“I was basically duped like you, except I was younger. I was in high school. The school’s police officer blackmailed me and sold me. Long story short, I eventually escaped, but I was living on the run.”
I gasp. “That’s awful.” Her problems were much bigger than mine.
She chuckles, but her tone isn’t filled with humor. “Oh, it gets worse. I have very bad luck. Recently, my car broke down on the side of the road. A man stopped to help me. A voice in my head told me to turn him down, but I accepted, of course. He kidnapped me and held me for ransom. Guess what he wanted in payment?”
I almost can’t breathe. How horrible. “What?”
“June. He was her ex-husband.”
Now, I’m horrified. I grab Eloise’s arm. “June?”
“Yep. But Cannon and Blade followed June to the house where her asshole ex was holding me. If you’re worried about their ability to handle shit, let me assure you, there is no need. That fucker is no longer walking the Earth.”
I flatten my free hand over my heart. “And the police officer?”
She grins. “He’s with June’s ex. The reason I’m telling you this isn’t to freak you out, but so you’ll know these guys who work for Black Blade Protection are the bomb. They don’t fuck around. They don’t get caught, nor do they leave evidence. They will find the piece of shit who killed your father and send him to spend time with every other asshole who’s been disposed of before him. In hell with the ones who hurt June and me.”
She’s blunt, and I appreciate that. I throw my arms around her and hug her. “Thank you for telling me that.”
“You’re welcome.” She hugs me back.
When we release each other, she holds me at arm’s length, hands on my shoulders, eyes locked on mine. “They will find him, and they will rid the world of the likes of such scum.”
My heart rate is fast, mostly from absorbing so much information. My problems seem like child’s play compared to what Eloise went through. And, apparently, June.
“I’m scared,” I admit.
“Understandable. Believe me, I was, too. I was also skeptical and found it difficult to trust any man, including the one who rescued me from that hell-house and took me home.”
I hug her again. It’s my turn to express sympathy. “I’m sorry, Eloise.” At least I wasn’t living with that kind of mistrust. Until I learned about Frank’s betrayal, I’d never experienced anything like this. I’ve lived a stress-free life, filled with love and everything I needed. I’ve never known danger or fear. For Eloise, those emotions were a way of life.
One thing is certain now. I know Mace will dispose of Frank so I never have to worry about him again. It’s been hard to wrap my head around, but Eloise has helped me see that there is far more darkness in the world than I have ever known, and men like those who work for Blade are the good guys.
“Hey, what’s going on in here?”
We both turn from the window at the sound of June’s voice as she skips toward us.
Eloise lifts one arm from around me and opens it so that June can join in the group hug. Seconds later, the three of us are clutching each other. A weight lifts from my shoulders. I barely know these women, yet I sense we will be lifelong friends.
I’ve never had close friends. Not really. I was an odd child who spent all my free time with my father. I didn’t mind. I never thought about it or realized I might be missing out on anything.
Now I’m finding something I never knew I was lacking. Solidarity.
When we release each other, I wipe my eyes. I don’t want to cry. I’m kind of happy. This isn’t a time to be sad.
“You two looked so serious when I came in,” June says.
Eloise smiles. “I was giving Autumn the short version of what you and I have been through and how our Daddies fixed things.”
“Ah. Good.”
I glance down at my dress before taking in Eloise’s and then June’s and start giggling. “Such a serious conversation for three people who should be coloring and pretending the world is a perfect place.”
June shrugs. “Sometimes it helps to take a step back, put on our adult panties, and face reality.”
She’s right. It’s fascinating how they’re able to do such a thing, and I’m starting to understand how this dynamic works. Being Little can be something I participate in as often as I want. It’s okay to let myself hide, but it’s also okay to confront my fears. The line is blurred. I can step over it, back and forth, if I need. I make my own rules in a way.
I glance at the door to the playroom. I’m torn. I don’t like the men discussing things that pertain to me behind my back. I’m sure Blade has joined Mace and Cannon, which means whatever has happened is serious enough to call in the boss.
