“Now, let’s talk,” Valley says, sitting on the corner of my bed, Cynthia perching next to me.
I blow out a breath. “Good idea.”
Chapter 19
Hunter
The reliefI feel with Pretty Girl’s return is absolute. Though knowing that sick asshole is chained up somewhere in the compound makes me want to go beat answers out of him.
Jax catches my attention. "Harris, we need to talk. If you could follow me to my office.”
I do so silently and take a seat, waiting for him to speak. He’s standing across from me, looking like a lot is on his mind.
“First off, I know you want to know where Maxim is being held. I will fill you in after I speak with you about your sister.”
“Alright.” I cross my legs, resting my ankle on my thigh.
“I’m going to bring in an experienced therapist once a week to work with Cynthia. She needs more than what we can provide. I'm concerned with the relationship sparking between her and Thor. That will need closely monitored.”
“I agree with you. I want my sister back, as whole as possible. I’m concerned about the Thor situation, too. I don’t think he would put her at risk, though.”
“We’ll see about that.” Jax says, shaking his head. “I’ll let you know once something is scheduled for Cynthia.”
“And Maxim?”
Jax sighs. “He’s on the basement level, in one of our dungeon rooms. Not many know about those rooms. They’re equipped with soundproofing and ready for any type of questioning. He’s in the room at the very end of the hallway, on the left.”
“Thank you, Jax. May I go now?”
“Yes. Don't tell everyone about Maxim’s location. A few of the guys should suffice,” Jax adds.
“Okay.”
I already know who I’m going to tell. We need answers.
Purge, Synn, and Frost should be good assets.
Phoenyxx
“I can’t even begin to imagine what you’ve been through, Nyx. But I can be here for you,” Valley starts.
“You’re amazing, Val. Honestly, I thought I’d just be numb like all the other times. When all you’ve known is abuse, you’ve got to numb yourself, so you don’t completely wither away. But this time, not so much. I wasn’t scared of Maxim at first. But when he chained me up, that's when my terror started again.”
“God, honey. I wish I could take it all away from you.”
“Hey,” Cynthia whispers. “I get it. I’m starting to remember my time before The Morgue. My brother is like a parent. He raised me. But numb is my default setting.” She shrugs. “I’ve got my boyfriend now, though. He makes me happy happy.”
We had her for a minute, but she lost herself again. I reach forward, hugging Cynthia. “It’s okay, girl.”
“How are you doing with the big revelation?” Valley asks. “You know, who you are? I mean, Caterina Rossi is a pretty bad-ass name.”
“I’m Phoenyxx. I have no idea who that other girl is. I've had pieces of memories from before Synn’s father kidnapped me, but they’re fleeting. I have so many questions.”
Valley bites her lip in thought. “Do you want to meet your parents?”
“God, yes. But not yet. I'm not ready,” I say honestly.
“Understandable.”
