“I wish my father was here,” Christy heard a small voice say in the quiet room.
Surprised, Christy glanced around. She hadn't even noticed the small boy at the end of the table. It was no wonder she hadn't noticed him; his small body could barely be seen past Luke's massive chest.
“Your father has been notified he needs to pick you up here, Mark. I'm guessing it won't be long now,” Tony casually mentioned. He sipped slowly at a steamy mug of black coffee, his eyes centered on the boy.
Christy could see the boy hadn't touched his breakfast. His tousled brown hair fell into his eyes. He looked close to tears. His head bowed from Tony's steady gaze.
“Have you been waiting long for your father, honey?” Christy asked gently.
The boy nodded. “Three whole days,” he replied, and sniffed.
“You're not going to cry again, are you, boy? Your father would be mad if he showed up to see you whimpering like a sissy little girl,” Luke snapped cruelly. He scowled at the boy.
“You're a bully!” Christy said, mortified. He was, after all, just a little boy. He couldn't have been more than eight or nine.
Luke narrowed his eyes onto Christy; she glared back defiantly.
“I am a bully and I don't care who I bully,” Luke said dangerously, his insinuation clear.
“You better start worrying,” Wolf said with soft menace. His look was unmistakable as he glared Luke down. His large hand settled over Christy's, his fingers curling protectively around hers. Once again he firmly established he would allow no harm to come to Christy, no matter the circumstances.
“Why don't we keep it friendly? Everyone, please eat,” Tony suggested, and though he was smiling brightly, his tone brooked no argument. Christy sat amazed as Tony took complete control of the conversation.
She hazarded a quick glance at Wolf under lowered lashes; he seemed to have settled down easily. His look stopped being predatory. The food before him disappeared quickly. Tony was obviously well respected by everyone. Christy bowed her head and once more nibbled at her toast. She surmised this was going to be the longest breakfast of her life.
Tony sat comfortably in his easy chair, his mind reflecting back to the altercation he had witnessed at breakfast; with interest he had viewed the confrontation between Wolf and Luke. Wolf was definitely more than attached to the pretty little thing he had brought with him. That would prove useful as long as he could keep Wolf from killing Luke.
Luke was a good man to have, yet he was unpredictable, a wet gun. Tony decided he had best have a word with Luke about the girl. Whether she angered Luke or not, he would have to keep his temper under control. There was enough dissension surrounding the family already. But perhaps it might be a good idea to hand the boy over to Christy for awhile, if Wolf were receptive to the idea.
The woman did seem tired and exceptionally pale and fragile. Tony wanted the boy alive when his father showed to retrieve him. He had barely eaten in three days and Tony noted the child had picked up his toast and taken a hesitant bite while Christy gave him an encouraging smile.
They could keep each other occupied while he offered up his proposal to Wolf. He could use his help when the boy's father showed. It was always good to have a trained wolf amongst your ranks. They were very loyal. They also took care of their own.
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Chapter Nineteen
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Later in the day, Christy once more sat at the large dining room table. She had encouraged the boy, Mark, into playing a game of Go Fish. At her incessant, whimpered pleading and begging, Wolf had relented and approached Tony, asking if Christy could spend time with the saddened, lonely little boy.
Wolf had hinted perhaps her maternal instincts were flaring and he would once again be very grateful if Tony would be indulgent. Tony was more than eager to comply. When Christy had asked for a deck of cards, Tony had sent someone to find them posthaste.
“You win again,” Christy said, smiling brightly at the boy as he lay down the last of his cards.
“My daddy taught me,” Mark answered proudly. He sat back with his arms now crossed over his smug little chest.
“Did your daddy teach you to whine like a little girl too?” Luke said meanly from the doorway.
Christy had been very aware of Luke's presence. He had remained silent as she and the child had played, for the most part. He had not interfered, though her temper had risen slowly when he snorted rudely each time Mark had won a hand. Christy had allowed the child to win every game, and for some reason the idea seemed irksome to the large man.
“Go away,” Christy demanded firmly. She had seen Mark's smiling face pale with apprehension at the words of the large, mean man. Luke seemed to glorify in terrifying the small boy.
“Make me,” Luke said, his lips curling into an animalistic grin. Christy's agitated breathing increased.
“Wolf won't like it you're cruel to me,” Christy said instead. She gathered the cards up off the table together slowly, shuffling with shaky hands.
Luke scowled dangerously. “You gonna tell on me?” he said in a mean, simpering, taunting voice.
“Yes, I will. I'm not a man acting a role at being brave. If you frighten me I will seek the protection of my baby's father. I don't have to pretend you don't frighten me. I will ask Wolf if we can leave because I fear you. I don't think Tony would like that,” Christy challenged. She felt certain satisfaction as Luke appeared to be the one now agitated.
“You're as big a coward as the kid,” Luke snapped, moving closer.
Christy's hands stilled. She glared at him.
“Why? Because a man more than twice my size threatens me? I'm no coward, and neither is Mark. We are helpless against one so big and strong. You are the coward. You are the one who picks on those completely vulnerable and defenseless. Are you afraid to challenge an equal? If I were in a dark alley alone with only you or Mark faced to fight off vicious men, I would choose Mark to defend me. He at least has courage,” Christy said, perhaps unwisely.
Luke had her slammed against a wall quickly. Her chair clattered to the floor behind her. The cards she had been holding scattered atop the table and onto the floor. Christy looked up, frightened, into Luke's enraged face. She saw the pitiful attempts of Mark as he pulled to no avail on Luke's massively muscled arms, trying to defend his new friend. Tears streamed down his face as he pleaded with the large man to put her down.
Christy's own anger soared. How dare he frighten the child? Christy pulled her knee up viciously into Luke's groin, obviously shocking him. She had actually fought back and not begged for him to release her. Luke let her slump to the floor, where she ducked around him and grabbed Mark by the arm. They quickly raced from the room. To her dismay, they collided with Tony.
“Playing tag now?” Tony said, surprised as the woman and boy collided against him heavily. His arms shot out to steady her.
“Please, Tony, please stop him,” Christy pleaded up into his face.
A fleeting look of confusion washed over Tony's face until he watched as an enraged Luke suddenly barreled from the dining room. Christy pulled Mark between herself and Tony, pressing firmly against the man, seeking his protection. Her hands clutched at his shirt and arm desperately; Luke looked ready to kill her.
“That damn bitch kneed me,” Luke howled, enraged, advancing on the trio.
“You threw me against the wall,” Christy countered. Terrified, she pulled harder on Tony's arm as Luke came closer. Mark clutched at Christy and buried his face into her chest.
“Enough!” Tony demanded. It was impossible not to see Luke's obvious intent. “You were warned Luke, and the reasons why. No harm is to come to either the woman or the child.”
Luke stopped short, snarling in rage and frustration. His large, meaty hands fisted, and Christy could tell he desperately wanted to use one of those large fisted hands to smash into her jaw. The blow would undoubtedly kill her; she would be defense
less. At that moment Wolf entered the chalet.
“Wolf!” Christy screamed in relief. She wasted no time abandoning Tony and, grabbing Mark off his feet, she raced to him gratefully. Christy flung herself into Wolf's powerful, secure embrace, clinging to him desperately.
“I want to leave, please take me away. He wants to hurt me,” Christy cried frantically. “I can't lose my baby, please, I'm afraid.”
Christy's tear-streaked face lifted to stare him in the eyes; the terrified boy clung to her. She shuddered at the look of murderous intent on Luke's face. Only Tony stood between them. Christy clutched at Wolf pitifully, pulling him closer.
“Did he hurt you?” Wolf snarled, glaring into Luke's face. It was Wolf who now looked murderous. Wisely, Tony took a cautious step back, no longer standing between the men.
“He frightened me. He slammed me up against the wall. I had to protect the boy. I couldn't let him beat me; please, I don't want to lose my baby.” Christy sobbed brokenly. She clutched at him desperately, needing him close, frightened for her life and the boy's.
Once more Luke was advancing slowly, his evil intent clear. The man advanced with confidence past Tony, closer and closer until he was but a breath away, his fists raised. Terrified, Christy wondered if Wolf would protect her.
Christy screamed as Wolf suddenly pulled his gun and, in one fluid motion, put a bullet through Luke's head before he could even react. Luke dropped soundlessly to the ground.
Tony sighed softly, shaking his head as though he had already sensed the outcome. The confrontation had been inevitable and perhaps unavoidable after all.
“No one harms what is mine to care for,” Wolf said. He glared ominously in Tony's direction. Four huge men entered the room, guns drawn. All of them were pointed at Wolf. Christy pulled the boy more tightly between herself and Wolf, hoping to shield him.
Tony held up a hand, stopping any confrontation. “Paulo, get rid of the body,” Tony said, referring to Luke's slumped form. A giant of a man came forth, obeying the request.
“You just took out one of my best men,” Tony said to Wolf. The other men advanced slowly. Christy sobbed, terrified of what would happen next.
“I'm your best man now,” Wolf declared, “as long as no harm comes to my future wife.”
Tony nodded silently, his face impassive, but Christy could tell the tables had turned to his advantage. It was apparent he was pondering how well he could use this to his benefit. She buried her face into Wolf's chest and sobbed her misery. She knew absolute power corrupted absolutely. Tony had absolute power now and there was no denying the man was corrupt.
“Your future wife seems distressed. Perhaps she and the boy would like to have dinner in your room while we talk business.”
“I am certain she would, but I wish to be positive she has suffered no ill effects,” Wolf countered. His look was still decidedly dangerous; he had yet to sheath his weapon.
“I suppose we will have enough time to talk later. Take your time, attend to her, by all means,” Tony graciously conceded.
Replacing his gun behind his belt, Wolf grabbed Christy's shuddering body to his own protectively. He took the stairs to their room two at a time; the boy trailed closely. Once entering, he gently ran his hand over her body, searching for any new spots that pained her.
She knew Wolf was very aware of her body; he had seen her exposed and vulnerable. He had witnessed her bruising. Wolf knew every scratch, every aching bone, and every bruise adorning her slight form.
“Are you hurt?” Wolf asked, concerned.
Luke had been huge; he could have hurt her without even trying. Wolf scooped her up and headed for the bathroom, commanding the boy to wait for him. Christy allowed him to ease her shirt over her head, rendering her upper body unclothed, in an effort to seek any new injury.
Christy knew Wolf was right when he had said he had seen her nude. She was hurting; what did it matter if he looked? Wolf inspected her back, grumbling angrily at the fresh marks. Christy listened as he berated himself fiercely for having allowed this to happen. He had known Luke was a live wire, he was muttering. He should not have taken it for granted Tony could control him.
Wolf became even angrier while noting the large, red fingerprints on Christy's upper arms. “Damn the bastard!”
“I was just afraid. Please, I'm still so afraid,” Christy sobbed. She pulled him closer to her naked chest, wanting to feel his reassurance.
“They won't hurt you. I will kill every last one if I need to,” Wolf declared with passion. “You may not be mine, but right now you are my responsibility. Lando would kill me if you were to be harmed while in my care.”
“I'm all right. I am so happy you are here with me,” Christy declared. She clung to him gratefully, understanding he would at this moment protect her just like Lando would. His concern was sincere, and for perhaps a brief moment did not just reflect solely on money. He would not let another harm her, she was certain.
Christy slowly pulled her shirt back over her head with Wolf's help. Once she was dressed, they returned to the bedroom with Wolf still supporting her as she moved slowly. Now that her adrenaline was slowing she could feel her pain.
Christy could see Mark huddled in a corner. She could see his confusion and fear—she understood it.
Christy looked up into Wolf's eyes, distressed. She felt so much sorrow for the small boy. How on earth could Tony expose him to this? Following her anxious gaze, Wolf looked Mark pressed into a corner, his small body shaking almost as violently as Christy's.
“Everything will be fine. I need to go take care of business.” Wolf headed for the door.
“You watch out for her, Mark. I'm depending on you,” Wolf said kindly. The boy nodded, awed at the large man who had just saved them.
Christy called Mark to her and pulled him into her arms. “It's all right, sweetheart, soon your daddy will come. He will take you away from here and your mommy will be holding you,” Christy soothed. Again she wondered why on earth the child had been placed in Tony's care.
“No she won't. My mom died a long time ago. My stepmom and my new baby sister were killed in a fire a few months ago,” Mark informed her sadly.
A deep, cold feeling settled over Christy like an icy blanket of doom. Now she knew the boy who was in her arms was the child Lando had been ordered to kill. Now it made sense why Tony had the child, why Luke had been allowed his verbal cruelty, but not to physically harm the boy. The child was bait and Tony needed Wolf for a mob war. Oh God!
Christy clutched the boy to her chest, knowing when his father came they would both be killed. All of Tony's men were heavily armed. They would be in Tony's dangerous territory, an unforgiving terrain. Christy could not allow that. She liked the boy. He was brave and caring of human life. He had cared for her life when he had pulled on the arms of a man many times larger than himself, hoping to save her.
“It will be all right, honey, Wolf will keep us safe, I promise,” Christy pledged. She ran her hand gently down the child's hair, trying to soothe them both. The image of Luke's large form slumping to the ground weighed heavily before her. She knew Tony was making his demands of Wolf. Using her as his leverage, thinking Wolf actually held some affection for her when he didn't.
Christy was terrified, wondering just how much Wolf would take before deciding to throw her to the winds callously. She belonged to Lando, after all, not him. She was nothing but a contract to him when all was said and done. He had already gone to great extremes for her. Did he even know about the critical circumstances he was now in? What if he became fed up, deciding the risk she placed him in was too much.
No, he had promised, he had told her he always kept his promises. Lando had said something about honesty and integrity to her before.
Christy tried to focus her thoughts; it was the man, not the profession.
“My daddy will save us,” Mark said with conviction.
“Of course he will,” Christy soothed, wondering if the man were e
ven alive. It would not matter to her. Mark's father had murdered a woman and her teenage daughter. Even if he saved his son, Christy would again be at the mercy of a man who possessed none. She stifled a whimper.
Please, Lando, come, Christy's heart screamed in terror.
Christy put up a great fuss when they tried to take Mark from her. Wolf had been present, offering her his reassurance the child would not be harmed, but Mark cried out, wanting to stay with her, pleading desperately.
Christy had become violent, much to Wolf's surprise, when the boy had cried out while being taken physically from her side. She had slammed her fist into a large man's face and kicked viciously into another man's groin. Christy was no longer the passive, frightened female; she was the angry, enraged Kodiak protecting her young. Her small fist connected viciously with a man's nose. She kicked solidly at a shin. Her elbow smashed soundly into a belly. She grabbed a fistful of hair, giving a nasty yank. Her small, even teeth bit down cruelly into an arm.
The whole time Wolf demanded they were not to harm her. He could not believe her tirade. This small but terrified bit of fluff was attacking huge, powerful, armed, frightening men, inciting their wrath. What the hell was wrong with her?
“Tony, call them off!” Wolf howled desperately. She would be hurt and Wolf had been unable to get close enough to her to grab at her flailing fists. Four men and Tony had come running when Christy had bellowed out her fury at the two large men who had attempted to take Mark. Christy had launched herself into the fray.
“Enough,” Tony yelled.
At his narrowed sideways look, Wolf could tell Tony was thinking he was somehow saving his men from Christy's brutal retaliation.
The men stood off to the side, each gripping a sore part of his body Christy had attacked viciously. They had all been given a stern warning not to harm the woman. After witnessing Wolf kill Luke, they were inclined to obey that particular order.
Wolf watched with wide-eyed amazement as Christy stood firmly, angrily, before Mark's huddled form. She snarled viciously, anticipating the approach of someone dangerous. Her small hands balled into fists, her teeth flashed as though she meant to bite. Christy's hands suddenly curled into claws as one of the men shifted uneasily. Her eyes leveled onto him with the intensity of a raptor. Wolf could see her resolve. She seemed to be willing them to come because she was ready to take them all on.
Love's Dangerous Territory Page 19
