Page 118 of Joey

“No, it’s bullshit! You sent me away because it was easier for you all. Admit it, Dante. You wanted me out of your hair.”

“Why would I want that, Joey? You’re my kid sister.”

“You just said I was a spoiled little bitch.”

“You were, but that’s not…”

My girl doesn’t let him finish what he’s saying. Instead, she pulls back her arm and punches him in the jaw. Gaping at her, he staggers back.

He rubs a hand over his chin and glares at her, and fuck me if she doesn’t gear up to clock him again.

Looks like it’s time to step in. He’d never hit her, but he might defend himself if she punches him again, and if he touches her—well, then he and I would come to blows. I grab hold of her, and she lashes out at me too, but this time there’s no getting away from me. I carry her around to the other side of the car, locking my arms around her like a cage when I set her down.

Her eyes shoot daggers at me. “I hate you all.”

“I know, baby girl. Now get in the damn car.”

ChapterForty-Eight

MAX

As soon as we’re all safely in the car, I call Lorenzo.

“Yeah?” he barks.

“We got her, Loz. She’s okay. We’re on our way home.”

I hear the deep sigh of relief. “Thank fuck. And she’s okay?”

“Yes.”

“And Viktor?”

“He’s in the trunk. Sedated.”

“I’ll make sure to get a room ready for him.”

“Yeah, do that. And Kat might need to stitch him up a little.” We don’t want the piece of shit to die before we can kill him.

“I’ll let her know. Get her home soon.”

He ends the call, and I sit back against my seat, casting glances at Joey every few seconds to make sure she’s okay.

We’ve been driving for a few minutes when she speaks. I guess the adrenaline seeping out of her body is allowing her some space to think. She sits in the back seat with me, as far away from me as possible. Although I’m burning to touch her, I give her the space she needs.

“Is Ash…?”

“He’s fine. He’ll be in hospital for a few days, but he’ll be okay.”

“Oh, that’s good,” she says with a sigh and sinks back against the seat.

“Henry didn’t make it though, baby.”

She stares at me, eyes brimming with tears. “Henry? No.” She shakes her head.

“I’m sorry.”

She sobs quietly, and I stare out of the window because her body language screamsdo not touch me, and I’m not getting into a fight with her right now and definitely not in the back of her brother’s car.