Little Dark One

67 - bruises

Tommy

The second it was all over, I dropped the gun and pulled Keira into my arms. Her whole body began to shake as she clutched onto me like her life depended on it.

I inhaled her scent and fell into the soothing comfort of her body crushed to mine. There was no way in seven hells I'd be letting her go anytime soon, if ever.

I couldn't begin to imagine the extent of what that monster had put her through. She's known nothing but violence and cruelty for too long.

I made a silent promise then and there that she would spend the rest of her life loved and protected. I would let every wall down with her, I would hold her, allow myself to be soft for her, and fuck the dive my fearsome reputation might take. I would learn to be kind and care for her, I would do anything for her.

If she even let me stay in her life after the way I'd treated her.

"You're safe now, baby. I've got you." I murmured into her dark hair as I stroked my fingers through it.

I could feel the adrenaline fading out of her and her strength disappearing as she clutched me tighter.

I bent down and lifted her into my arms, guiding her damp face into the crook of my neck to shield her from the gory battlefield around us. I didn't want these violent images engraved in her mind forever. Every nightmare I could spare her, I would.

I glanced around at the countless bodies scattered across the bloodstained ground throughout the entire cavern. All Alejandro's men followed him straight to hell.

My snipers were lowering themselves from the rafters as the rest of my men waited for their orders.

"Take what you want and burn the rest to cover our tracks," I called out as I carried Keira towards the exit.

The Revenants cheered in victory as they raided the pockets of the dead.

"It's over, angel," I murmured as Keira's fresh tears slid down my skin. "You'll never hurt again."

My words only made her sobs intensify and I knew she was relieved. She was one of the strongest people I knew, but it was a different kind of strength.

She fought until the end, regardless of how much fear she must have felt. Her strength was inspiring even to a ruthless mafia man like me. She needed this release, she needed to feel every emotion to know it was all real. I'd rather she feel everything than feel nothing at all.

Hunter was waiting with an SUV when we emerged from the exit. The crisp fresh air swirled around us and finally, Keira's tears slowed. The sharp ache I felt when she was hurting eased slightly.

I slid into the backseat without breaking my hold on my girl. She shifted so she was straddling me with her fingers tangling in my hair.

"Good to have you back, Kiki," Hunter said from the driver's seat as he pulled away from the curb.

"Missed you too, Hunt." She croaked, lifting her head from the crook of my neck to meet his gaze in the rearview, and gave him a small, broken smile.

A jealous growl rumbled in my chest before I could stop it. I wrapped my hand around her jaw possessively and turned her back to face me. I glared at Hunter in the rearview and he smirked.

An irrational part of me wanted every ounce of attention she was willing to give. I wasn't in the fucking mood to share. Not now, or ever. I relaxed slightly when Keira pressed her forehead to mine and her body melted into mine.

"You came for me." She whispered.

I leaned back to meet her eyes, completely shocked by her statement. "You thought I wouldn't?"