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“Chloe, is everything okay?” Ma asks worriedly.
“Ma, I’m fine. Mary’s upset because she thinks I’m not coming home. I tried to talk to her, but she burst into tears.”
I hear a loud exhale of breath, followed by her telling my da that I’m okay. “Christ, your sister nearly gave me and your da a heart attack. I’m glad you’re okay. How are you feeling?”
“I’m grand. I feel better. I’m just annoyed. No one will let me do anything here.”
I clench my jaw when I hear Ma’s laughter. “Darling girl, Pyro is worse than your da. That man is territorial, and he’s worried about you. Have you told him you need to walk about and not be stuck in a room?”
I sigh. “I’ve tried. It’s like talking to a brick wall. The man is set on ensuring that I’m tucked up safely in bed, where I’m resting.”
“I like him for you, darling. He’s doing exactly what your father and I would have done. We all want you back on your feet and to be okay. Have you been having nightmares?”
I let the silence spread between us. I don’t want to tell Ma that the nightmares are rampant, and that every time I close my eyes, I’m back in that basement. That I can hear the deep, heavy breathing of the men as they jerk off.
“Oh, my sweet girl,” Ma whispers. “We need to get you someone to talk to. It’s not easy to work through them alone, and talking to someone will really help.”
My blood runs cold at the thought of going over every single thing that happened. I don’t want to. I just want to move on and push it all behind me.
“Think about it,” she says softly. “No matter what, we’re here for you.” I hear the deep breath and her voice drops a bit. “The girl,” she breathes. “She’s okay, Jade got her, she’s out and she’s safe. When her and Kelvin met up with her the next day, she ran. But she’s okay, she’s away from them.”
Relief washes through me, she’s not in that filthy place any longer. She’s no longer in pain and she’ll not be hurt by those animals anymore.
“I love you,” I whisper.
“Always, my darling. Your da wants to speak to you. You know that I’m here if you ever want to talk or just want to feel like you're home.”
My eyes fill with tears at her words. I miss home so much, but until Sean Kelly is caught, I’m going to have to stay here. I’m not complaining. I love being able to spend time with James and Kinsley. My time in the Vipers clubhouse has been great, and I’m so grateful that they’ve let me stay here and are protecting me.
“Love you, Ma,” I reply through my tears.
“Love you too, sweet girl. I’ll call you tomorrow.”
“Okay,” I whisper, hating that I'm having to say goodbye.
“Hey Peanut.”
I suck in a sharp breath. Nothing could have prepared me for hearing him call me the nickname he had for me as a child.
“Da,” I breathe, as the tears roll down my face.
“Don’t cry, Chlo. Fuck,” he growls.
A strangled laugh escapes me. My da never has done well with tears.
“I’m okay,” I say. If I say it enough, it’ll become true. “When will I be able to come home?”
The bedroom door opens and in walks James.
“Soon. Your uncles, brothers, cousins and I are all on this, Peanut. It’s only a matter of time. Now, how is Pyro treating you?”
I stare at the man who makes me feel… complete. “Like I’m a princess.”
The smirk he has makes me shiver. He had his tooth implants put in, and they’ve made a huge difference. He still doesn’t smile around others, but whenever he’s with me, he does.
“Damn fuckin’ right you’re a princess,” James growls as he prowls toward me. He has a predatory look in his eyes.
“Good. Are you resting?” Da asks.
