Page 82 of Matrix

“Already done. I called Nitro and Holly. They got a bed ready for her. Holly and Nina went and picked up some clothes she can wear while she’s with us. If she wants to take a shower and change before bed, she’s welcome to do so.”

“Thank you,” I murmur.

My heart goes soft. When he does things like this, the thought of leaving seems impossible. But then I remember what he said about being about to possess other people, and I can’t help but wonder if he’s insane. Which version of him is real? The one I fell in love with while living at his clubhouse, or the one I got a glimpse of in New Orleans?

As we approach the door, it swings open, and Nitro steps out, dressed in jeans and his leather cut. His face is hidden beneath a tangle of dark hair.“Glad to see you ladies made it. I wouldn’t want to be trapped in a cage with Matrix for thousands of miles. He gets grumpy.”

“I’m stiff as fuck, and not in a good way.” Matrix makes a show of stretching his legs.

I snort at his comment while Nitro steps aside to let us inside. When the familiar scent of pine and lemon furniture cleaner fills my nostrils, comfort washes over me. Despite everything, being here with Matrix and Nitro feels like coming home.

As we make our way through the living room, I notice a group of guys sitting around the kitchen table. They’re laughing and joking, passing around bottles of beer and shots of tequila. I recognize several of the club’s prospects. They’ve been helping Nitro watch over the place while we were in New Orleans.

“Hey, everyone,” Matrix calls out.“This is Angela, Daisy’s sister. She’ll be staying with us for a while.”

A chorus of responses fills the air.

“Hey there.”

“Nice to meet you.”

“Welcome back.”

“Sounds good.”

“Thank you,” Angie mumbles.

“You can stay as long as you want,” Scar says.“I know your parents want to see you, but for now, you’re safer here.”

“That’s what my sister said.” Her gaze slides to me, so I give her a reassuring nod.

Earlier this morning, I called my parents to update them on her condition. I’ve been talking to my mom and dad several times a day since we rescued her. They can’t wait for her to be able to go home, but they understand the physical issues she’s dealing with. Now that she’s off the drugs, Docwill have to work on her other injuries. She’s been taking a cocktail of medication to resolve any STIs, but we have to retest her every few days to make sure nothing new pops up.

Every time I think about what those men did to her, I want to break something. I wish I could hunt them down and make each one suffer as much as she did. Nothing will bring back her innocence, but getting revenge will help me come to terms with it. I couldn’t protect her then, but I can make sure this doesn’t happen to another girl from the area. Blackstone must be stopped.

As Nina and Holly walk down the hall toward us, their eyes light up when they see me standing beside my sister.

“You must be Angela.” Nina gives her a gentle hug.“I’m Nina, and this is Holly. We’re going to help take care of you while you’re here.”

“They’re good people,” I tell Angie.

“Okay.” She doesn’t look at me, preferring to stare at the floor instead. She’s been like this ever since she came off the drugs. I know it’s a manifestation of shame, but until we can get her to a counselor, I can’t do much more to help her. I’ve already talked to her about how what happened wasn’t her fault, but she doesn’t believe me. Healing her body won’t take long, but healing her soul could take an eternity.

“If you need me, I’m going to be in this room with Matrix. You can lock your door once you’re inside. No one is allowed in unless you say it’s okay.” I give her a reassuring smile.

“All right.”

“Matrix and I will leave our door unlocked. If you need us, come in anytime.”

“Uh …” Matrix slides his gaze to me. I give him a look that immediately silences him.“Yeah. Whenever you want.”

“Go with Nina. She’ll help you get a bath,” I say.

As Angie walks into my old bedroom, Nina nods at me. I know Angie’s in good hands. I’ve already tried everything I can think of to reassure my sister she’s safe. Nina’s the wisest person I know. If anyone can get through to Angie, it’ll be her.

Exhaustion seeps into every muscle in my body. Being home saps what’s left of my energy, and suddenly, I’m so tired that all I want to do is cry.

After we close our bedroom door, Matrix holds out his arms. I go to him. All the concerns I have about our relationship don’t matter right now. A rush of emotions threatens to overwhelm me, so I hug him like my life depends on it. My body trembles with the force of my feelings. I wanted to scream, to yell, to cry. I’m so relieved he’s been by my side through this ordeal. I’m grateful he was part of the rescue mission. We couldn’t have done it without him or the members of either club. They truly are a family.

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