Abandoned Angel by Kayden Lee Page B

come. She had forgotten her place.
    “I decide what happens on this trip, NOT YOU!” Blaze shouted.
    His solid grip tightened around her tanning arm. He could see that Angelina’s face had more bruising on it then it did that morning but refused to allow it to concern him. That was not his doing, therefore, not his problem. They were almost nose-to-nose as Blaze spoke, with a hushed growl deep in his throat. He meant what he said; Angelina could feel it in the tension. Once again, the inexplicable feeling of helplessness overcame her every being.
    “I will get you to Iowa when and IF I decide to get you to Iowa,” Blaze stated. His eyes glazed with anger.
    The words cut deep into her soul. She did the best she could to hold back the tears as she tried to nod her understanding. She HAD to get to Iowa; she HAD to find her son, and she HAD allowed herself to believe that this rough, edgy man was the one that would help her get there. She was a fool and should have known better. Angelina’s throat burned as Blazes grip tightened.
    “You do exactly as I say,” his upper lip curled as he spoke, “when I say it Bitch! Have I made myself clear?”
    With that, Blaze released her throat though he held strong to her arm a moment longer. He thought about telling her why, but decided it wasn’t necessary. Having Angelina shaken was good enough for now. She would listen to him, and that was what mattered.
    When he was through, Blaze turned his back to Angelina and began unloading his Harley. With no real interest he mumbled, “What the hell is so important in Iowa anyway?”
     “My son,” she answered quietly, ashamed that she was not there to keep Justin safe.
    Her words came out dry and defeated, as Angelina felt - very defeated. It always seemed to come back to that. As hard as she tried, there was always someone who made her feel defeated.
    The answer Angelina gave took Blaze by surprise. He knew that if the bastard who had beaten and abandoned Angelina had her son, the boy was in trouble. He could not imagine that the man who had abused her would be able to control his temper with a child. The anger would be too strong for him to keep it under control. He was evil, in Blazes mind. The man had wanted Angelina to suffer, not just physically, but emotionally as well. That was why he had her son, and that is what made him dangerous.
    Angelina continued to stand in the same spot, her body limp and unmoving, taking in the thought that she might not find her son after all. She felt as if the life went out of her being, and every sore muscle and bruised cell in her body seemed to be throbbing in unison. If she did not have her son, she did not have anyone. She knew this to be the absolute truth. Other than Justin, Angelina was alone in the world.
    Blaze warily watched Angelina go from a vibrant woman to a lost child in a matter of seconds. He almost felt guilty for putting her through the humiliation. Wouldn’t he have done anything to save his own child? He stood, fighting with all his strength to keep his memories held in, to keep from feeling his own pain, to keep from caring if this woman makes it to her son. She should not be there with him anyway. Blaze stood, in silence, reminding him to breathe in deeply. One breath at a time, that was all it took, and he would be able to keep the memories that he held at arm’s length, out.
    As Blaze reached down to untie his bedding from the bike, he gently sighed, “I’ll get you to Iowa Angel, just be patient.”
    The change in his tone unsettled Angelina. Was he toying with her or was he really willing to help? She chose to believe the later of the two scenarios, it was easier to accept. For a moment, the timid woman felt a little less alone and a little less scared.
    “Thank you Blaze,” she stated as he turned towards her.
    Her words flowed easily, with a calm sincerity. This was the first time she felt gratitude towards the stranger, although she wasn’t positive that she