Total pages in book: 86
Estimated words: 83059 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 415(@200wpm)___ 332(@250wpm)___ 277(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 83059 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 415(@200wpm)___ 332(@250wpm)___ 277(@300wpm)
Dropping to my knees, I pull her into my arms. “It’s me, baby. It’s me. You’re safe.” I try to soothe her, but I’m not sure she can hear me over her sobs and the commotion that’s going on next to us. I block it all out. I know my boys and Coach have him handled. With everything inside me, I’d love nothing more than to smash his head into the wall, or my fist, whichever, but Rowan needs me. I just need to take care of her. Of my Rowan.
“Call security!” someone yells. I think it’s Coach.
“Baby, can you stand up for me?” I ask her. She clings to me, shaking her head. “I want to get you out of here,” I explain.
She keeps her head buried in my chest and refuses to move. So, we don’t move. I grip her to my chest as if she might disappear. “I’m so sorry,” I whisper against her ear. I don’t know if she can hear me or even comprehend what I’m saying with how upset she is, rightfully so, but I keep whispering the words over and over again anyway.
Finally, after what feels like hours, the cops show up and usher him away. A female cop comes to crouch next to us, where we’re sitting on the shower floor, Rowan still wrapped up in my arms.
“Ms. Mills, I’m Officer Hughes.”
Rowan ignores her.
“Do we have to do this now?” I ask her. “Can’t you see how upset she is?”
“I’m sorry, sir. I know this is difficult, but we need a statement from both of you.”
I give her a stiff nod. I fucking hate it, but it’s what has to happen in order for us to be able to put that piece of shit behind bars where he belongs. Hell, I don’t even know if he’ll get jail time for this. Surely, he will, right?
“Rowan, baby, we need to tell the police what happened. I’m not leaving your side. I promise I’ll be right here. You can do this, Roe. You’re strong as hell, and I know you can do this. Tell them what happened today. Tell them what happened in the past. I’ll be with you every step of the way.”
I rub her back soothingly, wishing like hell I could take this away from her. I don’t know what happened before I got here, and I’m scared to hear it all, even though I need to. I need to know what she went through so that I can help her heal.
“Rowan?”
I look up at the sound of my sister’s voice. Tears stream down her cheeks and a look of sheer determination settles in her eyes. “Core.” My voice cracks.
She kneels next to us and takes Rowan’s hand. “How about we kick everyone out, and I can help you get cleaned up?” she asks softly.
Finally, Rowan lifts her head to look at my sister. “Corie,” she says, her voice breaking.
“We’re here,” Corie tells her. “We’re all here for you. He’s not going to get away with this.”
“We need to take pictures,” Officer Hughes says. There’s regret in her tone. She’s just doing her job, and if pictures are what needs to happen to help nail this bastard, then that’s what needs to happen. I hate it for Rowan, but we need him to suffer the consequences of his actions.
“Do you want to stay with Corie?” I ask her. “All the men, we can step out of the room.”
Rowan clings to me.
“Okay, baby. Okay,” I soothe her. “Can everyone leave us, please?” I ask the room.
Coach nods, as do the guys, as well as the male officers. I wait until the door clicks shut to address Rowan again. “They’re gone, baby. It’s me, you, Corie, and Officer Hughes. Can we see you? I know this is painful, but, baby, this is what needs to happen to put him away for a very long time.”
“Don’t leave me,” she whispers, her voice breaking.
“Never,” I assure her. “I’ll be right here the entire time. In fact, I’ll stand by the door to make sure no one comes in. Is that okay?”
She nods and lifts her head. Her eyes are red, tear stains track her cheeks, her shirt is torn, and for the first time, I notice bruises on her neck. That motherfucker is going to pay for hurting her.
“Come on.” Corie stands and offers Rowan her hand.
I watch as she places her trembling hand in my sister’s and allows Corie to help her stand. I scramble to my feet and rush to the door like a guard dog. I don’t know what else to do to help her, and if this makes her feel safe, that’s where I’ll be.
Officer Hughes speaks calmly and quietly as she takes Rowan’s statement. Hearing her tell the officer what happened here today makes me sick. I never should have left the locker room without her. I know I can be a lot—I hover over her because I crave being next to her. I was trying to keep our work and personal relationship separate. I know how much her job means to her, and how important it is for her to be working and supporting herself. I was just trying to do right by her, and instead, I left her vulnerable.