I took her to this amazingly beautiful lookout at the top of a hill. Complete with a blanket where I had set up the dinner I’d picked up from her favorite place. Looking out on the city as the night life was just getting started, I sat there with my arms draped around Jules. She nestled into my chest, enjoying the quiet.
“This place is peaceful,” she said on a sigh. “I love it here.”
I nuzzled her hair, inhaling deep. “Me too,” I agreed. “I like to leave my problems down there with the city and just relax. Being here with you makes it even better,” I whispered in her ear.
“What makes it so special?”
I lifted her chin and looked her in the eyes. “Because I never thought I’d love someone enough to share this side of me with them.” Tears welled up in her eyes and I wiped them away.
She sat up to kiss me. “I love you too.”
“Family for Juliane Galenti.” The doctor interrupted my memory.
I jumped to my feet and shook his hand. “Is she okay? Can I go in there now? Please, doctor, I need to be with her.”
“She’s banged up, but fine physically. Follow me. You might want to get some sleep. She will be out for a while. We had to sedate her.” He explained as we walked into her room.
My heart stopped momentarily when I saw her curled up looking so small and broken in the hospital bed.
“No thanks. Not yet.” I sat in the chair next to her, placing my head in my hands.
I guess I hadn’t realized how exhausted I was. Before I knew it, I’d drifted off, hanging on to her hand and floating into a dream. One where we were laying under the stars on the roof of my apartment building, curled up under blankets that hid our naked bodies from the chilly night and the unknowing world below.
10
Jules
I smelled him. That stomach clinching, heart racing aroma of leather and musk. The smell of safety.
Dom. My prince.
In my mind, I saw his brilliant smile, felt the touch of his lips on mine. The heat of his breath on my skin, raising goosebumps.
I heard his voice in my head as he sang to me, then begged me to wake up. I wanted to cry out for him to save me. I was scared. I didn’t know where I was or how to get out. I felt pressure on my hand and pulled away. I tried to open my eyes, and the light seared my lids shut. I felt the pressure ease up on my hand. The light dimmed. I forced my eyes open again, this time able to see a little in the darkened room.
There he was. The man of my dreams, my knight in shining armor. Or, knight on a shiny Harley. I let out a sob. Could this be real?
Dom kissed my face, all the while whispering to me. “I’ve got you, baby. You’re safe. Nothing bad will happen to you again.”
I fought to talk around the sobs. “I’m sorry,” I rasped out.
“Hey, hey, princess. Don’t worry about that. It’s all okay now. Just calm down and breathe, baby.” Dom gently wiped the hair from my forehead. “You knew I’d move heaven and earth to find you. What would a Prince Charming be without his princess, right?” He planted a tender kiss on my forehead.
I finally caught my breath as reality seeped in. “What about the rest of the girls?” I squeaked out in a hoarse voice.
“They’re all here and being taken care of. Don’t worry. We got all five of you. All here and all safe.” Leah! My eyes widened and it was like he was reading my mind. “The boys grabbed the men when they were dragging Leah out of the house. She’s a little banged up. All of you are. But other than that, everyone seems to be okay.”
“But how did you find me?”
Dom smiled and caressed my cheek. “That I will tell you another day. For now, rest.”
I went to take a deep breath and let out a whimper, grabbing my ribs.
Dom grimaced. “You have two broken ribs and a pretty bruised up face, love. Your knee is sprained too. Can you tell me what happened? Do you remember anything at all?”
I swallowed and he gave me a sip of water. “I was at the club. I was going to call you and tell you I talked to Dad and that I was sorry, but you were so mad. I thought I’d messed everything up too bad for it to be fixed. Then this lady said she needed help. I was so stupid. I don’t remember anymore till I woke up.” I bit my lip to keep it from quivering and Dom squeezed my hand. “John wanted my dad to sell girls. Can you believe that? When my dad said no, they took me. John said I was his. Dom, he watched me. All the time. Before he took me. He said I was supposed to be with him. He was pissed that I gave myself to Irish trash, he said.”
Dom’s face got red, but he kept his voice gentle. He swallowed hard, like he didn’t want to ask. “How did they hurt you? Did they,” he gritted his teeth. “Did they touch you?”
I knew what he meant and I shook my head. “He hit me, and one of them kicked me. They never got the chance for more.” I didn’t know what else to say and he seemed to understand. “When can I see my parents and the other girls?” They were family now, after what we’d all been through together. I needed to know they were okay.
My eyes stung with more unshed tears. I’d hoped I’d see my family again, but I was afraid I wouldn’t. Family meant more than I could ever explain.
