Page 80 of The Fighter who Needed Me
He sat back and it went silent in the dining room.
Aidan let out a slow breath, and Brooks said, “I apologize for giving you all so much information.”
Aidan shook his head, “You told us what was necessary. You are both part of our family now. Whether you believe it or not, it is the truth. We only wish we could have done more. Could have tried harder to find you, Persephone.”
It was her turn to shake her head, “You couldn’t have done more. I know you would have. And for that I thank you. Even just for trying, thank you. But he is not a man that does not get his way. Except where I am concerned. I think he truly wishes to see me and my fighting spirit broken. I am a challenge to him when he normally has none. And that is the biggest reason I believe he wants to marry me. I have no idea who he is. Not truly. Bruce and Kitty just told me about him one night. When we had never heard of him. I heard them whisper about him and how they found it strange. But they still didn’t seem to care.”
She shrugged, “They had always decided my every move. And I just assumed that they believed I was too broken. Too sick and weak to wed anyone. But I was wrong. They sold me off to the highest bidder and even offering them more wealth they would not budge, and he won. He had me. And that was that. Taking me to one of his many homes while I was drugged says a lot about them all.”
She looked Aidan in the eyes, “They didn’t want to be found and they weren’t. If they tried again, they would go back there. And once again I would have no idea. Where it would be.”
She felt Brooks tense and she let out a soft breath, “I am terrified of him. Of them. And have been for months now. They truly do not care that they have sold me like chattel. They want the money they feel is owed to them. And that is what matters to them. The only thing that is important in their life. It certainly wasn’t the girl they begrudgingly took in.”
Brooks pulled her into his lap as if he could bare their separation no longer.
He looked over at Aidan. “This is why we came. Why we need your help. Because she deserves to live her own life. Not have hers decided for her. You had to live a different life when Edward took yours over and I know you understand it. Know that all of you understand why we left and do not judge us for it.”
They all shook their heads and Aidan said, “If they try to come for her, I guarantee none of us will tell them she is here. She is as much my sister as Rose and Lily are. Rhia feels the same as do my parents. You are safe here. Both of you. Either here or at the cottage.”
She nodded her head and the door opened, “Your grace, there has been word from London. Your brother and sisters are on their way.” Mr. Peabody said, and Aidan nodded, “Thank you. Please make certain their rooms are readied for their arrival.”
The man nodded briskly, and everyone stood. Lydia nodded for Anneliese and Persephone hugged her friend. “I am so glad you are here. That you found where you fit.”
Anneliese smiled, “I certainly did. If it were not for you, I would not have known about this place and these people. I wouldn’t have met Lydia and found my home.”
Persephone kissed her cheek and then Anneliese hurried from the room and Lydia took her place. “You will always be safe here. And welcome here. You are my daughter now. There is no changing that fact.”
Persephone had to bite back the tears that threatened, and she nodded. “Thank you.”
Lydia kissed her cheek and went after Anneliese.
Rhia hugged her, “Come see me in my sitting room if you wish.”
Persephone nodded and when Rhia hugged her, she felt a swift kick.
Rhia laughed and pulled her hand to the large swell. “Feel, he is very strong.”
Persephone waited and felt another kick on her hand. She looked up with delight on her face and Rhia laughed, “He does this all day long. And all night too. He will sometimes kick Aidan in the back when I cannot sleep.”
Aidan came up behind his wife and put his large hand over his wife’s stomach. He kissed her cheek and said, “He certainly does. Our son doesn’t seem to like sleep.”
Persephone laughed and longed to feel that. To be a mother. She knew Rhia would be a magnificent one.
The two left the room and Jacob walked over to her, “May I speak with you later about your parents?”
She nodded and he kissed her cheek softly, “What Aidan and my wife said was true. We believe you to be our family now. You are my daughter, and I have claimed you as such. As much as Brooks is my son. You deserve all the happiness you can get.”
“Thank you, Jacob.”
He nodded and then left the room as well and Persephone sagged against Brooks again, and he swung her into his arms.
“Come, it has been a long few days and you need your rest.”
She snuggled up against him and was asleep before he went up the stairs.
