Page 17 of Jack

“I don’t understand.”

“We’ve been rescuing women and children from domestic violence for going on twelve years,” Jacob says.

Wow. That’s impressive. I work in the medical field, but I’ve never heard of an organization like this. If I had known something like this existed, I could have shared it with so many women in LA.

My eyes meet Evelyn’s. “Thank you for helping me, but why would you all do this?”

She glances over her shoulder at her husband. Her tears fall unchecked. The pain in her eyes when she looks back at me almost crumbles me to my knees.

"Because not everyone makes it out." She’s unable to smile through her tears this time.

“Ariel,” I whisper when it hits me.

She nods. “Our daughter.”

“I’m sure you have more questions. We’ll answer those the best we can in time.” Jacob moves behind his wife and wraps his arms around her. She falls easily against his chest. “Just know, you’re safe here. We’ll protect you and help you start over.”

“The party’s a bit loud. There’s more people here tonight than we expected. I don’t think keeping her in the clubhouse is a good idea.” Worley Bird moves to stand on my left.

“He’s right.” Evelyn glances up at her husband. “Lily should stay in the guest house. Evie and I will make sure she has everything she needs for a few days.” Her head snaps toward someone behind me. “Where are the kids?”

Shepherd steps forward. “I walked them to the kitchen and left them with Nana since you were here.”

Evelyn sighs with relief. “Thank you, Shepherd.” She kisses Jacob’s cheek. “I should go check on them.”

“I can walk Lily to the guest house.” The deep voice behind me wraps around me like a blanket.

“Really?” Evelyn raises an eyebrow.

The soothing voice chuckles. “Yes, Mom. Really.”

Jacob looks around the room. His gaze finally settles over my head. “Okay then. Thanks, son.”

Evelyn hands me back the sunglasses. “I’ll meet you at the guest house shortly. We’ll get a list together of what you need.”

“Thank you.” I slip the glasses on and turn to meet my escort. I’m at eye level with the man’s throat and have to tilt my head back to see his face.

Wow.

His smile widens. Several others chuckle.

Oh no. I drop my head all the way back. I did it again.

“Come on, Lily.” Mr. Wow takes my hand and pulls me toward the door. “I’ll walk you to the guest house.”

“Shepherd,” I gasp and spin around to face my helper. I don’t miss the deep growl from my escort. I ignore him. “What happens to you now?”

He grins. “Don’t worry about me, darlin’.” The escort growls deeper. Shepherd ignores him, too. “I’m going to enjoy this party tonight and head back to Texas tomorrow.”

“Thank you for everything.” He has no idea how much I mean those words.

“My pleasure, darlin'. But don’t worry. I have a strange feeling you and I will see each other again soon.” Shepherd bends over laughing when the escort steps between us.

“Bye, Shepherd,” Mr. Wow snaps before turning to face me, keeping Shepherd completely blocked from my view.

“Bye, Jack. Welcome home,” Shepherd says as we move toward the door.

Jack? His name is Jack. At the door, I lock eyes with another man who looks a lot like Jack.

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