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“I can’t stay long but I needed to see for myself that you’re fine.” He came toward us, holding a teddy bear in his hand. “This is for you. I know it’s not much but I’m happy to see that you’re doing better.”
“Thank you,” I whispered, taking the teddy bear from him.
“I thought you left,” Cyrus said, covering my hand that was resting on the bed between us.
“I was going to, but my wife likes to remind me that it’s good for me to see the survivors years later and how they’re doing.” The stranger nodded once. “Clearly, you’re doing well.”
I looked at Cyrus. “Because of him.”
Cyrus brought my hand up to his mouth, kissing my knuckles.
I smiled, looking back at the stranger. “And because of you. Thank you.”
The stranger nodded, backing up. “I have to go. I’m happy that you’re doing better. Oh and one more thing...” He slowly grinned. “You never saw me.” Before either of us could ask what he meant by that, he left the room.
“Did you ever get his name?” I asked, staring after the mysterious man and holding the teddy bear against my chest.
“No.” Cyrus kissed my temple. “But you’re safe now, pet.”
“I remember the police coming in that night. I think a lot of us were more scared of them than the men who had abused us for years. A lot of us were terrified that we would end up in jail even though we were victims. I woke up in the hospital, but I don’t remember much after that. I was told I had been drugged. So maybe that’s why I don’t remember much of him. I don’t know. I’m sorry I can’t tell you more or even that man’s name. He never gave it to me as far as I know.”
“That’s okay, pet. I just want you to know that you’re safe. It’s over.”
“Is it though?” I asked gently. “There’s more of them out there. Even ones who had nothing to do with the place I was kept at. It’s always happening, Cyrus.”
“I know and there’s no way we can stop it all, but people are trying. That’s all anyone can do.”
I sighed, laying back down and staring up at the white ceiling. He was right but it didn’t mean I liked it.
“This bastard won’t hurt you or anyone else ever again. I’ll take you to the clubhouse. The security is top notch there.” Cyrus cupped my chin, turning my head toward him. “And whenever you’re ready, we can find a place of our own. But I’ll make sure that the security is the best there too. I’ll get you your own security detail if I have to.”
A laugh escaped me.
His brows narrowed. “I’m serious.”
“I know.” And I did know because Cyrus didn’t mess around. Not with me. Not with his feelings. Not with his family. Not with life. When he wanted something, he went for it. Me included.
While Cyrus murmured sweet words, I couldn’t help but wonder if he was right and this was actually over. One guy was taken out but there were so many others out there.
“You can’t worry about them,” Cyrus told me a few hours later.
“You don’t know what I’m thinking or what I’m worrying about,” I threw back at him.
“Yeah, I do because I know you.”
I huffed, pushing away from him. “Help me to the bathroom.” I looked back at him over my shoulder. “Please.”
He slid off the bed and came around to my side. He kissed the top of my head before reaching for my hands. “I got you, pet.”
I knew he did, and I should have been elated that I wouldn’t have to worry about that guy coming after me again, but the relief was never there. I wasn’t sure what was wrong with me.
After Cyrus helped me to the bathroom, he wouldn’t leave and give me any privacy.
“I can do this next part myself,” I grumbled.
He chuckled. “I know you can but I’m still not leaving you.”
I huffed again, went about my business and was washing my hands when I glanced at Cyrus in the reflection of the mirror.
