Texas Hot by Regina Carlysle Page B

when everything went down. Had he and Dawson arrived scant moments later he’d be burying her instead of sitting here and loving her. Close call. Much too close. He dragged a hand over her arm, felt her breath against his shoulder and the softness of her hair against his neck and thanked God for looking out for them all.
    After the sheriff had shown up to take Anthony away, they’d returned to the house where Dawson had instantly filled several tumblers with straight bourbon while he’d gone about the business of inspecting Gina’s injuries. She had several nasty scratches, a bad bruise on her left cheek and jaw, and a grotesque necklace of bruises around her throat.
    The man meant to kill her.
    Jesus!
    Mitch took in the sight of Gina’s brothers, all big, handsome Italian men who still had bloodlust in their dark eyes. Marco and Joseph sprawled in chairs nursing their drinks and the youngest, Michael, occupied the other spot on the sofa next to his sister. The poor kid was upset that he’d allowed Anthony to find out where Gina was and it was obvious he’d learned a valuable lesson about trusting the wrong people. He’d apologized a dozen times. Dawson took in the scene with hooded eyes.
    Most of the night had passed in a blur of rage and violence. He’d been there before but this time it involved the woman he loved. He’d awakened to find Gina gone and he hadn’t been surprised since she had tossed and turned in their bed for hours. Deciding she’d gone for a walk, he pulled on his jeans and stepped onto his patio. A light came from the door and he wasn’t alarmed until he’d seen a man move through the door. Dawson must’ve been still awake because he came running when Mitch yelled out. Mitch hadn’t stopped to see that his brother had grabbed a rifle but barreled on toward the barn. Dawson and he arrived just in time.
    He knew the scene was forever burned into his brain.
    She was safe now and that was all that mattered.
    Marco spoke into his phone. “She’s fine, Papa. Tell Ma to stop crying. You know we can’t stand that. Tony’s in jail and Gina is good, bruised but good.” His dark eyes took in his sister. “Yes, we’re bringing her home as soon as she can travel. She belongs with her family.” There was a pause. “I don’t give a fuck what happens to Tony. He’ll be charged with assault and go to jail.” He closed his eyes on another pause. “I’m sorry, Papa. I’m just pissed. He’ll leave sis alone now. We beat the hell out of him, us guys and the McBride men. It’s time someone kicked his ass. Yeah. Yeah. Tell Ma, Gina will call her tomorrow when things slow down, okay?”
    When the call ended and Marco had tucked the phone into his pocket, Mitch disengaged from Gina and stood. He looked at Dawson. “Would you mind getting Gina’s brothers settled into guest rooms? It’s been a helluva long night and we could all use some rest.” Then he took in the Leoni boys. “I’m sorry we weren’t properly introduced but shit went down so fast. You were like the damn cavalry charging in to save the day.” He shrugged. “Can’t tell you how glad I am you guys showed up when you did. If I ever get in trouble, you’re the kind of men I’d want to have at my back.  It’s good to meet you and have you here. Gina is like family and you’re always welcome.”
    The men said their goodnights and followed Dawson off to their rooms. Mitch looked down at Gina as she sat curled on the sofa. “Can you talk? How’s your throat, baby,” he softly asked.
    She brought a hand to the ring of bruises around her throat. “Kind of rough.” Her voice was raspy and again, Mitch wanted to kill that ex of hers. “I can try.”
    Mitch sat next to her. “No, you just be quiet and listen.” He took her hand and watched her eyes widen. He paused, gathering his thoughts.  It was a shitty thing for a man of his age to flounder for words but this was too important. “Your brothers seem to think you’re