Chapter Ten. #2
As I argued with Stitch, I missed the door opening.
It was her scream that snatched my attention.
I barely had time to register she was here when she launched into my arms. I grabbed hold, almost unable to believe it, and saw Nun slink in.
Brielle burst into sobs, and I rocked her back and forth.
The Harlots slunk away, giving us a moment, and I just held her.
Brielle was here and safe, and I’d do everything possible to ensure she was never in danger again.
“You’re here!”
“I’ve been looking for you for three months,” I replied. Somehow, she needed to know I’d been searching.
“I didn’t leave home until eight weeks ago,” Brielle sobbed.
“What? Brielle, I went to Ross and Bella’s. You weren’t there; there wasn’t a sign of you.”
“No, they forced me to go with that man, but I escaped. I was living with Amber.”
“Amber?” My mind scrambled. “Your best friend?”
“Yes! Her parents were on holiday and, you know, her housekeeper doesn’t care. I stayed there until school finished. Amber gave me some money so I could find you. I knew you’d come home eventually, and you’d go to your motorbike club,” Brielle explained.
“I was told Amber’s folks were away and assumed Amber was too.” That was on me. I’d wasted all that time searching for her. I was a fuckin’ idiot. That was a rookie mistake.
“They came back two months ago and wanted to call Uncle Ross and Aunt Bella. I ran off that night. I didn’t know where to go and decided to find you.”
“Tell me you didn’t hitchhike across the states.” I closed my eyes in horror.
“No. I got a few cash-paying jobs that let me buy bus tickets. One lady was really nice and let me sleep in her apartment above the shop. I kept trying to reach here,” Brielle said.
“You’re safe now. Nobody will harm you again. Did that asshole who…” I swallowed hard. “Bought you, do anything, Brielle? I need to know.”
“No!” she exclaimed. “I did what you taught me to do and escaped.” Brielle beamed. “Don’t worry, Ethan, I’m still a virgin.”
Holy crap, there was some shit I didn’t need to know. That was one of them. “Great!” I choked out.
“Can I stay with you? I swear I’ll be good, and I know how to keep house. When you go away for work, I won’t cause trouble, I promise,” Brielle begged.
“Oh, kid. You’re staying with me, end of story. And if I have to leave, I’ll make sure you’re safe. I’ll hire the best housekeeper out there, one who can kick ass and protect you against anything,” I promised. “But I’m going to cut my trips abroad down. I’ll base my business here now.”
“Do you mean that?” Brielle exclaimed.
“Fuck, yes. It’s you and me, kid.”
“What if Uncle Ross and…”
“They won’t ever bother you again.”
Brielle’s face fell. “Blair stole all my stuff. Including Mom’s jewellery.”
“I took it back.”
Brielle’s expression made me feel ten feet tall. “You did?” she breathed.
“Yup. I got everything, even that stupid stuffed penguin you love.”
“I love you, Ethan! Did you kick Uncle Ross’ ass? Tell me you made Blair cry, and you terrified Aunt Bella.”
I did a lot worse than that, but I nodded. Brielle didn’t need my darkness. Brielle wiped her eyes and held my gaze. “Where are we going to live?”
“I was thinking Camden. My club is there, and I’m certain they’ll protect you,” I replied.
“Or you stay here,” Sapphire said. “There’s plenty of space.”
Brielle’s eyes widened as she took in Sapphire. “You’re beautiful. I love your hair. Can you teach me to do mine like that?”
“Sure,” Sapphire agreed with a kind smile. That was the first I’d ever seen on the Royal Harlot President, and it looked odd.
“This is Sapphire; she’s the president of this club,” I introduced.
I saw it straight away: Brielle fell head over heels with Sapphire. “You run the club? So badass!” she whispered.
“Yup, this is a women’s-only club,” Sapphire explained.
“Wow!” Brielle’s eyes were rounded with glee. Sapphire was about to get a cross-examination she wasn’t expecting.
“I need to ask some questions, if that’s okay?” Sapphire said. Brielle stood and sat back down next to me.
“Yes?” she answered, a bit unsure.
“How did the Bloody Femmes find out who you are?” Sapphire queried.
“They heard me talking to the waitress. I asked how far Camden was. One of those ladies, Cheetah, noticed me and asked why I was heading to Camden. I told her that my cousin was there and was waiting for me.
“They spoke amongst themselves, and Cheetah inquired if I was called Brielle. When I said yes, they stated they knew where Ethan was and would take me to him. But the waitress looked scared of them, and I declined. Another lady, Foxy, ordered me to stand up, and I tried to refuse, but she pulled me out of the booth and made me leave.”
“Okay, honey, thanks,” Sapphire answered as she stood up. “Did they say anything else?”
“Cheetah said, ‘This will show everyone those bitches are weak.’ I didn’t know who she meant. I’m guessing you,” Brielle replied.
“Probably, well, they got their asses kicked by Nun.”
I tried not to sit up in surprise, but Sapphire noticed.
“I had a prem—word that Brielle had been sighted in Derry. Nun rode to fetch her, but the Bloody Femmes had already got hold of Brielle. By all accounts, Nun rode in solo, outnumbered, scared them back and grabbed your cousin. She was outgunned eight to one and still engaged. Tinkerbell and Sailor caught up to Nun as she eluded them, and Blade minutes later.”
“Nun went in alone?” The words stuck in my brain.