Page 84 of Take Me to Church
Lydia scrunches up one side of her face in a wince. "I think it’s a little too late to worry about it."
Piper’s still acclimating to being around a family full of kids with eager ears and loose lips. She's managed to teach just about everyone capable of talking more than a few colorful words.
That includes some of my brothers.
The rest of the dinner passes like it normally does. Lydia has gotten more comfortable with everyone and even spends time chatting with Shelly and Felicity. She’s no longer intimidated or overwhelmed and I love getting to see her bloom and grow.
Once everything is cleaned up we make our way back to my house, the four of us settling into my office just as Tate and Simon come through the front door.
Tate gives Piper a long glance, gaze lingering on her foot, but he doesn’t ask how she is, confirming my suspicions that Jill is off the mark. His jaw is clenched as he turns to me. “What did you hear?”
“They’re ready.” Lydia is practically bouncing in her seat. I can feel the excitement radiating off her and I don’t want anyone in this room to put a damper on it.
I stare Tate and Simon down, hoping they don’t want to debate this. “The women have found a place to go and want our help getting there.”
Simon’s brows jump. “Really.” He seems skeptical. “All five of them want to go to the same place?”
“Seven.” Lydia sits perfectly straight in the chair behind my desk. As if she’s daring anyone to tell her this isn’t going to happen.
Tate’s brows pinch together. “Seven, what?”
“There’s not five, there’s seven.” Lydia lifts her chin, showing that hint of defiance she used to work so hard to hide. “One of the women has two little girls she’s bringing with her.”
“How’s that going to work?” Simon pauses, like he’s choosing his words carefully. “Won’t her husband file kidnapping charges?”
“Her husband was one of the ones they arrested.” Piper’s voice is ice cold. “No one’s bailing him out because they know he’ll end up dead.”
“She wants to file for divorce, but his parents are watching her like a hawk.” Myra picks at one of her fingernails. “She has to be careful or she’ll never get her girls out.”
Tate glances at Simon before focusing on Lydia. “What’s the plan?”
“We’re going to go get them.” She chews her lower lip, looking a little uncertain, and I can’t blame her. I don’t think Tate’s going to be a big fan of what she says next. “Remember our initial plan when we went to get Myra?”
Tate’s eyes roll Piper’s way. She gives him a single-fingered wave. “Hey, husband.”
He scrubs one hand down his face, rubbing at his eyes. “Shit.”
* * *
“THAT WENT BETTER than I expected.” Lydia follows me into our bedroom, closing the door. “I was a little worried Tate would refuse to help and we’d have to recruit one of your other brothers.” Her lips twist to one side. “And I’m not sure which one of them would have been the next best option.”
“None of them.” I love my brothers and know they would do anything they could to help us, but unless you’ve been part of the world we came from, it’s hard to understand.
That’s part of my concern when it comes to sending Piper in. Unfortunately, we don’t have much of a choice. At least her healing foot will slow her down a little.
Lydia goes straight for the bathroom, switching on the shower. “I’m glad the girls are ready to go before we all have to go to court. Once that happens, Piper will be just as recognizable as we are.” She turns just as I catch her, smiling as I pull her close. “What are you doing?”
“I like take-charge Lydia.” I snag the hem of her shirt and lift. “You looked sexy as hell sitting behind my desk giving orders.”
Lydia rolls her eyes. “I wasn’t giving orders.”
“You definitely were.” I drag her T-shirt higher. “Which is good because we need you to give orders. You know how to escape that place better than anyone.”
Instead of looking proud, Lydia looks a little sad. “I hope so. I really want to help those women get out of there.”
“You will.” I toss her shirt away and go to work on her shorts, flipping the button free before sending them sliding down her legs. “I promise.”
I will move heaven and earth to help her get what she wants. To give her what she needs.
