Chapter 189 Shannon
Dakota's P.O.V.
"We have to have some good mixed in with all the bad. If I can help someone better their life, I will do it. My mom and dad are the same way." We get into the SUV. Valentina and I sit beside Shannon, and Galdino sits in the front with Benny. Quincy is in the back, rolling around, and Shannon keeps looking at him nervously.
"Ignore him. We're just going to teach him a lesson about how he should treat people," I tell her. When we get to the house, I take Shannon inside while the others get Quincy nice and comfortable in the negotiation room.
"You can stay in this room. I'll help Enzo get his things out later. If you're hungry, there's plenty of food downstairs. Anyone here can help you with anything. Just tell them I brought you home. Don't be afraid to ask for anything or make yourself at home. Tomorrow, we'll get you everything you need." Shannon hugs me tight.
"Thank you." I smile and hug her back.
"You're welcome." When I go to check on Ari, Enzo is talking to his new big brother.
"So, if you're not nice to Dakota, she's going to marry me instead of you," he tells Ari.
"That's right. Hey, Enzo. How would you like to spend the night in here with Ari and me? I had to help a woman, and I'm running out of bedrooms." Enzo claps his hands.
"Are we going to have a sleepover? Can we watch a movie and eat popcorn?" I laugh as I pick him up and kiss his cheek.
"Of course we can. I just have to take care of a few things first." I lean over and kiss Ari as I place Enzo on his feet.
"How are you feeling?" I ask as I begin to wipe the makeup off my face.
"Courtney came in while you were gone, and she said my burns are looking better every day. She changed the bandages and just gave me a mild pain pill. I feel good. I hope to leave this room tomorrow or the next day." I kiss him again and head to the door.
"Don't rush anything. I'm going to help with Quincy, and then I'll be back for our sleepover." I wave to Enzo and head downstairs. When I reach the negotiation room, Benny has already pretty much taken care of Quincy. He looks up at me and shrugs.
"Sorry. I couldn't help myself when I thought about what he'd put you through and then finding Shannon the way we did." I stay back. I don't need to be involved with all the scumbags.
"You can finish him and then have someone take him away. I'm going back inside." Benny nods, as I leave. It's time for a sleepover with Ari and Enzo. It will be a family bonding time while Galdino and Valentina get their own bonding time.
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Shannon's P.O.V.
After Dakota leaves, I go to the bathroom and use the mouthwash I find to rinse my mouth. First, I catch Kyle with a woman, then I get kidnapped. I thought that was the worst until I woke up to that bastard. I will forever be thankful for Dakota and Benny showing up when they did. I thought I was going to die tonight.
I take a shower and put on the T-shirt and sweats again. I can't go to bed yet because I'm too worked up. Too much has happened in a short amount of time. I'd like to take a walk outside, but I don't have any shoes. When I go downstairs, I pass a few people, and they smile but don't say anything. They must be used to Dakota bringing home strays. I find a side door, go out onto the small porch, and sit on the steps. It's dark, and the night air is cool, but I feel like I can breathe better out here. I'm not sitting here long when I see the door to the shed open. Benny walks out, and I see three other men go in. I wonder what's in there. I probably don't want to know. Benny begins walking toward me.
"Are you okay?" he asks.
"I just needed air. It's been a long day." I wrap my arms around my knees and look down at my feet.
"Would you like some company?" I move over, and Benny sits beside me. He's so large that his side is pressed against mine.
"Why are there so many horrible people in the world?" I ask him.
"Some days, I think there is more bad than good, but then I spend time with Dakota and her family and realize there are still a lot of good people. I'm sorry you had such a bad day. Were you and your boyfriend together for a long time?" I wasn't planning on talking about Kyle, but it would feel good to get it out.
"Only a few months. I moved in with him two weeks ago after graduating. He didn't want me to, and now I see why. I didn't even love him; I just really needed a place to live until I found a job. That sounds bad, doesn't it?" I'm not even that upset about Kyle. I'm more upset that I thought I was going to be homeless.
"No, that's not bad. You needed a place to stay. He should have been thrilled to have you living with him. You're a beautiful woman." I let out a small laugh.
"Thanks, but I know that's not true. Trust me, I've had people my whole life telling me that my hips are too wide, my breasts are too big, and my hair is too dull. Why does it make some people happy to tell others about everything they think is wrong with them? I didn't believe Kyle, and I would be together forever, but it still hurt to see that he cared so little for me. Maybe my mom was right when she said I'm too ugly for any man to want." I cover my face with my hands so he wouldn't see my tears. When I feel his arm around me, I don't say anything. He pulls me toward him until my head is on his shoulder.