Page 41 of Under Their Watch

“Hey, Dad,” I say. “Are you busy?”

“I’m never too busy for you, baby. Why are you up so early?” he asks. Anika and Mia roll their eyes when he calls me baby.

“I just couldn’t sleep. I saw your text,” I say. “Do you want to meet today? I have to go into town today. Thought maybe I could meet you somewhere.”

“Just you, or do I get to meet these boys you ran off with?” he asks.

“You know who Quinn and Jace are, Dad,” I say. “And I didn't run off. Marvin hurt me and they helped get me away from him.”

“What did he do?” he asks. I look at Casey. She nods, giving me permission.

“He had us sign divorce papers and took money from some guy for me to go live with him. I ran to the bathroom, and he came in there and started strangling me,” I say. “I already had bruises from him strangling me with a rope. I got scared and let Quinn and Jace help me.”

“Are you sleeping with them?” he asks. Casey immediately starts shaking her head, telling me to say no.

“No, Dad. They’re my friends,” I say.

“Good girl,” he praises. “You know how I feel about sharing my girl.”

I close my eyes and try to calm myself. I am bouncing my leg, trying to not cry. Quinn and Jace lightly squeeze my thighs and a tear slides down my cheek. “I know, Daddy,” I say softly.

“When do I get to spend some alone time with you?” he asks. “You know Daddy has needs, Rhea.”

“I don’t know,” I say. “I’m a little busy today, but I still want to get coffee together.”

“We can do that. What time?” he asks.

“Is three okay? I should have some time then,” I suggest.

“That works perfectly. Text me where you want to meet,” he says. “I love you, Rhea.”

“I love you too, Daddy,” I say, trying to keep my tears silent. When the call ends, I can’t hold it back anymore. Jace pulls me to his chest and cradles me as I start crying.

“Good girl, Rhea,” he murmurs. “I’m so proud of you, honey.”

“I hate it,” I sob. “I hate it so much.”

Jace cups my face and make me look up at him. “You’re so close, baby. Just a little more, and you are free.” He gently kisses me before letting me curl up in his lap.

“Make it the coffee shop on Fifth and Johnson,” Casey says. “I’ll have an eye on the cameras and the car. Absolutely no one else needs to be close by. I don’t want to chance him getting mad.”

“Okay,” Quinn says. “Can we take her back to bed? I think she’s had enough for now.”

“Yeah,” Casey says. “I’ll get with you all after.”

Quinn stands and scoops me up before he and Jace take me downstairs without another word. A few minutes later, Theo, Rowan, and Max come down. I am curled up on the bed practically sobbing. Memories of a lifetime of abuse is flooding my brain and it is unbearable. None of them say anything as they move me to lie on my belly with my head resting on my arms. They start massaging my back, neck, shoulders, thighs, and legs. It’s not about sex or desire. All they are focused on is comforting me through the storm of emotions I’m experiencing.

Eventually, I have cried myself dry and I’m numb. They continue their comfort until I relax, and I fall asleep with their hands all over my body.

Chapter Seven

Rhea

I am sitting inQuinn’s truck, shaking. I have not driven in years, but it’s meeting Dad alone that has me freaked out. Everyone hated saying goodbye to me as I drove away from the house, and I sobbed for the entire drive. I’ve been sitting here calming down for a while now and I know I need to go inside.

I get out and lock the truck before walking into the coffee shop. “Where is your restroom?” I ask.

“In the back,” she says without looking up from her phone.

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