I give a watery chuckle.
“Rosalie Campbell would sound better,” Maddoxmutters.
“You’re both wrong,” Roman interjects. “Rosalie Briggs is the obvious choice. Much more flattering and rolls right off the tongue.”
An hour later, most of the women are on their way back home. Some have already contacted trusted family members who are relieved beyond words as they await their arrival. Others are lingering around to gather housing resources from veterans who are lending a helping hand.
Luna is waiting patiently for her manager to arrive to take her back to Los Angeles, as I saddle up beside her. “Hey.”
“Ugh, don’t get all shy on me now.” She rolls her eyes as a smile plays on her lips.
I nudge her elbow. “Don’t be a stranger.”
“Oh, I won’t,” she snorts. “You live ten minutes from me. You’ll have to put a restraining order against me now.”
I laugh. “You’re always welcome in my home.”
“Thanks…” Her voice trails before she turns to me. Her hug is surprising in its intensity as she squishes me to her. “Thank you, Rose. For being a friend when I needed one.”
My hands fist in her shirt as I squeeze her back with equal passion. “Of course. Call me. Text me. Visit,please.”
She pulls away, holding my shoulders. “Of course, but only if you put your dogs away.” Her eyes flicker to Kairo, who lingers nearby as he pretends not to listen in on our conversation. “So…weird question—”
“Yes, I’m with all three of them,” I respond with a proud smile.
Her eyes widen. “I was just going to ask if you put a blanket over their cages at night, but wow. Living the dream, huh?”
I push her shoulder playfully before her manager arrives. I wave to my new friend as she leaves the burning embers of the past behind. I hope she can find peace. Recovery is a long road, and the emotional and physical damage this place caused will leave a lasting scar. But these women arefighters—survivors. And I want to be there for every single one of them in any way I can. I exchanged my number with everyone, begging them to reach out anytime they wanted to talk or needed something. I’ll be there.
Roman joins me, wrapping an arm around my waist. “What now?”
I smile up at him, heat painting over my cheeks. “Take me home.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
Epilogue
Rosalie
One Year Later
Roman was right. Rosalie Briggs does roll right off the tongue. Imagine my fanbase’s surprise when I announced the name change and flashed a big diamond ring during the first night of my tour. It had the gossip columns and influencers going feral over my polyamorous relationship with my three bodyguards. There are people who don’t seem too fond of me choosing my men rather than my ex, but I couldn’t care less about what the public thinks of me. By Roman, Kairo, and Maddox’s side, I’m the happiest I’ve ever been. Every day is filled with adventure, and we’ve become inseparable. Our bond has blossomed into love—pure and untainted. I would choose them over and over again if given the choice. They’re my everything.
Luna is doing well. She picked up right where she left off in the industry, returning to the music scene with a new wave of enthusiasm and heavy, meaningful lyrics to back it up. She spent weeks in the studio cranking out a brand new album and is currently on tour, too. Our schedules almost align, and we have plans to go to her concert for a date night tomorrow.
The others are also doing well. Charlotte went back to school, attending a local college in New York to obtain her bachelor’s degree in forensic science. Bridget is safely back with her brother and father. They’ve been helping her through her healing journey and are over the moon to know that she’s taking every step necessary to overcome her past. Silver is now a women’s rights activist, filling arenas as she teaches about the dangers of trafficking and what signs to look for. She wrotea memoir that sits on my bookshelf at home, signed and tear-stained from the endless nights I spent crying over her story. Cara is starting her nursing clinicals soon, having picked up where she left off before she was taken. She wants to work with sexual assault patients and be an advocate for their care. Quinn is reunited with her sister and niece. She’s been working at a local community center in Kentucky, leading storytime for the children of her small town. Kourtney is now in the running for mayor of Los Angeles with her extensive background in political affairs and her multitude of degrees.
They’ve all overcome and conquered in their own ways. I’m extremely proud of them, and I gush over their accomplishments during our monthly group FaceTime calls. We plan to get together in the spring to celebrate a few birthdays and just catch up without the regular rush of our busy schedules.
In the meantime…
“Thank you, New London!” I shout into my mic as the sea of fans goes wild. The pyrotechnics give off one final burst of smoke as my backup dancers pant behind me. My voice is a little scratchy from singing for the last two hours, but I’m in good spirits despite being back in my home state. “I love you!”
Screaming fans make heart shapes with their hands, reaching past the metal barricade that separates them from the security working the venue, and standing guard at the stage. I wave and blow kisses, soaking in the atmosphere as much as I can, glad to be back in the thrill of performing.
As we exit the floor, I push ahead of everyone. I head straight for the side of the stage, knowing that that’s where my heart is.
“You did fucking amazing, baby!” Kairo opens his arms wide, a goofy, proud grin on his face.
