I push past him and enter the area she’s in. “Dragonfly.”
“He deserved it,” she says, dropping the knife before his head falls off.
I wrap my arms around her back and hold her to me. The air smells like burnt hair and weird microwaved chicken; Clara burrows against me.
Every ounce of punishment she provides to these guys makes me love her more than anything.
“Guess the love of my life is a vigilante. Didn’t expect it, but I’m not even mad.”
She looks up at me. Tears cover her face, and she reaches for my chin. “You love me?”
“Forever.”
I stumble back as she crashes against me. Gripping her tightly, I hold her together as she falls apart in my arms.
We stand like that for a while until Curt enters the space, his eyes red, and I would like to think he has an emotion or two within his black heart.
“This is new. While Burke’s going to give you everything you’ve ever needed, there are rules, and I’ll be the tough-love guy. Call me, Clara. I’ll set up whatever you want and take care of the aftermath.”
She turns away from me but holds my hand. “But you…I had it handled. I broke his ankles.”
“It was fucking hard though, right? I’ll be here anytime and set up whatever you want. My mother was a victim. I understand, Clara. Call me, okay?”
She steps away from me and gives him a hug. “Thank you,” she whispers.
“Alright, let me clean this up. Magical point made, though. I really loved it.” He grins at her, and she smiles before coming back to me.
“Home?” I ask.
“Can’t. I have to meet the girls at the diner for some planning. Rain cheque?”
I lick my lips and grasp her hand. “I’ll drive you and then go home and make dinner. Let’s go, killer.”
Eighteen
Clara
“We’ve had more donations,” Amber says with a smile. “A group of authors created a charity anthology, and with the funds they purchased the entire wish list.”
“Excellent. What if we have something here?” Debbie asks.
I fiddle with the napkin on the table. “I don’t want to cross the two. This needs to be a safe place for all of us.”
“Smart! I didn’t think of that.”
Bailey leans against her chair and takes a sip of water. “We should look into how much it would cost to build a shelter, one that caters to everyone. The one here is fine, but it’s not new, and they don’t take women without children.”
I write it down in the list of things to research and ask Burke.
“Did you hear the news? Keith skipped town. They can’t find the slimy bastard anywhere. He needs to burn for what he’s done.” Tammy sighs and chugs her pop.
Pressing my lips together, I would love to share, but I don’t need them to worry about anything.
I’ve taken care of a few of the guys we have come in contact with, and although Curt has told me to be more rational about the whole thing, it burns in my belly knowing these men get away with being abusive wastes of space.
Doing what I can makes sense, but I also never want it to be tied up in me or lead to the organization, because everything would be for no reason.
Helping women and children leave the worst situation of their lives has been emotional, but fills me with accomplishment.
