were out in the hallway.
“Thank you,” I mumbled.
“Had I known it was so serious… I would have canceled the fight. You should have told me.”
I shook my head. “Lotto insisted, and he was right, but I need to get back now.”
She pulled me in for a hug. I willed myself to feel something… anything would do at this point, but it was as if my body had shut down completely. I couldn’t actually feel anything—unless you counted misery.
“Do you want me to go home with you?” she asked, no doubt trying to make me feel better.