Knox furrows his brows. “Were you part of that human trafficking ring that was run by Anthony Cole? It was all over the news.”
“It was Anthony Cole and Pierce Murphy, but Pierce was able to get away in the raid on Euphoria. Law enforcement is still searching for him.”
“So, he’s alive?” Griffin finally chimes in.
I nod. “Yes, but he’s probably not even in the country anymore.” Neither brother is satisfied with that answer. Knox treads back and forth.
“He’s still breathing?” Griffin tilts his head up to look at me.
“Yes, but he’s on the run. He doesn’t control me anymore. It’s okay.” I hold my hands out, palms up in a placating gesture. Knox stops his pacing and looks at me incredulously.
Griffin’s eyes turn fierce. “It’s okay? What about any of this is okay?”
“Everyone else is either dead or in prison awaiting trial. They got what they deserved,” I rush to explain.
Griffin jumps to his feet. “They got what they deserved?” Both brothers stomp toward me with puffed-up chests.
Stumbling a step back, I’m thrown off balance by their temper. But I force myself to hold my ground. “Stop repeating everything I say!”
Griffin throws his hands out at his sides. “I just find it hard to believe that you’re okay with this because I sure as hell am not!”
“Me too,” Knox adds. “These people basically tortured you. They didn’t just facilitate your rape. They treated you like a slave!”
Griffin shakes his head. “I think they’re getting off too easy. Death and prison aren’t enough.”
“I agree.” Knox cracks his knuckles. “Maybe we need to dish out a little justice of our own.”
Griffin tilts his head in agreement. “I’ll look at getting flights. Maybe we can?—”
“Stop!” I interrupt. “No one is going to New York. No one is getting beat up.”
Griffin faces me. “Why aren’t you just as angry about this as we are?”
Something takes over me and unleashes everything. “You think I don’t get angry about it?” My voice gets louder and louder with each word. “They took everything from me! I would go months on end without seeing Noah. It’s a miracle he even recognizes me as his mother!” My shoulders lift and drop with a deep breath. “But anger doesn’t change anything. Anger doesn’t give me back the years they took from me. Anger doesn’t make up for all the moments I missed with Noah. I’m done with being angry at them. It takes too much from me. I’m not giving them any more than what they’ve already taken from me.”
When I’m done, all the energy leaves my body. My shoulders sag, and my head bends down.
Griffin steps right up to me as his hands find my face, guiding me to make eye contact with him. The sweet amber of his eyes opens up to me, allowing me to feel every ounce of his passion.His fury on my behalf, his despair for the pain I experienced, and his adoration for the woman I turned out to be. My own azure eyes fill with tears.
Griffin’s thumbs sweep across my cheeks. “You’re so strong.” His lips crash down on mine. We move together in perfect synchronicity. My arms wrap around his middle, pulling him closer. This kiss isn’t for release or to get lost in each other’s bodies.
It’s comfort.
It’s home.
Our lips break apart, and Knox steps to my side. I turn to him, and Griffin’s hands drop from my face.
Knox cages me in his arms, sealing our bodies together, and I drape my arms around his neck. The tug in my chest that nips at me when he’s around settles. It’s soothed by his touch. His tone is reverent. “I’m in awe of you. You’ve been through so much, and yet you still get out of bed every day and keep going. You’re amazing.”
Knox dips his head, and our mouths connect in a seamless kiss. His passion pours into me. The pieces of my soul that have broken over the last seven years begin to take shape again.
I know there’s still more I need to tell them, and I will. But first, I need to make sure they won’t be caught in the crossfire of my battles.
CHAPTER FORTY-FOUR
KNOX
“Why are we here again?” Raven eyes the talking pumpkin nervously.
