Page 72 of Saved By My Buyers

“Weird people have popped up from time to time in the areas I’ve been staying. First when I lived on the streets, and then again in Belmont. These men were asking questions, wanting to know where Dahlia was. I gave a fake name at work, and no one cared because a lot of people do that there,” I say.

“These men have on suits, slicked back hair, people who wouldn’t typically be in that area, even if they are slumming it.”

Jack sighs, even though it’s deep in his chest and resembles the rumble of a growl. The sound vibrates in places that aren’t appropriate for this conversation.

“As you said, I avoid cameras, and anywhere that may have them,” I tell him. “I pay everything in cash, hide my money in a tiny safe in my closet, and sleep in there to feel secure. It doesn’t always work though.”

“Live with us,” Jack says, and Bronwyn nods.

“Think before you say no,” she says. “You’re so thin, baby. I don’t know how much longer you can go without eating, surviving on caffeine, and not sleeping. Please, let us take care of you.”

“I don’t want to be taken care of,” I sigh. “I want to be able to stand on my own two feet.”

Jack’s vein starts to do that thing it does when he’s holding himself back, and I rub his forehead. Made aware of it, he lifts his head to nip at my fingers.

“I can make you disappear, baby girl. New name, you can change your hair, wear contacts, whatever you want when you leave this apartment, but I need you with me,” he rumbles.

“We’ll deal with Gareth, too. I don’t want to fix your problems, I want to be there with you while you face them. There’s a difference. I know you want to be independent, but this isn’t working anymore.”

“Please,” Bronwyn whispers, her voice thick. She’s blinking furiously, and I know she’s holding back tears. I need to get stronger so I can comfort her back. My shit keeps bleeding over, and I need to find a way to deal with it and lock it down.

Life is never going to stop kicking me in the teeth, I can’t fucking spiral at every turn.

“I don’t want to fuck up your lives,” I say instead. “You both have responsibilities and work to do, what do I have to contribute to any of this other than more problems?”

“Yourself,” Jack grunts.

“He’s right. You don’t have to bring anything to the table. We aren’t newly dating, you have nothing to prove to either of us,” Bronwyn reminds me, a single tear falling from her eye. Her voice cracks as she continues, and she takes a strangled breath.

“We just need you, because you’re enough, Dahlia. Enough time has passed, we don’t want to lose you again.”

The emotion in her voice echoes mine, and I nod rapidly as my tears overflow. “I didn’t really need a lot of encouragement,” I say, sniffling. “You two remind me of how damn lonely I’ve been, and we haven’t spent much time together yet, because I can’t seem to stay awake for very long.”

“Orgasms can be exhausting,” Jack teases me, wiping away my tears. “I take care of what’s mine, and that’s what you are. I think from the second I held you in my arms, my soul knew before I did who you were meant to be. Life decided I needed two brats in my life.”

Bronwyn giggles next to him, laying her head on his shoulder.

“So poetic,” she murmurs. “Will you stay with us? I know the terms of the contract state that you need to be returned to the club, but have them drive you back here. It’s silly, but we’ll follow you back.”

“Okay,” I whisper. They’re right, I’m one beating away from getting seriously hurt. My roommates aren’t above dragging me somewhere to be fucked for money. No thank you.

My stomach growls, making Jack’s lips twitch as he sighs. “Stay here and I’ll bring back food. Do you want pizza, Chinese food, what? Your choice,” he says.

For some reason, I start to think about pasta, and decide that’s what I want. It’s late afternoon already.

“Pasta carbonara suddenly sounds like something I need immediately,” I admit.

Grinning, Jack nods. “I know just the place,” he says. “They have a lemon dessert I think you’ll love too.”

He still has no idea why I love lemon desserts so much, and it’s adorable. Kissing Bronwyn and I, Jack helps me get up so he can leave. Snuggling with her as the door closes, my lips twitch in mirth.

“Jack is the best,” I murmur. “A little clueless…”

“We should tell him about your safeword when he gets back,” she says with a giggle.

“I think so too,” I agree. “I feel overwhelmed and happy, and like this is too good to be true.”

“It doesn’t have to be,” she says. “Is there anything you want from Belmont?”

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