I was able to keep my emotions in check for the duration of my impromptu trip. I repeatedly told myself I was strong. But as soon as I stepped through the door at the end of the ramp at Philadelphia International Airport and I saw Malcolm, I was a blubbering mess.
"Oh, Daphne," was all he said. Then, long-forgotten masculine arms wrapped around me, drawing me close. Letting me know I was welcome. Safe.
Neither of us spoke. I took solace in the silence. The firm chest that supported my body. The steady heartbeat beneath my ear. The warm hands that rubbed my back. Calming me. Assuring me.
I was suddenly yanked from my cocoon of comfort into feminine arms.
"Daphne! Are you alright? Did he hurt you?"
"Becca!" It was all I could get out as more tears spilled down my cheeks.
I thought I may never hear her voice again. See her face. Feel the warmth of her embrace. It had been way too long. And it shouldn't have taken something like this to bring us to together. Like Malcolm's accident in March had.
I could smell the salt of the sea in her hair. I clutched onto Becca's shoulders while Malcolm continued to rub my back. No matter the consequences, I knew right then and there that I'd made the right decision coming here.
"It's Jimmy," I blurted as Becca eventually released me.
"Okay, sweetie," Becca said, pulling strands of my hair away from my wet cheeks. By the way she glanced sideways at her husband, I could tell she didn't know who or what I was talking about.
"Why don't we get going? You can fill us in later," Malcolm said, extracting his wife's arms from around me. He took my bag off my shoulder and put his arm on the back of my shoulder, guiding me away from the gate. "You've had a long trip, but we still have a couple of hours to drive."
I had prepared to unload on them once we got on the Interstate. However, both the time change and the reality of everything that happened in the past twenty-four hours seemed to crash down on me. I remember leaning my head back to take in the scenery. The next thing I knew, I opened my eyes to see we were turning down a lane flanked by beautiful green trees that led into a cul-de-sac. The latter was outlined with nine beach houses that grew larger the further you went around the circle on either side so that one at the far center was the biggest of all of them.
"Well, we're here," Becca grinned as she reached back to where I was sitting. I clasped her hand. She seemed like she wanted to say more, but she worried her lower lip, squeezed my hand, and then turned back around to unbuckle her belt when the car stopped.
As I got out, I stared in awe at the black door that seemed so small on the towering, white structure. The center house. It appeared to be three stories tall, but there was a large window that seemed to grow out of the roof that could have been a fourth floor. I couldn't see them, but I could hear seagulls squawking and the waves of the ocean crashing nearby.
Once inside, Malcolm guided us both to the back of the house where we sunk down on a couch.
"Just relax and get your bearings. We've got plenty of time to talk."
I nodded and had just let out a deep breath when I noticed a short, burly man with dark, buzzed hair standing at the kitchen island, watching us. I cried out and glanced at Becca.
"Daphne," Malcolm said, "I'd like to introduce our friend, Darryl. My wife's sister-in-law, Daphne."
Darryl rounded the island. "Daphne, as in—"
The corner of Malcolm's mouth turned up despite the situation. "Yes, the kinky one."
I felt my cheeks heat up. "Uh, hello."
"It is a pleasure," Darryl said. He took one of my hands in both of his and clasped them warmly. "Please, do not be embarrassed. Your secret is safe with me."
"Darryl has been visiting Ocean City from out of state and stopped by late last night," Malcolm said. "He was going to drive back in the morning. However, given the circumstances..."
"It's not a problem," Darryl said. "Becca, I'll take a raincheck on that meal. I know you're good for it. I should get on the road."
"I think you should stay." Becca waved at the empty chair on the other side of the couch. "Please, sit."
Darryl started to sit down but paused halfway when Malcolm shook his head.
"Becca, I hardly think this is the time—"
"Seriously, honey? It's the perfect time. We need reinforcements."
I glanced between the two of them and at Darryl who was standing again. Then I leaned over toward Becca and whispered, "Why do you think this guy—"
"He's a Master," Becca said.
Malcolm cleared his throat. "I think Daphne should decide."
I laid my head against the back of the couch. They were all silent while I thought about the ramifications. It couldn't get any worse, could it? What the hell if one more person knew my story? I took a deep breath and sat up. "If you think he can help, I don't mind."
"Please, do not feel obligated to tell me anything you don't want to," Darryl said. He sat down and patted my hand that was resting on the arm of the couch. "I am only here to help."
I nodded and settled further into the corner of the couch. "Where do I begin?"
Becca opened her mouth. I'm sure she would have said, "the beginning," if Malcolm hadn't spoken first.
"Wherever you feel
