Brea nodded. “There’s actually a job placement center kind of like you would’ve found on a college campus in the old days. They help people figure out what suits them best and then make assignments.”
Willa glanced at Layla. “The Wanderers aren’t perfect. We’re constantly evolving and learning. But we’re growing in strength and numbers. Our hope is that one day there will be enough of us to right the wrongs in our society and return the country to a functioning democracy.”
Ledger reached for Layla’s shoulder. “My mother is extremely optimistic. It’s going to take decades to fix our society. If ever. In the meantime, we hope to be a safe haven for women and any men who feel strongly about fighting for freedom and equality.”
Ariel waved a hand toward Layla. “You should go. I’m fine here.” She forced a smile. “Making friends. Learning new things.”
Layla hedged, frowning. “You sure? I don’t want you to feel like I’ve abandoned you.”
“Of course not. I know where to find you.”
Ledger rounded the armchair. “I hope you know you’re welcome at any hour of the day or night, Ariel. I know your bond with your sister runs deep. None of us ever want to come between you two. Family is important.”
Ariel swiped at a tear and stood at the same time as Layla, leaning across the space to hug her fiercely.
Layla cupped her sister’s cheeks. “I love you.”
“I love you, too.” Ariel gave her a gentle shove. “Go. You have work to do. Stuff to figure out.”
Layla kept her gaze on Ariel as she backed toward the door, grateful that Ledger didn’t hurry her. When they were finally out in the hallway, the door to his parents’ apartment shutting her off from Ariel, she leaned against the wall and took a deep breath, swiping at the tears she’d held at bay for the past several minutes.
Ledger faced her, his hands on either side of her neck. “We can stay, or you can insist she come with us. Or you can stay here with her. I don’t like to see you hurting.”
Layla shook her head. “No. This is the right thing to do. It’s just hard, and I’m emotional from so much change. We haven’t really let ourselves properly grieve the loss of our parents. We haven’t had time. We’ve been on the run, and now we’re in a new world we hardly knew existed. It feels like a strange dream and nightmare combination that I can’t wake up from, nor am I sure I want to. I’m not sure any of you are seeing my real personality under the circumstances. I feel like I’m bouncing all over the place. I’m not sure anymore that I even know who I am. I’ve always been strong and sure of everything. Lately, I’m emotional and confused most of the time.”
She wrapped her arms around Ledger and held him close.
He hauled her tight against his body and kissed the top of her head. “I’ve got you, princess. We all do. I promise.”
Ledger took her hand and led her back to his apartment.
As soon as they stepped inside, the rest of the men froze in their spots. They’d obviously been anxiously pacing. There was a collective sigh of relief.
Ledger stood behind her, his hands resting on her shoulders.
“You okay?” Nile asked.
“Yeah. Just… It’s hard. I don’t want Ariel to think I’ve abandoned her. It feels weird.”
Nile’s brow furrowed. “Understandable.”
Suddenly, the dam broke loose. She couldn’t hold back her tears anymore. It was like she’d been trying to be strong for Ariel for weeks and she needed to let it all out.
It felt strange falling apart in front of these four huge men, but none of them appeared to mind because they all rushed forward collectively to surround her, everyone touching her at once. A giant group hug.
It meant the world to her, and she accepted the soft cloth someone pressed into her hand, using it to wipe her face even though the tears kept falling.
Eventually, strong arms reached down and swept her off her feet, a firm body cradling her against his chest. She blinked up to find Nile carrying her from the room. He took her into his bedroom and kicked the door shut before climbing carefully onto his bed and easing her onto the mattress.
He pulled off her shoes and then his own, leaving her side only long enough to remove his shirt and change his jeans into soft sleep pants.
There was a dim light on somewhere in the room. While she sniffled back the remaining tears, she watched him move around the room. Watched him change. Held her breath when she saw his thighs and the outline of his butt muscles. He wore black briefs that kept her from seeing too much, but when he turned to the side, she saw enough.
She was twenty-one years old and the outline of this man’s penis was her first glimpse of what was to come if she stayed with these men. It both freaked her out and excited her at the same time.
Soon, he was back, crawling up next to her before dropping onto his side, pulling the covers over them, and wrapping his arms around her.
He kissed her temple. “I’m so sorry, sweetheart. I can’t imagine what you’re going through.”