Chapter 85: Chapter 84

ASHER

Days have a way of slipping by, and before we know it, the weekend is upon us again. Maddison’s recovery hasn’t been as swift as my father had hoped, leaving me to handle the meeting without her by my side.

Addison, on the other hand, has been a fountain of information over the past few days. She’s been generous with the details, recounting everything she’s seen, done, and heard from the other girls. If I had to pick a word to describe her, it would be obliging.

Ebony, however, remains a mystery. She’s chosen to stay quiet, especially when my father questions Maddison and Addison. But that doesn’t mean we haven’t been getting to know each other.

I’m aware that I’m playing with fire, but there’s something about Ebony that draws me in. We’ve had a picnic in the backyard, a horse ride yesterday evening, and breakfast in my sister’s bed this morning.

Speaking of my sisters…

Thankfully, Tal has been away on a holiday with friends, keeping her distracted from my mess. But Til and El are far from pleased, and they haven’t held back their opinions.

I’ve been on the receiving end of a lot of criticism from the main women in my life about my involvement with this case, the girls, and the club. But I can’t ignore the knowing smiles that Ella and Tilly share when they see me spending time with Maddison.

All right, I’ll admit it, at least to myself. I like her.

Maddison is independent, strong, and responsible. The way she protects the other girls in their situation fills me with pride. Ebony, on the other hand, is quiet, subdued, and innocent—so very innocent. It’s a different kind of intrigue.

But here’s the thing.

I’m not one for dating, and I suspect my mind is just after the thrill of the chase. I’ve had a few girls come and go, and occasionally, I find myself going back for more. That seems to be the case with Maddison.

I’ve been with her; I know what it feels like to make her moan and squirm. I’ve seen a side of her that’s deep and desirable.

Ebony, however, is a different story.

She’s young and off-limits, but there’s something appealing about her in a nonsexual way. She’s easy to be around, and I enjoy her company. I wouldn’t dream of touching her the way I touched Maddison, but getting to know someone, uncovering the person hiding within, is a thrill in its own right.

My parents, however, aren’t thrilled.

They’ve been watching me closely, especially Callum, Tyler, and Mama. It’s as if they don’t trust me to put the girls’ needs before my own.

Maybe the old me would have taken advantage of them, had my fun until I got bored, and then left them in the dust. But I like to think I’ve grown since then; the girls have taught me about responsibility and respect.

That’s not to say I haven’t made mistakes—I have. But everyone makes mistakes, and life would be dull without the occasional misstep. I think my mother instilled that belief in us.

So here I am, sitting in my car, wired up and heading to Sanctum.

It’s a dangerous game I’m playing, especially since Maddison isn’t with us and I’m wearing a wire. But it’s necessary, and my father and his men are ready to step in if things go south.

Ebony is clutching Addison, her hand shaking as she forces herself to look out the window. Addison, also wired up, has a smug look on her face.

She’s pleased with herself.

I think it’s because she finally sees justice on the horizon—justice that she, and every other girl who’s been through Sanctum, deserves.

The three of us sit in silence, the words failing us as we drive toward the one place we’d rather not be. But even in the silence, there’s a sense of calm.

Walking into the lion’s den shouldn’t be this easy, but I’m not as scared as I should be. And I’m not sure if Addison is scared at all.

Ebony, as I’ve mentioned, is a unique case. But she’s here, she’s playing her part, and I admire her for it.

Regrettably, time flies by too fast, and before I know it, I’m parking on the main street outside Sanctum.

I gaze at the ominous building, pondering over Fennick’s reaction to Maddison’s absence.

I’ve had Maddison for over a week now, and I’m uncertain how long my payment for her will hold.

Unlike the other two, I don’t have a contract with her.

I’m in uncharted territory with Maddison, having impulsively paid for her services under duress.

But that doesn’t mean I feel any less responsible for her than I do for Ebony and Addison.

“Are you girls ready?” I ask, glancing back at them.

“Let’s get this over with,” Addison concurs, shifting over the back seat to exit the car.

“Please don’t leave me here…” Ebony pleads softly.

“I won’t, I promise. You’ll go home, be with your family soon,” I assure her.

“I hope so. I miss them,” she confesses.

“I know you do; I would too. My fathers are working to get you home as soon as they can.”

That’s when my father’s voice comes through the earpiece, his voice a comforting presence.

“She’ll be home soon. Once we have solid evidence, the police will act, and we’ll bring all their parents here to pick them up. Remember what I told you. Don’t act differently, either of you!” Callum instructs.

“I’ll keep my mouth shut, don’t worry, Mr. Henderson,” Addison murmurs.

I guess my fathers had a talk with her, asking her to maintain the same quiet demeanor the club had instilled in her.

Ebony looks between us, puzzled, having refused to wear a wire or betray Sanctum in any way.

Her indoctrination is still fresh and deep-seated.

We exit the car, her hand instinctively reaching for mine.

It’s a gesture she’s made frequently over the past few days—physical contact evidently serving as a stabilizing factor for her, and I’m more than willing to provide it.

Her touch also soothes me.

We navigate between cars, quickly crossing to the other side of the street.

Then we enter the building, with me guiding the three of us through the gates of hell.

The lighting is dim, the atmosphere even darker than the last time—setting the tone.

Ebony grips me tighter; Addison moves closer.

Both of them use me as a shield against the cruel place they were forced to call home just a few weeks ago.