AllFreeNovel
Share Us
CHAPTERTWO
FINLEY
Iwatch as Amer leaves my office and turn back to face Cedric with a knowing look.
“Well?” He cocks a brow and shoves his hands in his pockets.
“This will be best for Mara-Lee in healing the wounds that were ripped open after years of healing.” I nod. When I first found Mara-Lee on the streets, I kept her from being raped, only to find out the true nightmare she’s lived. Out of anyone else in my life besides Ainslee and our kids, she means something to me. Mara-Lee and Cedric are my family, and I’ll do anything to protect them. Even when it’s protecting them from themselves.
“I agree with you. She’s been through a lot,” Cedric agrees. “But are we doing the right thing?”
“Yeah, I think it is. Mara-Lee’s been through hell and back. You saw the way he looked at her when he first saw her again. She’s it for him, I feel it.”
“I remember her telling us about her past,” Cedric states, nodding in agreement. He knows what I know when it comes to Mara-Lee and what she’s been through.
“I was locked in the little room, and when I heard the doorknob turn, I knew I had to kneel, or I would get the belt across my thighs. I wished I was dead so many nights because I had lost everything that was near and dear to me. Everything, even the guy I cared about so much. That was all taken away from me. Then to have it happen to me again. I can’t . . . I don’t understand life sometimes . . .” A tear falls on Mara-Lee's face as she breaks down in front of Cedric and me.
“Please don’t tell anyone else. I can’t . . . I don’t want them to feel sorry for me or anything like that. I got through this. I just need a moment.”
“Take all the time you need. We are here for you, Mara,” I say as I pull her into a hug.
“Thank you.” She smiles, and I hope we really do have her back.
“When Amer comes to whisk her away, she isn’t going to be happy. I’m not going to stand in the way. I need to make sure that Vex knows what is going on, so she doesn’t try to step in and try to stop him.”
“Agreed, but I meant what I said. If Amer hurts her, Iwillkill him.”
“I would expect no less. Though I’m confident it won’t come to you killing him. If anyone is going to get hurt in this situation, it will be him. I hope he is able to break through the shell that she has created to show the world. Mara-Lee is a tough woman, and it’s going to take someone special to get through to her. If Amer loves her the way I feel he does, then he has a fighting chance.
Cedric nods in agreement, and we go back to work. I hope I’m right about him because I’m not normally wrong about people.
