Page 48 of Coty

“She’s the Haven House Mother,” Nanny says.

“What?” Lily looks around the room. “How long has she been here?”

“We brought her back with us from LA.” Jack reaches for her hand, but she holds it away from him.

“Nearly two months? My friend, I thought I’d never see again, has been here, on club property, for nearly two months.”

Nobody moves or speaks. It’s true.

“Why? Why wouldn’t any of you tell me?” Lily asks, surprisingly calm.

Jack manages to catch her hand this time. “I’m sorry, love. Nina asked us not to tell you. She just made the decision to stay a few days ago.”

Nanny nods, confirming it’s true.

“Well.” Lily pulls her hand away. She takes Kayla’s hand and one of Kira’s. “I’m taking these angels to the Haven House.” She stops at the door. “Coty, Jay, Hendrix, follow us.” She looks around the room. “I love all of you. I really do. Keeping this from me was wrong. I get why you did it. It’s still wrong, though.” She looks at Jack. “We’ll talk when I get back. Right now, my friend is going to explain why she kept me in the dark.”

Mack nods his approval. Jay, Hendrix, and I follow them to the Haven House. As much as I want to reach for Kayla, I don’t. We’ll talk tomorrow whether she’s ready or not.

Chapter 23

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Kayla

Lily’s hand tightens around mine as we walk up the steps to the Haven House. Jack refuses to go inside this house. Lily’s only been to the kitchen through the back door a couple of times. This used to be Jack’s house, their house. Their fear of this place is rooted deep. This is where Lily was shot.

“You don’t have to do this.”

Lily stands frozen on the porch and stares at the front door. The deep breath she takes lifts her shoulders. “I do. I want to see her.” She glances at me and shakes her head. “I just won’t go upstairs.”

That’s understandable. Returning to the place you almost died has to mess with a person mentally and emotionally. I’m not sure I could do it.

“Okay. You don’t have to, and if at any time you need to leave, that’s okay too.” If I see any signs of a panic attack coming, I’ll rush her outside.

Kira narrows her eyes. I give my head a little shake. I’ll explain things to her later. Lily’s focused on the door again and doesn’t notice our silent conversation. The guys watch us closely. They’ll step in and help if Lily needs them.

I wish Lily wouldn’t do this tonight. We could have Nina meet her at the guesthouse or Mack’s office in the morning. She’s come a long way since waking up from her coma. She’s getting stronger physically and mentally. She’s finding the version of herself she lost while in an abusive relationship—an even better version than before. I’ve learned enough about her to know she won’t turn back. She’s doing this.

I raise my hand and knock on the door. The locks slowly disengage. The person on the other side is hesitant. Finally, the door opens.

Lily gasps, and her knees slightly buckle. The fight she had in Mack’s office is gone. “Nina.”

With tears running down her cheeks, Nina steps onto the porch and wraps Lily in her arms. “Oh, my sweet girl.”

Kira and I release Lily’s hands. She throws her arms around her friend, and they cry together. I wipe a fingertip under my eye. Lily’s told me so much about Nina. It broke my heart to hear her talk about the friend she lost. I hated that I couldn’t tell her Nina was here. Nina is one of the first women Jack’s family rescued. I was too young back then to know what was happening. I was barely a teenager when Nina left town.

“Do you want to come in?” Nina holds Lily at arm's length.

“For a moment.” Lily sniffles and nods. “Just to the living room,” she quickly adds.

Nina puts an arm around Lily’s waist and looks past us to Coty, Jay, and Hendrix. “Gentlemen, thank you for escorting these lovely ladies tonight.”

“Not a problem,” Hendrix assures her.

“Jay, sweetie, I’ll call if we need you.” Nina smiles lovingly at him.

“Rodeo, say goodnight.” Nina turns to me. “Kayla, please show your friend inside. We’ll get you ladies settled.”

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