Page 110 of Gilded Locks
“Reformed,” Stone added.
She accepted Jordan’s fate, finding Katya’s role in his punishment fair and just.
“Then he goes to the authorities,” Hunter explained, pulling her back into his arms. “Katya has agreed to press charges. With your testimony supporting hers, he’ll spend the next decade in a cell where his daddy’s money won’t protect him.”
“If we’re that lucky.”
Hunter frowned. “What does that mean?”
She shrugged. “Men like Jordan go to prison all the time, but their sentences are reduced to a mere slap on the wrist. Powerful men rarely face the punishments they deserve.”
“You forget, Lisichka, Jordan might be wealthy, but he will never be as powerful as us.”
“And don’t forget, there is only one Jordan, but three of us to bear.”
Capturing her face again, Hunter pressed his lips to her forehead. “We have connections. We vowed to protect you, and I promised he would pay. There will be no slap on the wrist for your brother.”
They had a vicious thirst for justice, but she shared their hunger. To think, she never had to see him again unless from a witness stand.
The weight of her relief, weeks of running, months of fear and helpless rage, a lifetime of being gaslit and controlled by men who cared only about themselves. She was finally free. Finally safe, surrounded by men who’d moved heaven and earth to protect her peace.
Chapter 21
Aftercare
After leaving the boys, Marigold checked in on Katya, who had been frantically pacing in her bedroom behind locked doors. She was relieved by the visit, but curious about everything that had taken place with Jordan.
“He’s still here?” she said, twisting the gilded lock on the door for safe measure.
“He’s downstairs, but detained. You’re safe.”
“I’ll be safe when he’s in prison.”
Marigold took her trembling hands in hers. “Jordan will get what he deserves.”
A delicate V formed between Katya’s brows. “Did you see him?”
She dropped her gaze. “Yes.”
“Was he…hurt?”
“Yes. And it will probably get worse before he’s removed. But you don’t need to think about that, now.”
She nodded, but then contradicted herself by admitting, “I want him to see me. I suppose that means I have to find the courage to face him.”
“You don’t have to do anything you don’t want to do, Katya.”
“I want him to suffer the way he made me suffer.” She pressed a trembling hand to her narrow waist. “Not just me. The others too. Including you.”
“Jordan hurt a lot of people. That’s how he got into this mess. Your brother’s will make sure he pays a just price, whether you’re involved or not.”
“I can’t spend my life running from my past.”
Marigold admired her tenacity. “Just remember that everyone heals at their own pace.”
She looked up at her with stormy green eyes. “Have you healed? Did it help? Seeing him?”
“I’m…healing. It’s going to take time.”
