“As long as he doesn’t touch her,” Vince speaks quietly so no one else can hear, “don’t fucking make a move.”
I don’t acknowledge him. I keep my eyes steady on that prick as he walks by Ava, slowing his steps and staring at her. She cowers in her seat with her eyes staring straight ahead.
I don’t give a damn about the docks, or the shipments. I couldn’t fucking care less. Instead I’m watching as Felipe walks even closer to her. He stands a few feet away, but just by him being there her entire body is stiff and she’s not okay. I know she’s not.
The water splashing against the docks is drowning out what he’s saying. I know he’s talking to her though. And I don’t like her reaction. Her face is mostly expressionless, save for the slight frown on her lips and the flash of fear in her eyes. And then I just barely hear him say, “You’re going to regret it, you fucking cunt.”
Every ounce of control inside of me snaps. My poor Ava goes pale, and I fucking lose it. He’s not going to do that shit to her. I’ll make sure he never fucking touches her again. I’m quick to pull out my gun and shoot him right in his fucking kneecap. Before I’m aware that I’ve even moved, I’m on him, standing over his body as he’s clutching his leg and cussing rather than reaching for his own gun. Fucking stupid shit.
“Motherfucker!” he screams, as blood covers his hands and pools in the dirt under his knee.
“You’ll fucking die for this, Kane.” I smirk back at him as I hear the Valettis come to stand around us. I’m sure they have their guns drawn and pointed at me, but I don’t look. I won’t take my eyes off this fucker until he’s dead.
“Not before you.” He makes a move for his gun and I shoot his hand as it reaches his belt. I’m a good shot. The bullet goes right through his hand. Blood pours from the wound as he curls inward and covers it with his left hand.
“Fuck!” He screams and winces as blood soaks his clothes and pools around him. It’s gushing from his hand, but also his knee now that he isn't keeping pressure on it.
Everyone around us is silent and still. I can feel all eyes on me. Waiting for my next move.
A small gasp and slight movement in my periphery bring me back to why this prick needs to die right now.
“Ava. Come here.” I keep my eyes on Felipe and he flashes me a nasty look. He reaches toward his belt, and I shake my head. “Don’t fucking think about it.”
“I got it.” A man’s voice to my right sounds out and I watch as Tommy leans in and takes Felipe's gun away from him. Felipe lets go of his injured hand to grab Tommy’s wrist, but Tommy shakes him off and pulls away. Felipe sneers at him as he’s dragged across the dirt, struggling to retrieve his gun before finally giving up and letting go. He curls up on his side, still cussing and grabbing his hand. His face is distorted in rage and pain, but then he sees my face. He swallows and looks around me. I don’t follow his eyes. I know we’re surrounded.
Felipe goes pale, all blood drained from his face and his expression shows the realization that he’s about to fucking die. Good. I’m glad he knows it.
Ava skirts around Felipe slowly and he stares at her with daggers in his eyes. “Puto coño,” he cusses under his breath and then spits on the ground.
Ava’s eyes are closed and her shoulders are trembling as she stands to my left. She’s terrified. I feel like a fucking asshole for not ending him the second I came over here. But I want to give this to her. I think she needs this.
“Ava, baby, open your eyes.” She doesn’t hesitate. Her blue eyes stare up at me, pleading with me to make this stop. “Take his gun.” I tilt my head toward Tommy, although my eyes are still on Felipe. His nostrils flare and he’s cursing in Spanish under his breath. I can’t hear whatever he’s saying due to the loud crash of the waves.
I see Tommy hesitate to give her the gun. I look to him with impatience and he relents, passing her the gun in front of me. She takes it in both hands and points it at Felipe. She steadies her stance and squares her shoulders as though she’s at the gun range. I imagine with her father being the boss, that she should know how to shoot. But she’s probably never actually killed anyone before.
“What did he tell you, Ava?” I ask her. I want her to know this is what happens to men who threaten her. I want to give her this power.
She closes her eyes and I see hope flash on Felipe’s face as he leans forward. I'll make sure he never orders her around again. I point my gun at his other leg and fire off a shot. Bang!