Page 19 of Beautiful Trauma (The Irish Rogues #5)

I ’d made it into the city and was looping aimlessly to try to confuse Jordy and the others when Callum finally called back.

“Go to Trinity Library. A driver will be waiting for you after you ditch the car. Then take the car–”

“You mean take a ride?”

“No. You’re to take the car by whatever means necessary.”

“Jaysus, Callum.”

He snorted. “With your history, don’t act affronted to carjacking.”

“It’s one of the few things I haven’t done.”

“Well, today’s the day to end that streak.”

“Fine. After the carjacking, where do I go?”

“Ballymum. It’s in one of the dodgy parts of town, which they’ll never think of looking for you there.”

“And where exactly would the dodgy parts be?”

He chuckled. “I’m texting you a pin for your GPS.”

“I appreciate it.”

“Once you get there, take a shitty room at a rundown hotel while we figure the rest out.”

“Got it.”

After a pause came over the line, Callum said, “Be careful, boyo.”

Even though I was thousands of miles away, I could clearly hear the emotion vibrating in his voice. “Aye, I will.”

After Callum hung up, I tapped in the GPS for Trinity Library. Thankfully, I was only about five minutes from City Center.

I’d just checked my rearview mirror to see if anyone was following us when Mila’s voice caused me to jump.

“You’re in trouble because of me again. Aren’t you?”

I jerked my gaze from the road over to her. “No. That’s not it.”

She pulled the sheet tighter around herself. “I’m nothing but trouble.”

“That’s not true, Mila.”

When an absent tear streaked down her cheek, I clenched my jaw in helplessness. “No one is to blame for what’s happened but my bastard cousin.”

At the reference to Brian, Mila shuddered. The remorse slid from her face, and she once again became impassive. My chest ached at that look. I knew it all too well. I’d seen it reflected on Maeve’s face after her rape. It was a form of self-preservation by retreating into one’s self.

I felt an overwhelming helplessness for Mila just as I had for Maeve.

I would’ve done anything in the world to take her pain away.

Since I knew no words were adequate, I took one hand off the steering wheel and brought it to hers.

As I squeezed her hand in mine, Mila continued staring straight out the windshield.

As I edged closer to the front of the library, I kept my eyes peeled for the car that Callum had requested for me. When my gaze landed on it, I sat up straighter in the seat.

After pulling up behind it, I put the Porsche in park. Turning to Mila, I said, “We have to change cars now. I want you to stay here while I get the new car. Okay?”

Instead of replying, she continued staring straight ahead. I squeezed her hand. “I promise that no one is going to hurt you.”

Silence once again met me. After releasing her hand, I reached to open the door when she whispered, “Be safe.”

I threw a glance over my shoulder. “I will.”

After exiting the car, I glanced around. Carjacking in broad daylight in a busy area was not easy. I knew if this was going to work, I had to sweeten the pot.

With my gun in my pants pocket, I approached the car. When I reached the driver’s side, I waved at the guy. “Are you here for Patrick Pearse?” I asked, giving him the alias Callum made up.

He glanced at his phone before replying. “Yeah, I am.”

“Do you see that Porsche behind you?”

The man peered into his rear view mirror. “What about it?”

I held the key fob out to him. “I want you to trade cars with me.”

He stared at me in disbelief. “You’re acting the maggot, mate,” he replied.

Of course he thought I was crazy. What person possibly sane would trade a shiny Porsche for a Toyota.

In a way I was glad he hadn’t agreed. I didn’t want any harm coming to him from Brian if he was caught in the Porsche.

I eased my gun out of my pocket and flashed it at him. “All right. You don’t have to take the Porsche, but you are going to give me your car.”

“And then what’s going to happen when I do that?”

Since I didn’t want any harm to come to him from Brian, I said, "In about an hour, you’ll receive a link to your phone for a wire transfer for ten thousand dollars.”

“You’re joking.”

“Do I look like I’m joking?” When he shook his head, I replied, “Now get out of the fucking car and give me your keys, or this is not going to end well for you!”

To his credit, the guy didn’t argue with me anymore. He took the keys out of the ignition and handed them over to me before stepping out of the car. Without another word to him, I went back to get Mila.

When the guy caught sight of her wrapped in the sheet, horror flashed across his face. “What the fuck are you doing with her?”

Before I could respond, Mila replied, “He’s saving my life. Just like he saved me from being raped today.”

As I stared at her in shock, the man muttered under his breath. “Jaysus, Mary, and Joseph.”

After easing Mila into the passenger seat, I hurried around the front of the car. “Thanks again,” I replied before peeling out of the spot.

Once I got us en route to Ballymum, I turned to Mila. “Thanks for having my back with that guy.”

“I was just telling the truth.”

“I know. And I appreciated it.”

“You’re welcome.”

Although I smiled at her, she didn’t return it, so I turned my focus back to getting us to safety. When we reached the destination, I chose the first hotel I came to.

When I put the car in park, I turned to Mila. “Do you know how to shoot a gun?”

She whipped her head around to stare at me. “Why?”

“Because I need to go check us in, and I wanted to leave you with my gun.”

After pulling it out of my pocket, I held it out to her. “Can you shoot it?”

“Yes,” she whispered.

“Good. If anyone suspicious comes near the car, don’t hesitate.” I gave her a pointed look. “Just shoot.”

After placing the gun into her hand, I headed inside the hotel lobby. Thankfully, my wallet was in my pocket and not back at Brian’s. When I breezed through the door, a grey-haired woman glanced up at me.

I gave her a tight smile. “I need a room with two double beds.”

She shook her head. “We only got rooms with one king.”

I grimaced. After what had transpired with Brian, I knew there was no way in hell that Mila would want to sleep anywhere near any man, including myself. With a sigh, I realized I would just have to sleep on the floor.

“Fine. I’ll take it.”

The woman nodded and then started the paperwork. I kept an eye on Mila in the car. As soon as I was handed the keycard, I hurried back outside.

Just as I exited the door, a scream tore through the parking lot. Fear ricocheted through me at the sight of a man standing next to Mila’s car window. I broke into a run across the parking lot.

When I reached the car, I realized it wasn’t Brian or one of his minions.

It was merely a homeless man looking for change.

Although I should’ve been glad Mila hadn’t fired on him, her reaction was far more concerning.

She had her hands in her hair, tugging at the strands as she screamed over and over.

“Get the fuck out of here!” I shouted at the man.

Thankfully, he had the presence of mind to turn and run away. When I opened the car door, Mila continued screaming and tearing at her hair. I reached inside and pulled her to me. “Shh, it’s all right. It’s me, Kellan.”

My words did nothing to soothe her. She continued wailing while kicking and thrashing against me. I quickly ushered her to the room, which was on the ground floor only a few feet from the car.

When I got her inside, I deposited her on the bed. She rolled into a fetal position and kept crying loudly. I knew if she continued that we would be kicked out or draw more attention. I was also concerned about her mental health.

Since I didn’t have anything on me to sedate her, I was left with a less desirable option.

With extreme regret, I put my index and middle finger together before bringing them to her neck.

As I pushed them into the pressure point, Mila’s cries choked off.

When I pushed harder, she went limp on the bed.

Easing back, I felt like a complete and total bastard for knocking her out. At least she was at peace now. I just didn’t know for how long.