“Do it,” I snarl. “Call ‘em. But make sure you tell ‘em what he did to your daughter.”
She hesitates. Her eyes dart to Faith’s door. Her face falls. For a second, I think she actually gets it. Then she fumbles for her phone.
Kane grips my shoulder, giving me a knowing look and an understanding that we both have. “Shane's on his way and Lilly’s with him.”
I nod, stepping away, breathing hard, hands shaking as I turn back to the girl who owns my heart—who trusted me—and nearly paid the price for my actions. I was wrong before. This isn’t the club’s doing. Just like my sister’s death wasn’t the club’s doing. The club takes care of their own. It’s the safest place for her.
“You’re safe now, Sunshine,” I whisper under my breath. “I’ll never let you out of my sight again.” I lift her leggings and cover her body with my cut.
She opens her eyes, skin pale. A whimper escapes her lips when she sees me. Eyes full of relief, fear, shame. All of it. Then she lifts her head and throws up at the side of the bed.
I hold her hair and rub her back. “Get it all up, Sunshine.” I use the knife to cut the rope around her wrist.
A sob breaks free from her chest as if she’s been holding it in this whole time.
I pull her body flush with mine and hold her close. “I’ve got you.”
She collapses against me the second she’s free, sobbing into my chest, her whole body shaking.
“I’m here,” I whisper, cradling her like she’s made of glass, but more precious than anything I’ve ever held. “You’re safe now.”
But she’s not safe.
Not until Nigel’s in the ground or behind bars. And even then—I’m not sure either of us will ever be the same again.
Sirens sound in the distance. Kane holds Nigel hostage under his boot. Faith’s mother enters the bedroom with a wet flannel, wiping Faith’s face. “I’m sorry, sweetheart. Forgive me.”
I’m not sure what she’s sorry for. Maybe it’s bringing a piece of shit like Nigel into Faith’s home. Maybe it’s for all the years she’s spent hugging a bottle when she should have been comforting her daughter. She has so much to atone for.
Several cars pull up and the next thing I know, Lilly’s entering the bedroom in her nurse’s outfit like she’s just finished work. “Do we know what she’s taken?” She sits next to Faith and lifts her eyelids, checking her pupils.
“Just noted the vodka on the table downstairs. Could have slipped her a roofie.”
Lilly’s face pales as she looks between me and Faith. “Do you remember anything?”
Tears pool in her eyes, and she shakes her head. “I don’t think he…” Her glassy eyes lock onto mine. “I tried to fight, but he was too strong.”
I cup her face in my palms. “It’s all right. We’ll get you to the hospital and get you checked out.”
“He couldn’t have… I’d remember that, wouldn’t I?”
Shane’s at the top of the stairs in full uniform, snarling at Nigel beneath Kane’s boot. “You’re under arrest. You do not have to say anything, but it may harm your defence if you do not mention when questioned something that you later rely on in court. Anything you do say may be given in evidence.”
“Fuck you. I never touched her.” Nigel spits on Shane’s steel toe caps.
Kane kicks him in the ribs. “Then why is she half naked, you sick fuck?”
“I was helping her change for bed. I never touched her.” Nigel clutches his ribs, pain etched on his face as he points to me. “He’s the one who took advantage. She told me how you slept with her, then cast her out.”
I pray he’s telling the truth, but ignore him and I focus on my girl as Lilly helps her dress, ready to take her to the hospital.
Lilly buttons Faith’s top and drapes a blanket over her shoulders, her hands gentle but firm. “Let’s get you to the hospital, sweetheart. We’ll run tests, make sure you’re safe and clean. I promise you—you’re not alone.”
Her mum holds her hand. “I’ll come with you.”
Faith leans into me as I scoop her into my arms.
She’s shaking, silent tears sliding down her cheeks, and I kiss the top of her head, breathing her in like I’ve just found my way out of hell.
