Total pages in book: 108
Estimated words: 103712 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 519(@200wpm)___ 415(@250wpm)___ 346(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 103712 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 519(@200wpm)___ 415(@250wpm)___ 346(@300wpm)
“And don’t forget, there is only one Jordan, but three of us to bear.”
Capturing her face again, Hunter pressed his lips to her forehead. “We have connections. We vowed to protect you, and I promised he would pay. There will be no slap on the wrist for your brother.”
They had a vicious thirst for justice, but she shared their hunger. To think, she never had to see him again unless from a witness stand.
The weight of her relief, weeks of running, months of fear and helpless rage, a lifetime of being gaslit and controlled by men who cared only about themselves. She was finally free. Finally safe, surrounded by men who’d moved heaven and earth to protect her peace.
Chapter 21
Aftercare
After leaving the boys, Marigold checked in on Katya, who had been frantically pacing in her bedroom behind locked doors. She was relieved by the visit, but curious about everything that had taken place with Jordan.
“He’s still here?” she said, twisting the gilded lock on the door for safe measure.
“He’s downstairs, but detained. You’re safe.”
“I’ll be safe when he’s in prison.”
Marigold took her trembling hands in hers. “Jordan will get what he deserves.”
A delicate V formed between Katya’s brows. “Did you see him?”
She dropped her gaze. “Yes.”
“Was he…hurt?”
“Yes. And it will probably get worse before he’s removed. But you don’t need to think about that, now.”
She nodded, but then contradicted herself by admitting, “I want him to see me. I suppose that means I have to find the courage to face him.”
“You don’t have to do anything you don’t want to do, Katya.”
“I want him to suffer the way he made me suffer.” She pressed a trembling hand to her narrow waist. “Not just me. The others too. Including you.”
“Jordan hurt a lot of people. That’s how he got into this mess. Your brother’s will make sure he pays a just price, whether you’re involved or not.”
“I can’t spend my life running from my past.”
Marigold admired her tenacity. “Just remember that everyone heals at their own pace.”
She looked up at her with stormy green eyes. “Have you healed? Did it help? Seeing him?”
“I’m…healing. It’s going to take time.”
“Because he hurt you.” Her words were the quiet acknowledgement she’d been waiting for.
Marigold nodded, her throat tight. “Yes,” she rasped.
Knowing this nightmare was coming to an end made the emotions that much more intense. It was as if she could finally count her scars and review the damage.
“I’ll never be the same after this,” she realized. “I’ve lost my home, my father…”
“But you’ve found a family in us.” Katya’s hands closed around her arms. “You’re a Volkov now.”
Emotion seemed to tumble out of her in the form of a laugh. “I’ve always wanted a sister.”
“Well, you have one.” She hugged Marigold so tight emotion continued to rattle out of her in laughter and tears.
“Okay, that’s enough,” she said, pulling back and wiping her eyes. “I’ve cried enough tears over these last few months to fill an ocean. We have to focus on the positive.”
Katya dabbed the corner of her eyes and nodded. “That’s a good plan for both of us.”
Marigold let out a breath she felt like she’d been holding for the last year. “I think I’m going to take a long bath and think about what I want the rest of my life to look like, now that I know I’m free and I don’t have to run anymore.”
Katya walked her to the door and twisted the lock, but when she opened it, Cole was on the other side. His expression darkened to a scowl the moment he saw Marigold.
“You.”
“Cole.” She smiled nervously. “You’re out.”
His eyes narrowed. “I came to check on Ms. Volkov .” When he turned his attention to Katya, his gaze softened with concern. “Are you all right, ptichka?”
A smile teased at the corner of Katya’s mouth like a secret. “Yes,” she said, almost breathlessly. “Thank you for checking on me.”
The radio on his belt chirped and a voice crackled from an unknown connection. “Grizzly Bear is heading to The Cave. Polar Bear is close behind. Do you have an update on Little Bird?”
“Safe and sound. Where’s Black Bear?”
“Already with our guest.”
Cole cut off the radio and glanced at Marigold.
She suddenly felt like an intruder. “I’ll talk to you later, Katya.”
She scurried past Cole, wondering what her official security nickname was. Hard to choose when she had three. Depending on her mood and situation, she was sometimes a skittish rabbit, sometimes a clever fox, and sometimes a pampered princess. But today, she felt as powerful as a queen.
When she reached the other end of the hall and looked back, the officer was still standing at Katya’s door, his arm was reaching over the threshold.
Was something more than a security check going on between those two? She wondered if the boys knew anything. On second thought, she decided to keep her suspicions to herself. A secret among sisters.