Page 96 of Gilded Locks
“Like you.”
“Yes. And you.”
Marigold’s gaze snapped to hers. “They don’t… I mean, I’m… We’re not…”
“You understand they’ve never, in all their lives, allowed another female to live here.”
“But I found things. Clothers. Products.”
“Overnight shipping knows no limit. Stone’s an impulsive midnight shopper who suffers insomnia.”
“You’re saying they bought all of that stuff for me?”
She nodded. “They’re very generous.”
“I don’t know what to say.”
Katya reached for her hand. “Them opening up, letting you in… It’s special, Marigold. Please don’t hurt them.”
“I have no intention to.”
“Even when your brother gets here? It’s not easy to turn your back on family.”
“He turned his back on me, first.”
Katya’s full lips pressed tight. “Are you afraid?”
“Terrified,” Marigold admitted. “But not of Jordan. Not anymore. I’m afraid of what seeing him will do to you.”
“They won’t force me to see him. But if I choose to… I’m stronger now—and smarter.” She straightened in her chair, lifting her dress to expose the knife tucked into a thigh holster strapped to her leg.
Marigold could see echoes of her brothers in the set of her jaw as much as her quiet confidence. “Will you use it?”
“If I have to. He’ll never put his hands on me again.” She covered her legs. “Last time, I was a naïve little girl. He killed that little girl and left me to bury her.”
“Your brothers will see that vengeance is served.”
“And then some. I know they would burn the world down for me.” Katya’s smile was soft with affection.
Marigold shook her head, still reeling from all she’d learned. “Thank you for sharing all of this with me. It helps.”
“Does it?”
She nodded. “At first, I thought they couldn’t possibly understand what it feels like to have their choices stolen. To be reduced to a victim. Helpless. Trapped.”
“Now, you know differently.”
“I do. I also know that they would never keep me here against my will.”
“No, they wouldn’t. They also wouldn’t punish you if you wanted to leave. But I hope you stay.”
“I plan to. I just want to get past this next part and focus on a brighter future.”
“Me too.”
“Tonight, we take our power back,” Marigold said fiercely.
“Will you watch and tell me?—”
