I pulled her closer to me. “Baby, breathe. It’s okay. We’ll find him. All the brothers are out looking for him right now. I need you to hold on to that strength just a little while longer, baby. I know you have it in you,” I said as she started to cry. She’d been so strong for so long. Not just for herself, but for everyone else. “I promise I won’t let anything happen to you. I’ll keep you safe, okay?”
She nodded and snuggled deeper into my side. Kissing her head, I held her until she calmed.
When she was ready, I led Jules to the makeshift conference room with my arm around her shoulders. I helped her sit on the couch, being careful not to jostle her around. Her ribs were still banged up and sore, and I couldn’t stand the thought of causing her even a little pain. Maybe I was being too overprotective, but she was my girl. It was my right.
I knew she was nervous because she gripped my hand tight, like she didn’t want to let go. And she was still working through what I’d just told her. Sitting next to her, I watched as my brothers came in, bringing their girls. Sitting back and holding Jules close, I thought about how they were all together for the first time since they were rescued. It was heart-breaking watching them hold hands, seeing the tears and nervous smiles. They still had the haunting memories in their eyes. Hopefully one day those would go away. Until then, it was our responsibility to keep them safe.
The last person to arrive was Sal. Storm froze up and started to shake.
Smokey moved closer to her, talking softly. “Storm, honey, this is Sal, Jules’ dad. He isn’t going to hurt you, sweetie. He’s one of the ones that’s trying to help, okay?”
Nodding, she visibly calmed down when Smokey took her hand and gently rubbed her thumb. I think everyone in the room was shocked she was letting him touch her, because of the wide eyes and stunned looks. She glanced up at him and he winked, then she turned back to face the rest of the group. Smokey had a satisfied smile.
I stayed seated, wanting to stay close to Jules, and spoke to the room. “Ladies, I wanted to have this little meeting to keep you all up to date on what’s going on. As you know, the police have apprehended two of the men,” I thought it was best they didn’t know what really happened to one of the scumbags.” But unfortunately, the guy heading it all up, John, got away.”
The girls’ reactions were what I’d expected. Leah frowned up at Viper and her muscles tensed. Storm trembled, and actually leaned into Smokey, terror in her eyes. Grace pulled her knees to her chest, tears filling her eyes. Mac put an arm around her shoulders. Faith shook her head. And Jules tightened her grip on me. I could feel her hand shaking.
Leah spoke up, her eyes narrowed and filled with hate. “So, where the hell is he?”
I sighed and wrapped myself around Jules. “We’re trying to find him, but until we do, I’d like you all to stay with the club.”
The girls all nodded. I’d expected a little more resistance but was pleased that they were cooperating. Mostly.
Leah straightened in her seat, pulling away from Viper. “Where are we gonna stay at a motorcycle club? And why can’t we just go back to our own places?” She glanced up at Viper, then back at me. “The guys could just stay with us.”
I looked her in the eyes. “We have an apartment complex where each of you can stay with the brother who’s been guarding you. Unless it makes you uncomfortable, then arrangements can be made. This will ensure that you all are safe and protected. Besides, some of you don’t have anywhere else to go.” I said it as gently as I could, but it was the truth.
Leah opened her mouth like she was going to say something else, then nodded and relaxed back into her seat.
I turned to Grace. “Grace, I know you’ll be going to live with Sal and Cara. They’ll protect you.” She smiled shyly at Sal, who smiled back. “Storm, you have a longer hospital stay, but after that you’ll stay with me and Jules at our place.” She brightened a little and glanced at Smokey before looking down at her hands. “Leah, are you good to go with Viper?” I asked, already knowing the answer by the look that flashed between them. She nodded her head. I nodded, glad they weren’t freaked out by the plan. I glanced at Faith, and she half-smiled at Mac.
Jules spoke up for the first time. “I know this is all scary after what we’ve all been through, but it’s for the best.” She looked up at me, trust and love shining in her eyes. “These guys will protect us with their lives.” She glanced at each of the girls. “We’re going to get through this.”
Her strength continued to stun me. Even though she was scared to death, she was trying to help them and backing my play. She was perfect, and I loved her with everything I had.
“Each of you have to go to individual sessions twice a week, and one group session a week. Your brother will go with you. They’ll wait outside if you want, or they can sit in the session with you. That’s up to you.” Storm looked a little panicked, but the rest just nodded. “Any questions of any kind, please ask me. If anything happens, anything out of the ordinary, please let me or the brothers know and we’ll take care of it.”
There wasn’t much left to say. I asked the girls if they
