Page 120 of Líadan's Code

“If anyone crosses the line, there will be consequences,” I growl. “I will happily beat the shit out of them and make them disappear. Promising your safety isn’t said lightly. Líadan is the Banshee for a reason.”

Jaws drop as they glance at her tentatively. I didn’t mean to out her, but they need to know that she can back up any of her claims.

“I am, though I don’t make it a point to talk about it,” she says drolly. “Please don’t discuss it amongst yourselves where people can overhear, because I made a bit of a mess of the city a little over a week ago while ensuring that sex trafficking no longer happens in the family. There will be non-disclosure agreements for you all as well, to ensure my safety as well as yours. No one will talk about what’s happened to you, because that’s your story to tell.”

“Wow,” Inara says softly. “Okay, thank you.”

“For those of you who want to work at the club, I have applications for you,” Lía says. “Housing will be provided regardless of whether or not you decide to work for me. I’m quite serious about retaining your autonomy. If I failed to mention it before, the psychiatrist is available for you to speak to. She’ll keep your secrets and help you to heal if that’s what you want. The application is so I can sort through and decide where you’ll all be placed based on your strengths. I won’t make you do something you’ll hate, but there are only so many of the same position. Please be sure to mark a few different areas you’d like to work in.”

“Why would you do this?” Inara blurts out.

Lía shrugs as I press a protein bar into her lap. It’s been hours since she’s eaten, and I remember Dr. Kurtz suggested that she eat more often to keep her blood sugar on an even keel.

“My father allowed the barbaric practice of buying and selling people for pleasure to continue for way too long,” Lía says as Jordan begins to pass out applications with Mickey. He’s been curiously silent.

“I was a child when some of you were sold at auction, but I still feel responsible because it’s my family who continued this. This is my way of finding a way to help.”

Inara nods and bends her head to work on the paperwork, and the translators step in as needed.

“Eat, baby,” I murmur under my breath, smirking when she huffs softly. Ripping open the package, Lía takes a bite of the protein bar, chewing slowly as she surveys the room.

“This could have been worse,” Mickey grunts at her side, squatting to speak to her. “What you’re doing is mildly insane, but I don’t think you’d be able to do anything less than that. From here, we’ll settle everyone into their apartments, and go from there. Some of them are related to each other, separated due to the auctions. They’ve asked to stay together. I don’t see any reason they can’t.”

“Me either,” Lía agrees, taking a sip of the bottled water I hand her. I’ve become even more obsessed with taking care of her, and Jordan and I have become growly bastards since we found out Lía was having our baby.

“I think that’s fine. Tomorrow, let’s work through any possible kinks that could happen.”

Mickey chokes on his saliva, making her roll her eyes. “God, you know what I mean, Mickey. Don’t be a child.”

“You’re the one opening a sex club,” he teases her, standing.

I’m sure this will be the first of many jokes, but I’m excited for our opening. We just have a lot to do in the meantime.

Líadan

2 months later

I’m a ball of nerves, and I’ve thrown up twice already today. Jordan and Brendan are worried about me, however I don’t think the baby is responsible for the wrecked state of my stomach right now. That’s all me.

The club opens for the first time tonight in a soft opening to ensure everything moves smoothly. I’ve received a few calls from a bartender at the club about a late liquor order that managed to arrive an hour before we open, and others with questions to ensure things run well.

I don’t mind the questions at all, but they’re doing nothing to quiet the doubts that this could be a disaster.

“Líadan,” Jordan snaps, surprising me as I start. He rarely calls me that. What the fuck? “I’ve said your name three times, Princess. I didn’t know how else to get your attention. Come here.”

Blowing out a breath, I shake out my hands as I walk over to him. We bought a condo in Evanston while getting everything ready for the opening of the club. It’s just far enough outside of Chicago, with beautiful beaches and parks.

I’ve been enjoying getting up early to go for a walk every morning with the guys before starting our day. The condo is within walking distance of the water, so I don’t have to worry about driving.

The guys are continuing to spoil me by driving me everywhere, reminding me to eat during busy days, and taking good care of me.

“What if this was a bad idea,” I groan, climbing into his lap. “It could?—”

“It’s none of those things,” Jordan croons, pulling me closely to him. “I’ve watched a lot of clubs open, and you’ve covered all of your bases, Princess. Everyone you’ve hired has been well trained, is excited about tonight, and also loyal to you. It’s going to be fucking solid, baby.”

Shuddering as I force myself to breathe, I nod, rubbing my stomach slowly. I’m not showing at all yet, the little peanut inside of me taking their sweet time to show. The weather is much warmer now, perfect for an opening night where people tend to not wear much clothing to begin with.

The guest list is set, the paperwork has been filled out, and people are excited for this club’s opening. All I need to do is show up and smile. That’s it.

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