“Since it’s way past lunch, I’m going to get us some dinner, okay?”
I nodded, my eyes glued to where my feet were. I wanted to be on his lap, his arms wrapped tightly around me.
Ryker yawned and shuffled towards the kitchen. At least from where I was sat, I could still just about see him as he moved about.
“Gale isn’t going to be working with you anymore,” Scarlett declared, startling me.
“Why?” I glanced up at her, confused.
I was trying really hard to keep my mind on the present when it wanted to go back into shut-down mode.
“She left you in a state that could have been harmful. Do you understand that what she did wasn’t right?” Scarlett asked.
I shrugged. I had no clue who was right and who wasn’t.
Ryker
Emery seemed relieved when I came back to the living room. I hadn’t been listening to what he and Scarlett were talking about, as it wasn’t my place. A part of me had wanted to spy on them, though.
“Once in a while, eating in the living room is okay,” I said, setting his steaming bowl of chicken noodle soup on the coffee table. “Have a seat on the floor so you don’t make a mess. The bowl’s hot.”
Emery was slow to move, but once the words registered, he scooted down to the floor. Once there, I took a seat on the couch, leaning back. Instantly, Emery wrapped an arm around my leg. Then, finally, he began to eat.
“You eat, and I’ll do some talking,” Scarlett said gently, quietly. “Some things are going to change.” She paused as Emery froze mid-bite. He squeezed my leg tighter in the process. “Nothing bad. I promise.” She waited for him to start eating again before continuing. “How do you like staying here by yourself?”
He shrugged, putting the spoon in his mouth. Once he swallowed the bite, he spoke just above a whisper. It was almost like he was scared to give the wrong answer.
“It’s okay. It’s better than with Steven.”
“Well, victims that have been through what you have shouldn’t be alone for a number of reasons. Personally, I don’t feel comfortable letting you stay here in this house on your own. There are two options you can choose from, but you can’t answer until you’ve thought about each one clearly, okay?”
“Kay.”
One of my hands went to Emery’s hair, letting him know he wasn’t alone.
I already knew what the options were, and I’d agreed on letting him choose. It was Emery’s life, and it was past time he was able to have some sort of control over it. Even if it were just a tiny bit.
Baby steps.
“The first option is a housing place with others like you. Survivors of abuse, kidnapping and mind play. You’d have your own space, but you’d have to share a room. Go to therapy daily. Have a strict schedule from the time you woke up to the time you went to bed.
“Everyone there is very open. Nice. And no one would ever think differently of you.”
She stopped, letting those words soak into his mind.
By the time he finished his bowl, he pushed it away a little and leaned as much as he possibly could against my leg, both arms wrapped tightly around it.
“The second option is to stay with Ryker. He has a room that’s all yours. Your own space. Therapy every other day with me, and a set schedule that he has already put together for you here. You wouldn't be able to go outside and walk around until Steven and the other men are caught and taken off the streets.”
“Ryker.” He didn’t even have to think about it. My name was the only option he even considered.
“Are you sure, Emery? Of course, you will be able to change your mind at any time. So, if he ever does something you don’t like, you can go to a group home.”
“It’s not a choice,” he said, more firmly than I ever thought possible. “Ryker. No one has made me feel safe like Ryker.”
“Okay.” It was a simple word that stopped Emery in his line of thought. “That means you’ll be going to his place tonight, then.”
“Before we get your things,” I finally spoke up, causing Emery to jerk slightly, “I’m almost always home. But once a week or so I do have to leave the house to meet some clients.” Although, I would finish up what I’d already agreed to, then I would be taking a long break. I should have already.
