Total pages in book: 187
Estimated words: 174623 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 873(@200wpm)___ 698(@250wpm)___ 582(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 174623 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 873(@200wpm)___ 698(@250wpm)___ 582(@300wpm)
"No," I tell her. "It's only my personal effects. I didn't buy any of the furnishings."
"The women have been instructed to pack," Emmalyn says as she points down the hallway. "Do you have a preference?"
I shake my head, grateful when she doesn't pick the first room in the hallway but the second one.
"I'll get you a key to this room. We have a master, of course, but no one will come in here uninvited," she says as she opens the door and steps to the side. "This is the room Diego put me in right after I left Colorado."
The room is nice, but simple. There's a king-sized bed, a dresser on the far wall, and bedside tables. The open door to the closet reveals the spacious area. I haven't had enough clothes to fill a space like it in over a decade.
"If you need anything specific, just let us know," she says as I walk to the center of the room and take a look around.
"This is wonderful. Thank you."
It's more than I've expected from a living area for a very long time.
"Bathroom is over there. No tub, but there is a walk-in shower. Do you prefer a tub?"
I shake my head with a quick laugh. "A shower is perfect."
I spin around once more, just taking it in. The linens look decadent. The window blinds don't have so much as a speck of dust on them.
"I'm so grateful for you and Cerberus," I say when I turn back to face her, my tone soft. I'm fighting the urge to get emotional.
"It's what we do," she says, her smile gentle. "We're family."
"Family?" I ask, the word sounding so strange and unfamiliar.
"Our histories make us like sisters," she explains.
"We have too many sisters," I say with a frown.
"We do," she quickly agrees. "But we will always welcome our family with open arms. I'm going to head out and try to direct traffic in the main area. Do you need a minute?"
I nod. "I'll be out shortly."
Emmalyn steps out of the room, pulling the door softly closed behind her.
I drop to the edge of the bed and pull in a deep breath.
I imagine a lot of people would feel relieved to be in my situation, and I do on some level, but it also seems like too much effort for just me.
I close my eyes and dig deep, wondering how I would approach this situation if it were me making accommodations for someone else in the same circumstances.
I'd tell her she was worth it.
I'd assure her that everyone's safety is the number one consideration.
I'd tell her not to be ashamed to lean on someone.
I'd tell her that there are good people in the world who do kind things without expecting anything in return.
I pull in several deep breaths before standing and heading out of the room.
The common area is a bustle of activity, Cerberus members and partners shuffling around carrying in bed linens and personal hygiene items.
Several people carry in age-appropriate toys and books for the kids.
Gigi stands to the side, smiling at her husband as he and another man carry in a television. The way they look at each other makes me think I'm intruding on a private moment meant to have no witnesses. It says a lot about the love and relationship they have, still so strong after the chaos of raising five kids.
"That man is trouble," Gigi says when she notices me.
"I'm sure it's all him," I say with a laugh, knowing I got it right when she gives me a devilish smile. "What happens if no one wants to come?"
Her head tilts to the side. "From the shelter?"
I nod.
"Victoria took a poll. They're all coming. The guys go get them tomorrow morning."
"No one argued?"
She shakes her head. "I don't think so."
"Do you think it will be weird for everyone here?"
"Not at all," Gigi says as if she can sense my own need for assurance that I won't be in their way. "There are always so many people here anyway. What's a handful more?"
It seems to take less time than it should to finish everything up, but I guess a lot can get done with so many people helping.
Gigi splits off once her husband reappears, and from the look on both of their faces, they'll be busy for a while.
I take a step back, watching as everyone sort of lingers around, talking and laughing. They're very social in their interactions and seem to know each other very well.
The crowd grows, as does the noise, and a loud bang to my left makes me jump.
My heart races, and it makes me wonder if this was a terrible idea all the way around.
I jolt when warm fingers run down my arm, my head spinning to my right to see Nyx standing there.
Pressure increases on my wrist, two of his fingers resting on my pulse point. The calm begins to warm me from the inside almost immediately, my eyes locked on his.