Page 58 of Always Mine

Lash broke the lock off the cage door, and then opened it, taking a step back.Not a single girl moved.

Anthony watched them, and it was like the doorway was a trap.They were all terrified, and he didn’t know how to get them to move.None of them would leave.

“We can’t leave,” one of them said.

Anthony turned toward the sound and the flashlight was shone in her direction, to which she winced.

“The door is open, you can come out.”

There was a whimper.

The one that had spoken stood and moved toward the door.“The last time one of us tried to escape, they made an example of her.”

Anthony had a feeling he didn’t want to hear about it.

“I’m not going to make an example of any of you,” Lash said.“You’re safe now, but once help arrives, you will see.No one is going to hurt you now.”

“First, they beat her until something snapped—a bone, we think.She wouldn’t stop screaming.She just wanted to get home to her mommy.Then they raped her, one by one, five men, one after the other, until they were bored.After that, she could barely breathe, but they all pissed on her, like she was nothing.Then, they started to cut her, piece by piece, and she was still alive.Then teeth extraction.They tortured her for hours, then shot her in the head.They made us all watch.”Tears fell down the girl’s face.She held onto the door, and Anthony watched as she tried to fight that fear.Her foot was poised right at the doorway.

“They’re not going to hurt you anymore,” Anthony said.“They’re gone, and we’re not going to let them.We’re not like them.We’re here to help you.”

The girl looked at him and took a step, then another step.He held out his hand, and much to his surprise, she threw herself at him, wrapping her arms around him, and sobbed.The girls in the cage watched.They stared at him with fear.

Anthony looked toward his dad.There were only two people in the world he hugged—his woman and his mother.He didn’t want anyone else’s touch, but in that moment, he knew he didn’t have a choice.She trusted him, and he placed a hand at her back and held her as she sobbed.All of the girls had been hurt and traumatized.

This is why his father did what he did.It was why he didn’t take out the Monster Dogs when he had the chance.

Helping these girls was more important than settling a score, and he understood that now.

****

Daisy sat up in bedand smiled at a shocked Tabitha and Miles.The nurses and doctors had already rushed in to check on her.The first few moments of waking up had been a little crazy, fun, and scary as well, but she got through it.They all got through it.

“Hey,” she said, smiling at Tabitha and turning that smile to Miles.

“You have no fucking idea how happy I am to see you,” Miles said, getting to his feet.She was shocked as he cupped her face.“Don’t ever do that to us again.You got that?”He kissed her forehead and then hugged her tightly.

She let out a little gasp but sighed.“It’s not like I meant to do it.”

His hug was unexpected.

Tabitha looked close to sobbing as well.“I didn’t know what to think and I am a terrible friend.I didn’t come to you right away, and I feel awful.”

“Shut up,” Daisy said.

She had to be careful, because even though she was awake, she was still healing.The doctors had checked on her stitches, and everything was looking good, but she had to be careful.She was not allowed to leave the hospital yet, which she didn’t like because all she wanted to do was go home.

“I’ll call Lacey,” Miles said.

Daisy watched as he left and then turned back to Tabitha.“Are you okay?”

“I should be the one asking you that question.Daniella stabbed you.”

She glanced down at her body and frowned.“Yeah, that part is a little fuzzy.”She frowned.“Do you know where Anthony is?”

“They had to take care of some business.He and Luke.”

“Luke?Your brother Luke?”

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