Mobster's Angel (Mobster Series) by Amy Rachiele Read Free Book Online Page B

numbers, or whatever new fuckin’ gambling thing Baby’s got going on.
    “Move, you’re up in thirty.”
    Heat sears my brain and anger fills me.  Baby’s enforcer is bringing Jacko over so Baby can talk to him about tonight.  I lose it.
    I reach out and grab Jacko by the shirt.   I cock my fist back and punch.  He is dazed.  I rip my arm back again and punch him in the jaw.  He tries to get his fists up, but he’s too slow.
    My body is moving because my emotions are telling it to.  I reach dow n, grab a hold of his pant leg and shirt and lift him off the ground.  Once he’s in the air, I throw him as far as I can. My adrenaline surges with fury.  He lands in a crowd of men, knocking some of them off balance.  He didn’t go very far, but he lands with a thud.  Crowds of onlookers cheer while the ones who got hit scowl.  Money changes hands rapidly in an incensed frenzy.  These fuckers never change.  They just want a good show. If I can’t fight Jacko in the ring, then he’s getting his ass kicked outside of it.  I wasn’t letting that chooch off the hook.
    I turn to Baby.  “Sure, I’ll fight who ever you want me to.”  I smile smugly.
    Baby’s face is clear… Fuckin’ pissed!

Chapter 4
Erin
    I didn’t tell them what happened.  Joey and Clarissa hounded me to find out, but I didn’t give in. I’ll never forget the look on their faces when they opened the apartment door: Shock. My dress was ripped, dirt and bruises covered me, and my face was a bright pink from walking so many miles in the middle of the night.  I thought I saw Joey’s eyes well up at the sight of me. Clarissa threw her arms around me in practically a chokehold, sobbing.  I appreciated their love, support, and caring--but it was my story to tell. Or in this case, not to tell.
    Brice didn’t come back to school for the rest of the week, and I didn’t tell a soul about what took place in the limo.  It’s mine.  The whole experience.  Brice gave me something.  And it was something I was looking for.  Strength.
    The strength not to be a victim.
    I’ve learned something from everyone around me.  Joey taught me to defend myself.  Vito taught me what to look for and to be cautious.  Antonio taught me the code of the Mafia lifestyle.  My sister taught me how to endure, even in the most horrible situations: how to pick up the pieces and move on.
    *****
    Joey is driving me to the hairdresser.  We worked out this morning.  The ride is quiet, like the entire week has been.  I’m curious if Joey is giving me the silent treatment or if he’s still in shock over the episode at Club Ruin.
    “What’s going on, Joey?” I ask.
    “Nothing.”
    “Nothing is something.  What is it? You ’ve been very quiet.”
    He shrugs his shoulders in a whatever gesture.  His face is not my Joey.  It’s creased and sad.
    “I failed.”
    “What?”
    “I failed you… and Clarissa. I’m supposed to protect you.  Keep you safe.” He smashes the steering wheel with his hand in anger.  The sound of the horn startles me.
    “You’re beating yourself up over something you couldn’t have controlled. Trust me , I know.”
    “Your parents, Antonio, Megan, Clarissa’s father, Ennio : they’re all counting on me. I failed.”
    Joey stops to look at me, his face is contorted in the misery of his self-induced shame and grief.
    “Look at it this way. We’re both fine.  You couldn’t have predicted or stopped what happened. What’s done is done.”
    “Are you ever going to tell me what happened?” he asks , softly.
    “No.”
    He pulls the car into a parking spot and I get out.
    “Thanks.” I say as I lean down and peer at Joey in the car.  “Thanks for everything.”
    I shut the door and head into the salon. I’m revitalized and ready for some changes.  I’ve been coming to the same stylist since I moved here over the winter.  Tiffany does a great job of cutting my thick hair. I hope she can color it just as