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“Then I’ll take care of you.”
“Be serious, Damian.”
“Iamserious. If you’re worried about money you don’t have to be. You got me, Lilah. I never want you to worry about that.”
“That means a lot to me, but I can’t let you do that. Plus, I love my job.” I don’t like the idea of depending on anyone for money. Not that I don’t trust him, but it feels good to make my own. It feels good to use my brain for something I enjoy. I don’t want Ash to take that from me too. Damian is an amazing man and I know in my heart he means what he says, but I want to stand on my own two feet.
“And if this job is stupid enough to let you go for this then you’ll find something else, but until then you have me. So stop fighting it, woman.”
I glance upon my mom, grinning happily even through the tears. She likes him. It’s written all over her face. She never looked at Ash that way, not once. Maybe she had a feeling about him but kept it to herself. The only times she’s been around him has been during major holidays. I did my best not to have them in the same room more than necessary. The last thing I needed was something to make him angry in front of Mom.
“Fine. If you want to be my sugar daddy who am I to stop you?”
“Ouch, baby, I’m not that old.”
We all laugh, erasing a little bit of the sadness that bleeds through every wall in this room.
Being around Damian lifts me up from the depths of the hell I’ve longed to escape. Instead of the constant fear I’ve grown accustomed to, I’m safe and accepted for who I am. His touch brings passion not violence. And when he speaks, it’s with adoration not indignation. He’s the sort of man every woman deserves and for once I want to believe I’m that woman, the lucky one.
I hate to ruin this moment but there’s more they must know.
“So,” I swallow, “I’m going to speak to the police shortly but before I do, I need you guys to know something else.” All three pairs of eyes search my face, concern growing as they listen.
“After he bashed my face against the floor, he raped me.”
“Oh, baby no,” Mom says. Holding my hand, she tries not to cry again but she’s unable to hide her pain. My own heart slices open reliving what I thought would be the last few moments of my life.
Lexi moves in next to us, hand covering her mouth, as silent tears roll down her face like a river.
I look at Damian pacing back and forth, breathing in and out like he’s breathing fire.
“I’m sorry, I wanted to tell you before you hear it in court,” my voice cracks. “I’m going to tell the police everything I can remember, but none of you have to stay for that conversation.” Can the police even help? He’s still out there and he can find me. My stomach churns in sudden fear. Will I ever truly feel safe?
“I’m sure I speak for all of us when I say we aren’t going anywhere,” Lexi says, brows furrowing.
“If you want us here, we’ll stay, honey.”
“I do, Mom, I really do.”
Once Damian is a little calmer, he comes over and kisses me. “I’d never leave your side. I’ll go get them when you’re ready.”
“I’m ready.”
Two officers walk in, the female with black hair in a tight bun opens her pad, pen poised to take notes. “Ms. McDaniels, I’m Officer Jenkins and this is Officer Reed.” She points to the blond-haired man next to her.
“I know you’ve been through an ordeal, so thank you for speaking with us. We won’t take up too much of your time.” Her long lashes flutter as she looks at me, her expression soft. “We need to know everything that happened based on your recollection. Then we’ll take photos of your injuries.”
“Okay.” I go through detail after excruciating detail of the night and everything that happened before. All the years of suffering, the bruises I know I won’t be able to prove, to the videos and pictures he’s threatened me with. It all comes pouring out of me, like my blood on his floor. I thought I’d cry but I don’t shed a single tear. I feel free.
The camera flashes, capturing wounds I wish to forget. They take picture after picture from every angle, and then they’re done.
“Thank you for all the information. We got everything we need.” Her partner nods silently and they begin to walk away.
“Wait.” They turn around. “I forgot to ask if you knew who found me.” She flips her pad checking her notes. “A Logan Campbell. He’s a bodyguard and said he was hired to protect you.”
“Okay, thanks.” There’s only one man who would go through such lengths. As the officers leave, I look to Damian.
“I’m sorry if you’re mad, baby.” He comes close and sits beside me. “I just couldn’t sit around and do nothing. I wanted to—”
