“I wouldn’t do that,” Thario said.
“Let me get zip ties on him,” Griz said.
Thario moved closer to the woman, her gaze finally rising to his. “Are you okay?”
A sob wrenched from her throat before she threw herself at him, wrapping her arms around his waist as she cried against his chest.
Slowly, he put his arms on her shoulders, then patted her back, trying to calm her. Words spilled from her lips, but he couldn't really make sense of what she was saying. It was something about being held captive by Brent for years.
He turned so he could see Brent as he held this woman. The bastard had been working with their group to stop human trafficking, all the while he'd been holding this woman captive. What the hell was wrong with Brent, and who was this woman?
Chapter 11
Shock coursed through Calla.Was this real? Had three men actually come in and taken Brent to the floor?
He'd screamed at her to hit them, and then he wanted her to stab them with a knife. No way could she attack those men. When he asked her to shoot them, she shook her head.
A fourth man stepped in and moved to her. He was moving stiffly, like something was wrong with his leg. He had a bit of scruff on his chin, and he wasn't as big as the other men, but he still looked strong.
Then he asked her how she was, and that did her in. She moved to him, clinging tightly. She would beg him to take her with him. She didn't want to be stuck with Brent. If these people could save her, she would do anything to go with them.
“Hey, you’re okay. You’re going to be okay,” the man holding her said.
She wouldn’t feel okay until she was out of Brent’s sight and away from this place. There wasn’t anything she wanted from Brent ever again. She could walk out right now and never look back or be sad.
Brent had gone slack, and she could tell he was still plotting a way to escape. The three men around him helped him up and pushed his butt into a chair. She wanted to punch him. No, she wanted to pick up a big stick, maybe the rolling pin, and smash it against his face.
“What is your name?” one of the other guys asked her.
“Calla.”
“Shut up,” Brent said, his eyes boring into her.
He didn’t realize she would never listen to him again. He had no power over her any longer.
The thought hit her hard, and tears took over. She felt weak with relief. She wouldn't have to put up with her stupid brother ever again.
How would she live? She had nothing. She drew in a slow breath and let it go, pushing away the fear.
She could build something out of nothing, but she couldn’t keep dealing with the bullshit Brent put her through. Being free from Brent would allow her to get a job and make money. She didn’t need much, just a bathroom and a place to lie down. She would survive because these men had come to save her.
Thario smoothedhis hand down the woman’s back, thinking she was way too thin. Her whole body shook, and he didn’t know if it was fear or relief.
He needed to ask Brent questions, but he didn't think he would get much accomplished with this woman clinging to him. He wasn't sure who she was, but it was obvious that Brent thought he controlled her.
They would find a charity organization to help get her on her feet. Heck, he would help her. She would be better off on her own. He hoped she could see that.
Thario pushed the woman to arm’s length and held her gaze. “Hey, I need to speak with Brent. Can you go with Squat? He’ll just take you outside. We’ll be out there in a few minutes.”
She nodded, then glanced at Brent, then away fast. She seemed very upset, but he understood why. Brent was obviously abusing her. They could find a way to help. Squat led her outside, leaving just the three of them and Brent.
Thario squared his shoulders and approached Brent. “Why did you do it?”
"Shut up, you simp, always trying to act like you're some knight in shining armor. You've done more to help me get away with selling women and children than anyone else."
Anger burst through Thario, and he wanted to lash out. Lashing out wouldn't do him any good. He would just end up in trouble if he beat the shit out of this man.
“You’ve got a lot to answer to.”
