Chapter 9 Jade #3
“Some of my girls have families out there, somewhere. They might need a new home, clothes, I don’t know, anything. But I want your word that you guys will help-”
“Done,” he says, cutting off my demands and rendering me speechless for a moment.
The other guys are quiet. I’m not sure if they knew he would help or are shocked by how easily he agreed, but I don’t really care. All that matters is that he agreed.
I can’t pull my eyes off of him as I look him over, searching for some sign that this is all bullshit. He stares back and I find only sincerity in his eyes.
“Just like that?” I ask to be sure.
“Just like that,” he responds before turning away from me and back to the guys.
My mind takes a moment to catch up, and by the time I shake myself from the haze, they are deep into a conversation about something else.
Seeing as it no longer concerns me and I’m not being pushed away, I take a seat at the table closest to them and wait for them to finish.
The guys wrapped up their meeting not long after. Whatever else they discussed, I zoned out. I can’t remember the last time I opened up that much to anyone. As a result, I need time to put away my broken pieces again.
Spencer tidies up all the papers and stuffs them into the envelope before everyone stands. I follow their motions like a shadow, without really making a conscious decision.
They walk off towards the door we came in through and I follow just a few steps behind. Whether it’s because my legs are shorter or because they’re trying to give me distance, I’m not sure, but I don’t care either way.
I only make it a few steps before I’m pulled to a sudden stop. I feel my eyes widen as I turn to find Kratos. His hand on my arm just above my elbow, as he looks down at me in concern.
How out of it was I that I didn’t hear him come up behind me or even realize he was there until I was forced to? I need to pull my head out of my ass. Being caught unaware is dangerous. Even if I don’t think Kratos is a threat to me, that doesn’t mean the next person to try it won’t be.
Kratos doesn’t remove his hand from my arm, and I make no move to pull away from him, even though I’m sure we both know I could. He says nothing, but he doesn’t need to. I place my hand over his and give a slight nod, hoping he’ll understand that I’ll be okay.
He continues to look at me for a second longer before pulling his hand away with a nod. He shoots a look at the guys and then back at me before turning away.
He only makes it a few steps before he shoots a warning back to them over his shoulder.
“Remember Froggie’s orders, boys. I’ll be in touch.
” That's a dismissal if I’ve ever heard one.
I pull my gaze away from him when he slips into one of the entrances to the back rooms, and I turn back to the guys.
They wait by the exit, all with varying emotions on their faces, and for a moment, I worry I’ve made a mistake. Have I put them in danger by sharing with them? Made their lives harder? They didn’t ask to babysit me, and I would rather struggle alone on the streets than be their unwanted burden.
The thought doesn’t even get to take root before Zander meets my eyes and gives me his thousand-watt smile, waving me to them. I look at Roderick, who nods, and even Spencer seems less on edge. While it’s not exactly an invitation, it’s not a dismissal either.
I close the distance between us in a few long strides, and as I reach Zander’s side, he offers me his hand.
I look down at it and then back up at him. His other hand goes to the back of his neck in what appears to be a nervous gesture, and his cheeks take on the slightest shade of pink.
It takes me longer than it probably should to understand what he’s offering. When I do, I feel my cheeks heat as well. I just hope the low lights are enough to keep the others from noticing.
Sex is easy. I use my body to get what I need and keep people safe. It’s all is just a part of that. There are no emotions when you're doing it out of necessity.
Displays of affection, though.
That’s new.
I occasionally offer the girls comfort and affection, but I’ve never needed that from them. I have very few people who I have ever received affection from.
After Ashlynn, I couldn’t bring myself to let someone care for me, not when I knew I would be putting myself at risk.
But these guys aren’t the same, and they can take care of themselves.
Even if they couldn’t, I’m not the same as I was back then, but most importantly, I’m no longer property to be used against someone, and the idea is freeing.
For the first time since I’ve been out from under an owner's thumb, I realize I’m free now.
I reach out and slip my fingers through his before he squeezes my hand. His already impossibly large smile grows even wider making him seem even more adorable and boyish, and I can’t help but smile back.
Affection might be something I can get used to. If these guys prove they can’t look after themselves, I know I can handle enough for the three of them. I’ll be damned if I let someone take anyone else away from me.