Chapter 57
EMRIS
We stopped by and saw Brielle’s mom at the graveyard, the photo I got fixed sitting proudly next to a new headstone she picked out, and this time she smiled. There weren’t any sad tears, but happy ones. I gave her some space as I answered a call from Carson, but I could hear everything she said.
About how much she wishes her mom could’ve met me.
About how much she loves me. She even mentioned her crashing my Mustang and how she’s been researching the parts we’ll need to repair the damages with Killian.
I’ve never had so much love for a person before, and sometimes it doesn’t feel real.
What did I do to deserve this perfect woman?
She matches all my craziness.
Now we come to see her mom at least twice a month, and I think it’s played a part in Brielle’s healing. After she found out Susie was dead, she didn’t even cry. There was no remorse for her, and I know that can’t be easy, but she’s the strongest person I know.
We were able to stop by and see Bexley and her son, which made Brielle smile for hours afterward, but we only told Bex the things she needed to know.
She knows what Susie did, and a small amount of the shit we both went through, but Brielle wanted to spare her the rest. Brielle hasn’t wanted to leave my side, and I don’t think she’ll feel safe until we know what the fuck happened to Peter and Troy.
When I finally got in touch with Carson, he told me he had no clue what happened for days after Brielle and I were gone. Not until Archer filled him in and Carson left town, following his own leads about where we might be. He helped save us that night, even if he wasn’t in D.C. at the time.
Now, as we pull up to the hotel, excitement runs through me. I didn’t tell Brielle what the meeting was about because I didn’t know how she’d react. I still don’t, but I think she’s going to like my idea.
When we enter the lobby, we are greeted by a few people as we make our way to the elevator and up to the floor where Archer holds all his meetings. We didn’t need to have it here, but I know Arch and Killian have another meeting right after, so if it’s easier, then that’s fine with me.
Walking through the door, I see Archer reading over a file in his hand while Killian looks out the window with a jug of Sunny D in his hand. When he sees us, he lights up with joy, sets the juice down on the conference table, and runs to Brielle, scooping her up into a bear hug.
“How is my favorite person doing?” he asks once she’s back on her feet.
Brielle chuckles before answering. “I’m good. We just left my mom’s grave. It was nice,” she says with a smile.
Leaving them to talk, I head over and say hi to Archer.
“Ready?” he asks, raising a brow.
“Yup.”
I round the table and pull out a chair for Brielle. Once she’s tucked in, everyone looks at her.
“What?” she asks, her arms crossing over her chest as if she thinks she’s in trouble. I can’t help the laugh that leaves me.
“I’ve been thinking,” I start, and she furrows her brows, waiting for me to continue. “After everything that happened, we have a lot of women who need support. Female support.”
“Okay...”
“Archer and I thought it would be good to bring in some new support to help with the women upstairs. Someone they can talk to and open up to. Someone who knows what they went through.” I explain, trying to gauge her reaction, but she just stares at me.
“They already have a few therapists and others on board, but none who have experienced what it’s like being sex trafficked firsthand. ” He shoots me a sad smile.
“I’d love to help.” Her face lights up when she says it.
We go over some of the things that we all think will be beneficial, like bringing them items they haven’t seen or used in years, or ever, really.
Brielle is practically glowing at the chance to help the women who’ve struggled the same way she has.
This was the right move. She went through a very traumatic experience, and so did the women upstairs.
“It’s going to take a lot of time and patience,” I tell her.
She’s already nodding her head before I get the words out.
“As you know, you’re still struggling every day with lots of things, but you’ve overcome and grown so much in the past few months.
I know you’re going to do amazing with these women.
They’re lucky to have you.” I lean over and brush a piece of hair behind her ear before placing a kiss on her lips.
“When do I start?” she asks, looking between the three of us.
“Calm down, killer. We can begin after the weekend. But,” Archer pauses, looking down at his watch, “right now, I have a meeting, so you guys need to leave.”
We all stand and Killian and Archer both hug Brielle, knowing she needs it.
Exiting the room, we all part ways with the promise of dinner soon. I grab Brielle’s hand and press my lips to the top. “You’re amazing, you know that, right?” I ask, wrapping my arms around her waist and pulling her into me. She ignores my comment, of course.
“Thank you for everything. I really think I can help and make a difference.”
“Don’t thank me, this is all you. Archer even mentioned something about college and getting a degree in something to help further down the road, if you’re interested?”
“Yes! Yes! I’d love that.”
This woman is amazing. “Come on, let’s go get something to eat,” I say, pulling her down the hallway from the conference room.
As we’re about to leave, I see two men walking toward Archer, who’s waiting outside the door. I watch as he greets them before disappearing.
“Who were they?” Brielle asks when she catches my eyes still watching the door they disappeared into.
“Not sure, but I think they’re the guys Archer wants to bring in.” Brielle nods. “The more people we have, the faster we can find Peter and Troy and end things.” She gives me a weak smile.
“Yeah,” she says as I squeeze her hand, exiting the hotel.
After everything that happened, we still have to live every day knowing Peter and Troy might still be out there.
Although Archer thinks they’ve left town or are dead, we have no way to confirm that.
So, for now, Brielle won’t leave my side.
I won’t let anything happen to her again.
Now that she’s mine, I’ll hunt down anyone who dares hurt her again.