Page 64 of The Fighter who Needed Me
Lily had tied a makeshift bandage around Carter’s arm and the blood had not soaked through it yet.
Bran and Grant were also nodding, and Grant stepped forward, “We may not know you, or them very well yet, but you are under our protection now. Bruce made it personal just now. We know how much Brooks has suffered and we both want that. Wish that we could find our women. So, trust us when we say this, nothing will befall you now.”
She looked up at Brooks and he held his hand out to Grant, “Thank you. I know it means a lot to her and to me.”
Grant inclined his head and Bran did as well. Bran spoke up, “I apologize for throwing you around so roughly my lady. I hope you weren’t hurt at all.”
She shook her head and burrowed deeper into Brooks’ arms. “I am fine. Truly. Your swift thinking saved me from more pain.”
She looked at Lily, “You will all be all right?”
Lily grinned, “Nothing has scared us away yet. You have seen our demons. Have been put in the middle of the war we waged, and you are still here, fighting. What makes you think we would be any different? You are one of us now. Part of the family that I know each of us has longed for. Do not turn away from us now. Not after all of this. Your so-called parents and the man who wants to marry you will have to live with their failure to love you for the rest of their lives. They did not know the true treasure they held in their hands. But we know.”
Persephone felt Brooks kiss her head, and she wiped the tears away, “Then I will think of them no longer. They do not deserve it. Or me.”
Lily grinned and Burk chuckled, “There she is. I knew we would find the true self you have been hiding. Afraid to show the world who you were. You do not have to be afraid now. You are allowed to be Persephone. The person you have longed to be. Let her out. We welcome it.”
She grinned through her tears and Brooks kissed her head again, “Come, let’s get you home. We will go back to the salon for a bit and in the morning, we will be leaving. It is time.”
She nodded and the group walked out of the box and Grant and Bran helped them into the carriage.
Carter climbed in as well, at Lily’s instructions that she wanted to see to his arm better and sew him up.
He let out a small sigh and did as he was asked.
Lily looked at Grant and Bran, “I never had the chance to thank you for helping get my father released from prison. And for tonight. So, thank you. Both of you. Cole has wanted to send you an invitation for dinner and would love to have you both at your earliest convenience.”
Grant gave a slight smile, and nodded, “Thank you my lady. We would be honored.”
Lily kissed each of their cheeks, and Bran’s cheeks went a little pink.
Then Burk pulled his wife away and Bran laughed.
Brooks thanked them again and then the five of them rode in silence home.
As soon as they got there, Lily bustled Carter into the room they used to have for the prostitutes and made him drink a few of her concoctions.
Persephone giggled behind her hand at the gagging sound he made and the complaints that fell from his lips.
Brooks chuckled and brought her into his room and shut the door, “Are you truly all right love?”
She nodded and he kissed her softly. “Good. I was worried. And once again I almost failed you.”
