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Staring into her anguished eyes, I decide it’s time for some tough truths. “Elaine, this is not your fault. He’s an asshole. He is the one leaving his wife and two kids at home while he fucks another woman. All the while telling you he’s at work making money for his family. He’s a liar and not worth your time. You did nothing wrong. He should be helping you take care of his kids and soothing your doubts about yourself,” I finish passionately.
“That’s a fairytale,” she whispers.
“No,” I say firmly. “That’s a loving husband. That is a man that respects you. Do not let him get away with this because I guarantee he will do it again if you do.”
“Elaine, please listen to her,” Joan urges.
Elaine stares at the pictures, flipping through them again. We collectively hold our breath. She shuts the file and puts it in her purse. When she looks at me again, there is a fire in her eyes.
“What do I do next? Do I get a lawyer?” she asks.
“We will help you with everything,” I assure her. She made the right choice. This is why I do this. I help free these women from men that don’t deserve them.
We work with them for the next hour. We get her in contact with a lawyer and set her up with an appointment. We urge her to take her children and go to her sisters. Her husband will be unpredictable when he hears of her decision to leave him.
We do all we can to guide her, but it will be up to her to fight this battle. She has an advantage, though; her sister is eager to fight on her behalf and keep her and the kids safe.
My battle is yet to come. I dread the fight I will have when Ava sees my face.
Chapter Four
Marie
“I’m just saying, you have to be careful.” Ava has been lecturing me since she picked me up to go shopping.
“I am careful,” I sigh. She dragged me from store to store. I had to put my foot down several times. I agreed that my wardrobe needed refreshing, but some of the things she wanted me to buy were too skimpy.
“Did you see your face?” she asks.
“Yeah, I feel it, too,” I groan. I want to go home, take some medicine, and zone out in front of the television. My back is killing me.
“Shit, sorry. I’m worried. I don’t like how easily this Jim guy found out about you.” Her heart is in the right place, but my head is pounding, and I’m tired.
“I’ll be careful. I’ll let you sign me up for classes with you,” I say, trying to ease her fears. “Where are we going?” I thought she was taking me home, but we were going in the wrong direction.
“We have to stop at the club quick. I have to give Ryker back his card,” she explains.
“Ava,” I growl.
“It won’t take long,” she assures me.
Serenity joined us shopping and insisted that we use the card after she left. I didn’t feel comfortable with it, but she wouldn’t take no for an answer. I only picked a few pieces, so as not to take advantage. I did get some cute things, still within my style, but they fit better than my current clothes. For every piece of clothing I added to the pile to get, Ava and Serenity added two each. I won’t have to go shopping for a year by the number of bags in the back seat.
I can’t help but feel excited, though. I got several pairs of jeans that made my ass look fantastic. I refused to get any high-heels and instead settled with new combat boots, sneakers, and a few slip-ons, but I swore I saw Ava with a pair of heels. Ava was annoyed that I didn’t wear an outfit out of the store, but I insisted on washing them beforehand.
“Are you sure Ryker won’t be upset?” I ask.
“No way. He’s an ancient vampire who has amassed truckloads of money. He has enough to go around.”
“He knew it was for me?” I ask, worried.
“Yes, he likes you,” she says as she pulls up to the club.
“He barely knows me,” I snort. I don’t think we’ve ever spoken.
“Whatever. Serenity likes you, and that’s all he cares about.” She opens her door. “Come on. I’m not leaving you in the car.”
I roll my eyes and get out of the car. The Mark is a club that Ryker owns. I’ve never been inside. There’s a line down the block to get inside. Women are primping and pulling at their short skirts. Maybe I should have worn my new clothes. I’m getting attention and not the good kind. Several people glare at us as the bouncer lets us bypass the line.
