Adam (The Protectors #5)(39)
Adam didn’t even realize he moved; it was an immediate reaction. He had Dan around the throat and lifted him up off the floor. “You piece-of-shit.” Adam lifted the man higher, high enough he had to look up at him and Adam admired the shade of blue he was turning, his feet kicked out at him, but Adam didn’t feel a thing.
“No, Adam.” Angelina ran into the room with her bag, but dropped it to pull at Adam’s arms. “Please!”
At Angelina’s pleas and tugging on his arms, Adam opened his hand dropping the * to the floor. With probably more satisfaction than he should have, Adam watched as Angelina’s stepfather rolled around on the floor gasping.
Looking over, he saw Angelina and her mother looking at him with wide-eyes. “He’s fine.” Adam shrugged, and then reached down to pick up her bag. “You ready?”
Nodding, Angelina went to follow Adam out, but stopped and turned, walking toward her mom. “I love you, Mom.” She hugged her tightly. “But we both deserved better than him and I have to take me out.”
“I’m sorry.” Her mother tucked Angelina’s hair behind her ear with a shaking hand. “I should have been a better mother to you.”
“What are you talking about, Maggie?” Dan’s voice was raspy and rough. Staggering to his feet, he glared at them both, rubbing his throat. “You need to shut up before I boot you out right behind her. You’ve always favored her over me, you whore.”
Angelina turned and took two steps at Dan, fisting her hand. With everything she had, she punched him right on the nose. Blood gushed everywhere. Shaking her hand, she pointed in his face with the other. “If I find out you ever hurt her or treat her bad, I will send every VC Warrior here, and if you run, they will find you. It’s what they do. They chase down scum like you.” Angelina stuck her hurt hand under her armpit, but pulled a hundred dollars out her pocket, sliding it to her mom. “I had money hidden in my room. Pay the phone bill so I can call you.”
“You’ll still call me?” Angelina’s mom started to cry. Tears of regret rolled down her face, her eyes haunted by the life she had raised her only daughter in.
“Of course. You’re my mom. Though you have the worst taste in men.” Angelina smiled sadly, and then kissed her cheek. “Don’t let him take that money.”
Her mom nodded, watching Dan cursing while trying to stop the bleeding of his nose. “Maggie, get me something. She broke my damn nose,” he shouted, tilting his head back.
“Get it yourself,” her mom yelled back, sounding like the old mom Angelina remembered. Her mom turned to look at Angelina, and then smiled a smile that transformed her face before winking. “Go, get out of here, and know that I love you.”
Once outside, Adam stopped Angelina. “Are you okay?”
Angelina couldn’t help it; she laughed, with the biggest grin on her face. “Do you know how long I’ve wanted to say all that? And punching him in the face was a bonus.”
Laughing, Adam hugged her, but stopped when she yelped. “What is it?”
“I think I broke my hand.” Angelina frowned, sticking her swollen hand out.
Adam grabbed it carefully placing a kiss on her fingers. “We’ll have Slade check it out.” Angelina nodded, then stopped turning back toward the house. “What’s wrong?”
“I hope he doesn’t take what I did out on my mom.” Her eyes shot up to his, fear at the very thought shadowed her features. “I was brave because you were there with me, but when we leave she won’t have anyone.”
Adam honestly didn’t think her mom deserved her worry, but he lead Angelina to the car, helped her in, and shut the door. Turning, he passed the car, went up the two steps and opened the screen door. Walking straight up to Dan, who had his head tilted backwards, but had turned to see who came in; he back peddled as Adam advanced on him.
“What do you want?” Dan’s voice was high-pitched and his nose looked a little crooked.
Adam grabbed him by the throat again. “If I find out that you harmed Angelina’s mom in any way, I will be back and that broken nose will be the least of your worries.” Adam shook him, his eyes narrowed. “Understand?”
Dan nodded his head, which sent a fresh stream of blood seeping out one nostril.
“Good.” Adam let go with a forcible push, sending Dan down on the couch. Turning, Adam nodded to Angelina’s mom before heading back out to the car. Getting in, he strapped his seatbelt and looked over at Angelina. “He won’t hurt your mom.” A grin slipped across his lips as he put the car in reverse and backed out of the driveway.
Chapter 15
Sid leaned against the door to his room waiting for Lana to get out of the shower, but what he really wanted to do was strip and get in the shower with her. Since he had already tried to follow her in the small bathroom, only to be pushed out with the door closed on his face, he pretty much figured she was still pissed.
It was three in the morning. Her face was battered and he knew she was exhausted, but that didn’t stop him from wanting her, craving her and didn’t that make him a big *.
The door opened and she exited the bathroom looking sexy as hell in one of his large shirts, which looked a hell of a lot better on her. She caught him staring at her breasts; her nipples peaked through the plain white shirt begging for him. Turning away, she bent over and removed a pair of underwear from her bag as well as a brush.