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Nodding, I scan the lobby. “Is Thorn the only one from the attack group still here?”
“I sent Dire with the others back to the Sanctuary,” Overlord explains.
Ghost adds, “Thorn ain’t going anywhere.”
“Is this another Hope situation?” I ask, thinking of how Thorn grew depressed after witnessing the horror of the rape dungeon.
“No,” Luca replies. “It’s a Ghost situation.”
Her man grunts with disapproval. “I barely stalked you at all.”
Getting their meaning, I know to leave Thorn alone. He can hang out here until the Dolls are set up at the Sanctuary. Whatever happens then is a problem for tomorrow.
Very quickly the clinic goes from overly loud and crowded to quiet and orderly. Thorn remains in the lobby. Old ladies get sizes for the Dolls. Others have followed the Blunt-driven RV with the staff to the motel. By dinner, I expect everyone will know where they’ll rest their heads for the night.
Realizing Overlord has everything in order, I settle next to Thorn and let him know he isn’t alone. His blue eyes reveal uncertainty.
Unlike Apex who claimed Giselle immediately and Ghost who fought his feelings, I suspect Thorn will only need a little time to breathe before he makes his move.
SISTER SASS
Last night was whatI feared would happen. I lost all sense of time and place. I wasn’t in Jester’s townhome. It wasn’t his body against mine. I returned to the motel room where those assholes took turns with a drugged Dire and me. I remember thinking they were done and I would get to go home soon. Then, they brought out the brass knuckles.
Even with years of therapy and getting healthy, everything came crashing back on me. The mix of scents—their shitty cologne, the moldy smell from the nearby bathroom, and the jizz and blood—came back to me.
I did all my usual tricks. Told myself I had survived. Tried to find a focal point in the room. Nothing worked.
The flashbacks were so vivid. I soon hurt all over like I’d just been beaten.
The next day, I can’t shake my exhaustion. Not even after Jester and I sleep all night in his loft bedroom.
Depression nips at the edges of my every thought. I get overly paranoid about Dire’s safety. Is she really okay after Texas or are they hiding the truth until they reach home?
All night and into the morning, I’m afraid of Jester. I don’t want him to touch me. I’m not sure I want anyone to ever touch me again.
I think to text the Sanctuary’s shrink to see if she can get me in today. Except she’ll be busy dealing with the Dolls. Their pain is fresher. They need the attention. I’ll have to figure out how to get past this panic without asking for help.
