Page 60 of The Fighter who Needed Me
And how Burk and Lily had stolen her in the dead of night.
When she stopped talking, she looked around the room and everyone’s faces held shock, or anger, or sadness.
Eden reached out and touched her hand, grasping her fingers, “I am so sorry you had to go through with that. I cannot imagine the pain and hurt you went through on a daily basis. And the fact that you dealt with it your entire life is too much.”
Eden’s eyes filled with tears and she let out a soft sob. Cole put his arms around his wife from behind the chair and hugged her.
She turned into his embrace and let out a few more quiet sobs.
Lily squeezed Persephone’s hand and Persephone was grateful she had these people on her side.
Eden took a few deep breaths and then turned her tear streaked face around and Persephone held out her hand, “I am all right. I have you all now. You are the family I have always wanted. I promise.”
Eden wiped her tears away and Cole handed her a handkerchief. “I apologize for crying; I just get so upset and so emotional lately. And I have been worried sick about your disappearance.”
Persephone smiled at her, “Hearing that makes me sad, but at the same time, I know that I have people who care. It was not easy and knowing everyone suffered is just one more reason I am so grateful that I am not there any longer. That I am finally free from their tyranny.”
Brooks spoke up, “If any of us had the choice you would never again be back there. And we do. You will never have to see them again. For as long as you live.”
She smiled up at him and he leaned down to give her a quick kiss and then she sighed.
Brooks cleared his throat, “We need to get going so we can make it to the fight in time.”
Cole raised his eyebrow, “You are fighting tonight?”
Brooks nodded and Persephone spoke up, “I wanted to see him in the ring one last time.”
Cole’s eyebrows went up and he looked at Brooks, “Will she be safe?”
Brooks nodded, “Of course, Grant and Bran will be there by her side and Carter as well.”
Burk spoke, “We would never let harm come to either of them. If they were going to be unsafe, they wouldn’t be going.”
Cole looked to his sister and she nodded, “I wish to see Burk fight.”
He finally nodded, “Just be safe.”
Persephone smiled, “We will.”
Brooks spoke, “Also, Persephone and I are retiring to the country tomorrow. Aidan has invited us to stay and I feel it is best to get away from London and her family. At least for a little while.”
Cole shook his head in agreement, “That is smarter. Rose is scheduled to come tomorrow for a short visit, and then we shall join you.”
Brooks nodded and helped her stand. She swayed a little and he caught her, and then swung her into his arms.
“I can walk you know.” She said and he kissed her. “You can, but that doesn’t mean I don’t wish to hold you. And besides, you have not been walking much until today. You must be weary.”
She put her head on his shoulder and they said their goodbyes and walked out to the waiting carriage.
They rode back to the salon and Burk quickly fixed everyone a meal that they ate in companionable silence.
When they finished, they once again rode to Carter’s but with each step they took, Persephone grew more nervous.
She had barely been out in the real world. Had rarely seen violence and though she had been terrified on the ship at first, had quickly learned to love the first adventure she had ever been on.
She was terrified after the ship was overtaken, and had a knife held to her throat.
She had almost lost consciousness with the tight hold on her neck, but thankfully had not. She had been thrust right into Brooks’ waiting arms and her fears had instantly vanished.
