Page 65 of Freeing Souls

Cheers ring out, and clapping starts as all the guys surround him and make sure he feels the same love Rage had. It can’t be easy to step into a position like this when it’s also such a big loss, but if anyone can manage it, it’s Colton.

Wanting to avoid more tears, having cried enough for a lifetime or five, I kiss Bri on the cheek and wander off to find my men, who happen to be all together, talking on the side of the bonfire.

Grinning, I sneak up behind Cade and leap onto his back. “Hi, baby girl,” he rumbles as he grips my thighs and holds me up.

“Hi, handsome.”

“Someone is a little drunk,” Ry teases.

Scoffing, I tell them, “Just like I told Bri, I am not drunk. I am tipsy.”

“You’re drunk, beautiful.” Grayson smiles gently as he brushes some of my hair out of my face. “Tipsy was about five beers ago.”

“It’s probably time we head to bed anyway. Today was long, and I think we could all use some good sleep,” Ryker says.

Feeling lighter than I have in a while, I agree, so we all say goodnight and head inside the club. All while Cade refuses to let me down, carrying me everywhere.

When we get up to my room, Cade drops me on my bed, and we all go our separate ways to get ready for bed. Needing a shower after this long day, I head into my bathroom and strip down.

Avoiding my mirror as I step in the shower, I take a few deep breaths and remind myself that my guys are here for me. I know they have to be hurting after not knowing where I was for a month and losing Gabe, yet they are nothing but supportive and loving.

Feeling determined, I finish up and get out of the shower. Without grabbing a towel right away, I force my eyes up to the mirror and stare at my naked body.

Luckily, nothing was broken. I think a few ribs were bruised when I was first taken, but they don’t really hurt anymore. Otherwise, I am just covered in bruises, scrapes, probably some new scars, and now a fucking brand on my chest.

I allow myself to feel my anger, fears of being rejected, embarrassment at how my body is destroyed, grief for the person I was before. I let myself feel it all, knowing I have people to get me through this.

Grabbing a towel, I wrap it around myself and exhale before I shakily grasp the doorknob and open the bathroom door to reveal all three of my guys waiting in my room.

They all glance over at me, but I stay rooted in the open doorway, trying to keep my courage. Locking eyes with Cade, I ask, “Do you remember what you did for me right before prom when I didn’t want to wear my dress?” He nods. “Can you do it again?” My voice cracks as I force myself to take the final step out of the bathroom and drop the towel. My eyes clench shut tightly as fear worse than anything I have been through in my life takes root.

I can handle the hell others bring down on me, but the thought of seeing disgust or pity on their faces makes me tremble where I stand.

That is, until gentle hands touch me. Someone runs their fingers down my back, tracing scars. Another set of hands brushes across my stomach before rising towards my breasts, the last set running a hand over my hair while touching my cheek with the scar.

“Your body may have more scars now, but you are still my beautiful girl. Nothing can change that, because when I lookat you, I see the woman I love, battle scars and all,” Grayson murmurs.

My eyes blink open slowly, and I see the most beautiful green ones. “I want more,” I say quietly, as if speaking loudly will destroy the moment.

Grayson’s eyes widen slightly, and Ryker pauses from where his hands rest on my waist. “Are you sure, Harley?”

“Don’t think we don’t want to. We just want you to be ready,” Cade says quickly, cutting off any dooming thoughts rising.

I nod. “I want you.”

Ryker nods and slowly turns my body towards him before pressing his lips against mine. I melt into him, and the others move slowly, gently caressing me, causing goosebumps to rise on my skin.

Letting out a small moan, I push against Ryker, and he grins, lifting me up from under my ass and carrying me over to my bed, the others following closely behind.

When he lays me down and leans over me, I freeze.

I can’t move.“Harley?”

Why can’t I move?“It’s okay. Breathe, beautiful. We got you.”

Cayden

Her eyes are wide and lost, filled with terror as her body is stiff like she can’t move. She’s stuck in her head, wrapped up in a nightmare from what that fucking teacher did.

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