Page 48 of Nun’s Prayer

“Those women said they were going to take me to Ethan.” Brielle backed away. “But they were mean. I don’t know you and…”

“Brielle, I’m tired. I just saved your damn butt, and your cousin is inside. I get you’re scared and worried. But I rescued your sorry ass; I’m not planning to hurt you after that,” I replied.

Brielle eyed me, and I shrugged. “Priest’s inside,” Blade added, passing me and entering the clubhouse.

Brielle hesitated while I waited. Tinkerbell raised her hand for a high-five, and I slapped it and hauled her close. “Thank you.”

“Weren’t gonna let my sister down,” Tinkerbell muttered. “Did you see what Sailor pulled off? She’s been practising.”

“Yeah.” I turned to Sailor and accepted the same high-five and hug. “That was some nice work.”

“You wanna see it with a gimp mask?”

“What the fuck, Sailor?”

“I can only conjure one or two individuals. But if we’re all wearing masks, they won’t realise it’s the same image coming for them,” Sailor explained.

“Nice trick,” I agreed.

Sailor cocked her head. “Kid, come on. There’s food inside.”

Brielle was looking between us, completely confused, but she finally began shuffling her feet. I threw the door open, and Tinkerbell and Sailor entered. They moved aside as I gently pushed Brielle in. Her eyes searched the room and landed on Priest. He was arguing with Stitch and motioning to his stomach.

“I need to find her.”

“No, you don’t! I did,” I said loudly.

“Ethan!” Brielle screamed as his head jerked towards us. Brielle rushed forward and threw herself into his chest, sobbing. Priest’s arms wrapped around her, and he hauled her in close, any pain he was suffering forgotten. Brielle tucked under his chin, and Priest closed his eyes in peace.

“You gave him that,” Tinkerbell whispered. I nodded and slipped out.

Priest

Stitch wouldn’t let me go and didn’t seem to understand I had to. Brielle was out there, and the Bloody Femmes knew her whereabouts. I couldn’t sit around on my ass when she was in more danger. I couldn’t think about what Brielle had suffered this past year. She wasn’t even aware I was searching for her. My throat tightened. I bet Brielle thought she was all alone. If I could kill Ross and destroy Bella again, I would.

As I argued with Stitch, I missed the door opening. It was her scream that snatched my attention. I barely had time to register she was here when she launched into my arms. I grabbed hold, almost unable to believe it, and saw Nun slink in. Brielle burst into sobs, and I rocked her back and forth. The Harlots slunk away, giving us a moment, and I just held her. Brielle was here and safe, and I’d do everything possible to ensure she was never in danger again.

“You’re here!”

“I’ve been looking for you for three months,” I replied. Somehow, she needed to know I’d been searching.

“I didn’t leave home until eight weeks ago,” Brielle sobbed.

“What? Brielle, I went to Ross and Bella’s. You weren’t there; there wasn’t a sign of you.”

“No, they forced me to go with that man, but I escaped. I was living with Amber.”

“Amber?” My mind scrambled. “Your best friend?”

“Yes! Her parents were on holiday and, you know, her housekeeper doesn’t care. I stayed there until school finished. Amber gave me some money so I could find you. I knew you’d come home eventually, and you’d go to your motorbike club,” Brielle explained.

“I was told Amber’s folks were away and assumed Amber was too.” That was on me. I’d wasted all that time searching for her. I was a fuckin’ idiot. That was a rookie mistake.

“They came back two months ago and wanted to call Uncle Ross and Aunt Bella. I ran off that night. I didn’t know where to go and decided to find you.”

“Tell me you didn’t hitchhike across the states.” I closed my eyes in horror.

“No. I got a few cash-paying jobs that let me buy bus tickets. One lady was really nice and let me sleep in her apartment above the shop. I kept trying to reach here,” Brielle said.