“The only thing you’ll have to do,” Simon said beside her, “is try to find your happiness again.”
She looked into each of their eyes.Simon, Trent, Ash, Gwen, who still held her hand, and even Maggie.She was surrounded by so much kindness, but could she really trust it?
It didn’t matter.She knew where this was headed if she stayed, and she couldn’t do that to Simon again.
“I’ll go.”
ChapterThree
Maggie insisted on staying in Samantha’s room that night.Somehow, she’d always had an innate ability to know when someone needed her joy.Right now, that someone was Samantha.
“Any trouble?”Ash asked as Trent came through the door to The Raven’s Den.
“None.She was more than happy to spend tonight with Samantha.”
“Good.I’ll have someone stationed outside their door tonight to make sure she doesn’t go wandering.”
“Thank you.”
Ash led him through a door to a dark room.One whole side was like a window where light and sound filtered in from below.The gaming floor was brightly lit, enhancing the vibrant colors, which perfectly offset all the black.The feathered gowns shimmered as the ladies moved, the dark fabric highlighting their decolletage.The shifting of the musicians’ bows, light glinting off crystal glasses, cards being shuffled, dice being thrown, men laughing and groaning.There was so much, it was hard to take it all in.
Giles stood in the middle of the magical pandemonium, laughing with a tableful of patrons.Large men were posted at both the front and rear, and others were outside the doors, making sure everyone was safe.
Pride filled his chest.His brother had created all of this.He looked over at Ash, who still seemed to delight in the experience.“You have quite a team.”
Ash nodded.“I’m lucky to be surrounded by amazing people.”
“It’s not luck, Ash.You’ve built all of this, and it’s incredible.”
“I didn’t do it alone.I’ve had a lot of help.Just as I’m getting help now, from you.”Ash clapped him on the shoulder.“I appreciate all you do for me, you know.Without you, I couldn’t be here doing this.”
Trent struggled with that.He thought of himself as a charity case.Someone Ash had taken on out of pity.He’d never viewed himself as part of Ash’s team, but was it possible Ash did?
“I didn’t miss the change in you when Allister mentioned his sister tried to take her own life.Is that how your mother…?”
Trent nodded and Ash shifted just slightly.He was good at hiding his emotions, but for Trent, it was like looking into a mirror.He could see everything.“None of the blame for that falls on you, Ash.”
Allister walked into the room, a sad smile turning up his lips.“It’s going to be hard for me to send her away.I like being able to watch over her here.Regardless, I am truly grateful.”
Trent shrugged.It felt awkward receiving praise from men like him and Ash, knowing all they’d accomplished.“I’ll try my best to provide her whatever she needs.”
“Do you want to know details of what she’s been through?”Allister asked.
“I don’t see why that would be necessary.What’s important now is her future.If she wants me to know about her past, she can share that with me when she’s ready.”
“I told you he was a good choice,” Ash said, looking every bit the proud older brother.
“I don’t know about that, but you can trust me not to take advantage of her.”
“I’m going to repeat something someone once said to me.I’ve never known Ash to be wrong about someone.”
“Well then, let’s just hope this isn’t the first time.”
“It won’t be,” Ash said.“So, the other thing I wanted to talk to you about tonight.I’ll be sending Brennan with you in the morning.”
“Do you really think security is necessary?”
“That’s not why he’s joining you.Although he’ll provide that on the journey, as well.You’re going to put him to work on the estate.”
