Page 87 of Under Their Protection

“I can imagine so. Surgery is rough,” I say.

“How did your healing go?” she asks. She points for me to sit with her, and I do.

“I was okay at first. Then I got home, and the pain kicked my ass,” I say smiling. “It’ll get easier.”

“I don’t know if I was supposed to find out that you helped me get back on the list, but I appreciate it. I didn’t deserve that kindness from you,” she says softly.

“Listen, Harper. Neither of us had autonomy over ourselves until recently. Rowan, Max, and Theo helped me break away from all of my trauma. They gave me a chance to be the person that I want to be. No one has given you a chance to be something other than what our parents made us into. This is me giving you a chance to be more and to be good,” I say.

“I appreciate it more than you know. I’m sorry for everything. I know I can’t fix it or make it better, but I can try to do better going forward,” she sniffs back tears.

“That's all I can hope for,” I say as I lean over and hug her. When I pull away I stand and Rowan smiles at me. “I dropped the restraining order against you. This doesn’t mean I trust you or I am making any steps to build a relationship with you, but that door is open. Understand I have no issues shutting it back. Okay?”

“Okay. When I’m out and feeling better I’d like to get lunch or something, if that’s okay,” she says.

“We can do that. Just rest for now,” I say.

“Can I say something?” my dad asks.

“Unless it’s an apology for beating me, trying to rape me, or any number of the other negligent things you did, no,” I snap at him.

“We are sorry, Anika. Truly,” he says softly.

“Are you? Or are you just thankful that I saved your daughter?” I ask calmly.

“You are our daughter too,” he says.

“When is my birthday, Dad?” I ask. He doesn’t say anything but I can tell he is desperately trying to remember. “Mom?” She stares blankly at me. I laugh and shake my head.

“How the fuck do you not remember her birthday?” Harper snaps. “It’s July 28th. You literally birthed her.”

“I bet you know hers,” I say to my parents before turning to Harper. “I know it’s not until next week, but Happy Birthday, Harper. I have your number unblocked so feel free to text me. I am in no way resuming contact with them ever, so know I will cut you off if you relay anything about me or my life to them. Okay?”

“Okay,” she says softly to me while glaring at our parents. “I’m glad you're okay. I’m sorry Isaac shot you.”

“Me too, but he probably would have done that one day with or without you being involved with him.”

“I tried to talk him down but he just lost his mind,” she frowns.

“He was psychotic,” I shrug. “He’s dead now so it doesn’t matter anymore. You get some rest though.” I hug her once more before saying our goodbyes. I can tell my parents want to say something, but they don’t.

When we get back out to the car Theo turns to me and hugs me. “I’m proud of you,” he praises me.

“Thank you,” I smile.

“The Cherry or home?” Theo asks me.

“It depends,” I grin. “Am I getting regular Theo or submissive Theo?”

“Alright, smartass. I’ll make your choice for you,” he says as he smacks my ass, making me yelp.

We pull into the parking lot of The Cherry and Theo pulls me out of Max’s car and I giggle. “Such an eager sub,” I say as Theo picks me up and I wrap my legs around his waist. He chuckles and sits me on the trunk of his car then waits for Rowan and Max to come over before he speaks.

“I want to apologize to you, Anika,” Theo says.

“For what?” I ask him, raising an eyebrow at him.

“A few things. One, for projecting my anxiety onto you. You have stated multiple times that you were okay but I let my anxiety decide that you were wrong. I should have trusted your word the first time,” he says.

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