“Dragonfly, how was your day?” I say as I walk past, lowering my head to kiss hers. Setting my briefcase on the living-room floor and laying my jacket over the recliner, I return to the kitchen and sit at the table.
Clara gazes at me. “We have a plan, and I think it’s gonna work. I need this.”
“How can I help?” I undo the buttons on my shirt and roll up the sleeves before pulling the chair in closer.
“Told ya.” Debbie smirks at the other two women, and Clara turns pink.
“I want to start a nonprofit. We’ve talked about it extensively, Bailey and I, and then I brought Debbie into it. She has two friends, Tammy and Amber, who want to help.” Clara fidgets with her sleeve, and her gaze doesn’t leave the table.
“I’m proud of you.” There are so many things she could have done after living the life she has, and following this abduction, I would support anything she had to deal with to cope.
She raises her head slowly before making eye contact, pressing her lips together before giving me a quick smile.
“How do I fit in?”
Debbie laughs, looking around the table before speaking. “We could spend months—fuck, even years—raising money to help women and children leaving abusive situations, and anyone affected by what Clara and Bailey went through. Or–-"
“Or I could be a private investor. Done. I’ll have my lawyer sign up a contract.”
Clara clears her throat.
“We won’t be paying you back,” Amber states.
“I’d sure hope not. I want you guys to be completely covered. If I die, or Clara doesn’t want me anymore, I want it written that you still receive funds.”
“Burke, that isn’t necessary.” Clara leans back in the chair.
Pushing out from the table, I look at them. “Yes, it is. Every survivor deserves a chance. I have the money to help, so why wouldn’t I?”
Nodding, she seems to agree with me.
“Deal. We’ll get out of your hair. Send them to Tammy—she’s our legal service. We have an excellent system in place already. Clara and Bailey are stronger than I could ever imagine.”
Debbie gives me a strong embrace, and the other two ladies stand before pushing in their chairs and heading down the hall with Clara.
Grabbing my briefcase and jacket, I stop off at the office before heading for a quick shower. Once I’ve washed, the glass door opens, and my world is complete when Clara’s arms circle my waist.
We stand under the stream, wrapped up together until the water runs cool. Turning it off, I grab towels and dry us off. “Did you eat?”
“Yeah. Any word?”
“No, it’ll happen.”
We head into the bedroom, and she changes into one of my shirts while I throw on a pair of joggers. Getting into bed, I pull the covers over us and lie with her on my chest.
“I’m proud of you,” I tell her. “I know you’re not used to hearing it, but I am.”
She pulls the comforter up higher. “I want to help them. I was lucky enough this time to have you, but so many have no one, and that’s bullshit.”
“It is, and even though you’ve walked through hell, your heart is still so full.” I stroke her hair and grip her tighter in my arms.
“Burke, thanks for treating me normally while still protecting my softness. I don’t think anyone’s ever been gentle with me, and I don’t know how to repay you.”
I pull away, looking into her eyes as I lean on my elbow. “How would you repay me?”
“I don’t know. I just—”
“Exactly. I’m not asking you to repay me for giving me the ability to trust again, am I?”
