Too Young (The Jewel Project #1)

Chapter 10.2 - Backup

Kyle charged forward. The element of surprise was enough to allow him to dodge most of Snitch Gravel's men, and the ones who didn't move out of the way, he pushed away. He had to reach Snitch Gravel before he got the bright idea to order his men to shoot. He was almost there; he could see the grin stretching across Snitch Gravel's face.

Kyle stopped abruptly only a couple of feet away from the leader. The other guy in a suit and the guy with the eye patch aimed their rifles at him. Good enough. At least he had Snitch Gravel's undivided attention.

"Eye Patch, Von Crooken." Snitch Gravel waved his arm and the men lowered the weapons.

Eye Patch and Von Crooken? Kyle fought back a snort of laughter, but failed miserably.

Snitch Gravel turned to the man in the suit who was obviously not Eye Patch. "See, the brat thinks your name is stupid, too."

"Let's see how the brat likes it with a bullet through his head," Von Crooken snarled, but Snitch Gravel still seemed amused.

That until he returned his gaze to Kyle. For what seemed like years, he just stared at him as though trying to x-ray his entire body.

"Just what were you trying to achieve?" Snitch Gravel finally asked, coming closer and stopping inches from Kyle. "Did you think you could reach me and take me out? You have got to be joking!"

Kyle stood his ground, his body tense, his mouth thankfully under control and closed. Snitch Gravel took the rifle from Eye Patch, put its tip under Kyle's chin and forced him to turn his head. He twitched his nose and handed the rifle back.

"You don't seem remotely insane, but I could be wrong. I have to admit I'm intrigued. I've never seen one so close."

Kyle fought the impulse to ask what he'd never seen so close, but took in a deep breath and kept quiet. The more Snitch Gravel wondered over him, the better. Snitch Gravel's eyes narrowed as he came even closer.

"You let him go!"

Kyle's blood froze in his veins. This can't be happening. Two men stopped next to him, holding Kay off the ground between them. She struggled with her captors, kicking at the air.

"Well, well. Look who decided to join the party." There was savage pleasure in Snitch Gravel's voice now.

Kyle worked hard to keep the careless expression on his face, but it was so hard not to look at Kay, not to punch the living daylights out of the men who dared touch her, grasp her arms and leave bruises on her skin.

Snitch Gravel came so close to him, their noses almost touched. He was shorter, but not by much. Kyle had to stop himself from head-butting him. It wouldn't improve their odds much.

"I'm impressed by how well you hide your emotions. The girl on the other hand is pretty poor at it." He turned away from Kyle, towards the men holding Kay. "Put her down and bring her here."

Kay was shoved in the space between Kyle and Snitch Gravel. She seemed to be fine, only pissed as hell, and it made her look so adorable.

"Now, here's what we'll do," Snitch Gravel said pleasantly. "You will tell me why you came charging brainlessly at me and I might spare your girlfriend."

Snitch Gravel's proposal was greeted with silence. Kay was quiet as well and Kyle couldn't help but be grateful. His plan was working out great so far.

"The boss said, speak up or we'll kill the broad!" Von Crooken said and hit Kay in the stomach with the rifle. She let out moan and doubled over.

Hell no! Kyle stepped forward, grabbed the rifle in Von Crooken's hands and yanked it. Von Crooken had a firm grip and didn't let go. Kyle wrapped his other hand around the rifle, put his foot on Von Crooken's chest and pushed him away. The man swayed on his feet. Kyle hit him over the head with the rifle, sending him to the ground, moaning in pain.