“Thank you, Kane.” The way she says the words seems different than before. The words are softer and have more meaning. I reach into the backseat and grab the bag with her collar and leash. I imagine I need her collared when everyone’s around, just like I need her to call me sir. I want the collar on her neck, too. I want to cover the bandage over her cut. It’s a large fucking cut, too. The fact that they didn’t do shit to help it heal pisses me off. I lean over and push the edges of the Band-Aid down.
“This’ll cover that up.” I have to lean across the console to put the thin leather band around her neck. It looks good on her. It’s an off-white color and makes her skin look brighter around it. The leather should feel good compared to the metal. There’s a loop at the front, for a tag or a leash.
I adjust the band so it fits nicely and covers the bandage. Most of it, anyway; a small bit peeks out. It makes me scowl. I don’t like seeing it. I hate the evidence of what those fuckers did to her. My eyes involuntarily travel to the large, silvery scar on her shoulder. The indentation of each tooth from the bite is visible. I have to force myself to look away and calm my breathing.
“That feel alright?” She nods her head at my question and I shove the bag into the backseat. I’m not putting a fucking leash on her. I won’t need it.
“You’ll stay to my right. Do you understand?”
“Yes, Kane.”
“If anything happens, you stand behind me.” She hesitates as her eyes widen slightly; it’s the first time she’s ever waited even a second to answer. I raise my eyebrows, waiting for her to acknowledge what I said. If guns come up, we’re probably fucked. But I still want her behind me. I need to know she’s alright.
“Yes, Kane,” she replies as she nods her head, keeping those beautiful blue eyes on mine.
“Kane?” she asks.
“Yeah, Ava?” I meet her kind gaze and it takes me by surprise. Her eyes have such life in them.
“I’m sorry for your loss as well.” I’m shocked to hear that from her. My eyes search her face. If her father didn’t talk about business, then Abram and whoever else had her must’ve been 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.”