Page 10 of The Gangster's Girl

India

Robbie’s hands shake around the steering wheel and I wince in the backseat. Ronnie’s quiet, looking out the window and I feel like crying. What just happened at Clay’s? I’ve never seen my dad act that way toward his best friend.

What happened during the game that it suddenly made Robbie snap so hard and turn on Clay like that? Did it have anything to do with Clay’s wish? What did he wish for?

My belly recoils, my throat burning from how badly I need to ask Robbie about what happened. I can’t believe he hit Clay and I dig my nails into the seat. “R...Robbie...,” I try but he just snaps.

“Not now!”

Ronnie’s head whips around, her eyes turning pleading. “Stud...?”

But not even Ronnie can get through to him and he shakes his head, pinching his lips. As soon as the car stops, I bolt and run into the trailer. The door slams behind me, playing tug of war with the wind and I run to the comfort of my bed. Throwing myself down, I bury my head into the pillows.

Uncle Clay, Clay, Clay...

Chanting his name in my head over and over helps a little, but not nearly enough. Squeezing my eyes, I tense up my whole body before relaxing in an attempt to calm down but nothing helps, not until Ronnie comes into my room and sits on the edge of my bed.

“Momma...,” I choke, blinking away the tears and I never call her momma but right now it feels appropriate. I need a mother’s care to soothe the heartbreak and she rubs my back, humming in a low voice.

“I know, bugs...,” she whispers, “I know.”

“I love him,” I breathe, my skin tuning flaming hot and her hand stops on my back before she lets out a long sigh.

“Don’t be silly. You’re young. You don’t know anything about love.”

Turning around, I peer up at her. “Yes, I do. I’ve watched you and Robbie my whole life. I want a love like yours.”

And I want it with Clay. For once in my life I want to feelwanted.

Ronnie pinches her lip before giving me a soft smile. “And you will have that. Just not with Uncle Clay.” Bending down, she gives me a kiss on the forehead before walking out and the door closes. Alone in the dark, I listen to what’s happening outside. The walls are so thin nothing goes unnoticed.

I hear Robbie slamming the cupboards, looking for something to drink. He’s cursing and Ronnie’s trying to talk some sense into him but he’s too worked up. Their voices rise then fall and they argue before they begin murmuring frantic words I can’t quite make out. My cheeks heat at the sudden sounds of moaning and then there’s the creaking of their bed.

It slams against the wall and Ronnie’s moan turn short and snappy, mingling with Robbie’s grunts. I put my hands over my ears, curling into a ball. If Uncle Clay knew this is what I have to listen to, he’d dissolve into thin air from pure rage.Twenty minutes later, the animalistic sounds stop and I hear Ronnie murmur,

“Stud, I think it’s time you tell me what went down. What the hell did he ask for?”

My ears perk, my heart pounding like a drum when Robbie replies, “India. He asked for our daughter.”

Panting, I stare at my door and I’m prepared to race all the way to Uncle Clay’s house.Me. Of all the things in the world he wanted me. A smile spreads across my face, butterflies dance in me and it feels as if the world’s rose tinted again. Slamming a hand over my mouth, I let out a laugh and I feel reborn

Uncle Clay wants me just as much as I want him.

“He’ll never have her,” Robbie sneers and I freeze. “Fuck Ronnie, you don’t even know some of the things he’s done....a man like that touching my daughter? I’d rather have my nails torn off with a tweezer.”

“Just don’t get yourself all worked up again,” Ronnie soothes. “Everything will be fine. We’ll just break off all contact with Clay and lay low, okay?”

Robbie agrees and I roll my eyes when they’re at it again. From the way, they act I’m surprised I don’t have one thousand siblings. Rain begins smattering against my window and I drift off but my sleep is light and restless, which is why it’s no surprise that a sound from the outside, wakes me up in the middle of the night.

Blinking, I look around. Was that the sound of a car door slamming? Soon after, I hear boots stomp over the gravel and unease fills me. It sounds as if there’s a whole army out there and I take a peek out the window. A lump forms in my throat when I see a lineup of black clothed, broad shouldered figures and I twitch when they knock on our door.

“Who the fuck is it?” Robbie growls and all three of us leave our beds. Robbie’s in his boxers, Ronnie’s in his t-shirt and I’m in one of old Ronnie’s old nightgowns when the door is kicked down and we scream in shock.

Ronnie and I reach for each other, hugging and cowering in the corner while Robbie throws himself in front of us, protecting us with his body. “Take whatever you want,” he shouts, “just don’t hurt my family.”

The men remain emotionless, rumbling, “We’re not here to hurt you.” They point at me and I begin shaking. “We’re here for the girl.”

My eyes flare and I shake my head, my thoughts frantically racing in my mind. They can’t just take me, they can’t...but they can. Somehow they restrain both Robbie and Ronnie and hands clasp my upper arms. I feel ready to faint when they exclaim,