Page 20 of Brutal Boxer

“Coming right up.”

Jill returned with a bowl and sandwich. “This is Sugar’s famous chicken noodle soup. It’ll heal all that ails you. And your favorite, turkey and provolone, on sourdough with honey mustard and sprouts.”

“You remembered.”

“I sure did.” Jill sat beside me, taking my hand. “Relax, Asp. You’re safe here.”

I nodded. “I know. I’m okay.”

“No you’re not, babe. But you will be.” She studied me, a hint of guilt in her light blue eyes.

“Mind if I join you?” Sugar interrupted Jill’s observations.

“Yes, please do.” I hoped Jill would keep her questions to herself with someone else at the table, but I didn’t know. We’d been apart for so many years.

Tina set a mug in front of me, then took the available chair next to me. She had a safe, peaceful aura about her. I sensed something familiar, but I wasn’t sure what it could be. I’d certainly never seen her before. I’d remember such a beautiful face and kind spirit.

“Thank you.” I lifted the mug to my nose and inhaled the delicious aroma. What was it about the smell of coffee comforting the soul? I set the cup down to let the hot brew cool so I didn’t scald my tongue.

“Aspen,” Sugar began, “whatever you need, we’ll get it for you. Don’t be afraid to ask.” She glanced at Jill and Tina. “We’re old ladies in the club. We have some clout. And Madeline, who I believe you met last night, she’s the prez’s woman. She’s a force to be reckoned with and will go to the mat for you.”

“Anything, honey. We’ll help you as best we can.” Tina surprised me, lacing her fingers with mine. A pang hit me in the heart.

Jill patted my leg. “We got your back, babe.”

Those damn tears breached the gate, making my lip tremble at their words. For so long, I had nobody to help me. No friends. No family in Seattle to rely on. The outpouring of support these women offered overwhelmed me.

“Thank you.” I covered my mouth to hold back a sob.

Tina stroked the top of my other hand. I turned toward her and found her eyes filled with tears like mine. We stared at each other for a long moment as if reading each other’s minds. Searching her olive-green eyes, I saw her suffering. Her pain and loss. I knew nothing about this woman, and yet, I felt as if we’d been through the same hell and escaped.

She nodded as if confirming my thoughts. I didn’t want to believe she’d lost a baby like me. It hurt my heart too much. I felt it in my bones there was more to Tina.

Had she been trapped like me? Held against her will and broken free?

I sucked in a ragged breath, unable to hold myself together, wholly exposed to these women and vulnerable.

Tina’s arm went around my shoulders. “Come here, honey.” Her tears fell as she embraced me. “It’s going to be okay. You’re safe now.”

I cried in the arms of a stranger, feeling cared for and protected for the first time in years.

Gathering my emotions, I pulled back, exhaling a deep breath. “Wow. Okay.” I dried my nose on a napkin, lifting my cup to sip it. I needed to distract myself after that strange moment with Tina.

“Don’t be embarrassed.” Sugar had a sweetness about her, but I also sensed a fierceness. “When the men get back, they’ll figure everything out.”

My heart jerked in my chest. I set my cup down. “About that… the men, I mean. I think it’s best if I just leave. I’ve thought about this a lot, and I can’t put any of you at risk. Cass won’t stop until he has me in his clutches. All I need is a fake passport and maybe a little money.”

Jill gasped. “Asp, no. I won’t let you go on the run.”

I tilted my head. “Jill—”

“She’s right, honey.” Tina took my hand. “You’re safer here with dozens of burly men to protect you.”

“No, you don’t understand. Cass will destroy everything and everyone in his path who tries to keep him from me. I can’t ask you to do that. Please help me leave.”

“You didn’t ask,” a loud voice came. “I won’t let you leave.”

I whipped my head in the direction of the voice to see who it was. Storm stood in the doorway of the kitchen. His wife, Madeline, was at his side. Behind them, walking into the room was the redhead from last night and the scary-looking biker who rescued me. Two more men followed.

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