Page 157 of Severed Rivalry
The room is deathly quiet, only the sound of running water and Cian whistling breaks the eerie silence.
We pull apart and, instinctively, I grab Née’s hand.
I turn to the girls. “I’m Sariah. This is my daughter, Renée.” I look each in the eye; only one holds my gaze in return.
“Hi.” My daughter gives a low wave.
“I grew up at Promised Land Ranch and ran away when I was your age, a little younger actually.”
Heads spring up around us.
Tilting my head to Rosie, I add, “Rosie found me when I was scared and alone, and she helped me when I didn’t want to go back.”
I fold to the floor, legs crossed in front of me. There aren’t nearly enough seats for us all to have one.
“Brother Jonas wanted Renée to participate in the full moon ceremony and he tried to make sure she did. I didn’t want that for her.”
“And I wouldn’t allow it either,” Rosie offers, showing solidarity, in their eyes as an elder.
“Why?” The bravest girl asks.
“Because I believe women get to choose their destinies, their careers, and what happens to their own bodies. Renée wasn’t offered the choice. I don’t think you were either.”
Two of the girls shake their heads.
“Outside of Promised Land Ranch, girls aren’t forced to do those things.”
All eyes spring up to mine.
“And I, or rather we, owe each of you an apology. We didn’t offer you a choice either when we brought you here.” Shit this is harder than I want it to be. “I don’t want you to, but you can choose to go home. Brother Jonas will punish you for leaving. He will have another ceremony on a full moon night, but I suspect it will be more strict, more guarded.”
Tears roll down my face. The idea of Renée going through that, or worse. Even these girls I don’t know…
“My mom escaped.” My daughter, wise beyond her years, takes over. “And she’ll help you escape too. So will Cian.”
Um, what?
Eyes lock on my face. I feel them boring into me.
“We all will,” Rosie says. “You canlive here.” She looks around and I’d bet she’s thinking the same thing I am—where will they all fit?
The running water stops and footsteps might as well pound behind me.
The girls all drop their heads, but my man must get it.
“I’m going to wait in the car, Angel. I’ll call Sherman. Will you let me know what you need me to do to help?” His tone is soft. “I’ll make sure you and the girls are safe and nothing can harm any of you.” He goes back the way he came and slides out the kitchen door instead of the front one. I could kiss him for his thoughtfulness. I will… later.
“Men outside of Promised Land aren’t raised like they are inside. Well, some are. But there are plenty who are kind. That’s Cian, by the way. He’s promised to protect us, and I believe him. I’ve known him a long time.”
“He saved me from the men that night. He saved my mom too. You all saw it.” Renée pauses. “Will you tell me your names?”
One by one they do. All but one.
“That’s okay,” Rosie puts in. “We respect your decision not to share. You won’t be forced to do anything here you don’t want to do.”
Of course, she knows the girl’s name. But choosing to protect her privacy is such a Rosie thing to do.
I lean to the side and kiss Rosie on the cheek. “Love you, RoRo.”
