Chapter 67

ASHER

I can’t muster the courage to tell the girls that I’m taking them home, to figure out how I can help them and the others trapped in Fennick’s trafficking ring at Sanctum. Instead, I insist they get dressed, giving them a mere fifteen minutes before I stride into their room with the ominous Manila envelope, announcing it’s time to leave.

Maddison glares at me, having slipped out of my bed in the early morning hours. The sun was just peeking over the horizon, and I had spent some time admiring her peaceful, sleeping form. I yearned to touch her, to trace the lips I had kissed the day before, to caress the cheeks still damp from her tears.

I wanted to cradle the jaw that allowed her to speak. But I held back, keeping my hands to myself, knowing that was another boundary I shouldn’t cross. Yesterday was a mess. Things spiraled out of control in a way they shouldn’t have, and the only thing keeping me sane is replaying her words of consent in my mind.

But today is a new day, and with any luck, I might find a way to free every girl from Fennick’s clutches. Without his girls, what business would he have? Just a club that would provide him with a regular income, likely a much smaller amount.

The girls are the key. I’m certain of it. But I have no idea how many there are, where they’re kept, or how to rescue them. But I know who does, and she’s standing in front of me, dressed in some of the clothes Addison picked out for herself.

A pair of tight black jeans. A white top that cinches at the waist, adorned with random pink embroidered flowers. Maddison is another crucial piece in this puzzle. She’s close to Fennick and his partner Jonathon.

The wealth of information she holds in her mind could provide my fathers and me with the answers that could lead us to a solution.

“Time to go, girls,” I say.

Ebony looks terrified, her eyes wide with fear. I can tell she thinks I’m taking her back to Sanctum. Addison seems indifferent, a mask of apathy on her face, but I know she cares. I know she wants this help for herself and for the others.

They follow me through the apartment, into the elevator, and then to my car. We climb in, Maddison in the front seat while the other two sit in the back, just like every other time we’ve been in the car. At first, the car ride is silent; the tension is palpable.

Emotions buzz around like flies waiting to be swatted. But I can’t throw them into the deep end—it wouldn’t be fair. Ten minutes from home, I decide to break the silence and tell them where we’re going. I tell them everything, and the reception is…chilly.

“We’ll be arriving at my parents’ house in a few minutes. My fathers are going to help me help the others. You’ll soon be free of Sanctum and the vermin who run it,” I assure them.

You’d think I’d just told them I’d killed their pet; their expressions are so horrified and bitter. All three of them, but I understand their skepticism. It’s hard to believe in salvation when you’ve been left in the devil’s clutches with no apparent way out.

I’m taken aback by their gasps as the gates swing open, revealing the pastures on either side of my parents’ property, filled with various farm animals. Cows on one side, sheep on the other—a dream Zach always had, so my mother made it a reality.

As we approach the driveway, the house comes into view, a barn-style home, and the assortment of cars that are always parked outside. I’m not thrilled to see Daniel’s car, and no doubt Ella’s. I hate that they have to witness my downfall, but it’ll be nice to see my sister again.

“It’s huge…” Addison blurts out excitedly.

“I knew you guys had money, but this is a whole fucking ranch…” Maddison chuckles nervously.

Ebony, however, remains silent, looking around as we get out of the car. Some of the Sense members are milling about, eyeing the girls curiously, but they keep their distance. My mother bursts out of the front door, rushing toward me with a worried look on her face.

She reaches me, her fingers tracing over the cuts and bruises on my face as she takes in sharp breaths.

“Oh, Asher… What have you gotten yourself into?” she asks.

Instantly, I’m consumed by guilt. I can’t stand to see that worried expression on her face; it kills me to be the cause of it.

“Everything’s okay, Mama,” I assure her. “I want you to meet some friends. This is Maddison, Ebony, and Addison.” I introduce them.

Despite her reluctance, her gaze shifts from me to the trio of girls huddled behind me. She scrutinizes each one with an intense gaze before her eyes find mine again. I can’t quite decipher the look in her eyes, but I’m not sure she—

“Great, you’re here. Vi, could you keep an eye on these girls for him?” Zach interrupts, approaching us.

“I, sure,” she stammers. But I can tell she’s not certain.

“He’ll fill you in later; we need a moment to talk.”

Out of the corner of my eye, I notice Maddison hanging onto Zach’s every word, practically swooning, as my parents share a kiss in front of her. Is she seriously crushing on my dad?

I don’t get a chance to ask her. My father’s snapping fingers demand my attention to follow him. I comply, realizing it’s better to get this over with now before I lose my nerve.

“They’re looking better than the night you brought them home,” he comments.

“Why didn’t you tell me you knew?” I ask.

“Why didn’t you ask me for help?”

I nod, stepping through the open door of Sense and ascending the staircase alongside my father. If I had just approached my father first, maybe none of this would’ve happened. Maybe I confided in the wrong fathers. Maybe I shouldn’t keep Zach at such a distance all the time.