Page 7 of Double the Redemption

“You’ll like them, though. They’re a lot like us, but not as rough around the edges. They have lots of women and kids in their group. Anyone else, they need to request to come onto the grounds, and if it’s someone who shouldn’t be here, all you need to do is say, and we’ll make sure to come up with an excuse why they can’t.”

“No one has to change their lives for me here,” she protested.

“No, but we want you to feel comfortable and safe here,” Glitch assured her. “For now, nothing is planned, and honestly, nothing will be until we know what the cartel is doing, which is where Code and I come in. We’ll monitor channels, and if we have questions, would you be willing to talk to us?”

Naomi nodded. It was the least she could do, considering the circumstances.

“Good.”

“Do you think you’ll be all right here tonight, or would you like someone to stay with you?” Royal asked.

Naomi quickly shook her head. “No, thank you. I just need to get some sleep. Are there any places I should avoid while I’m here?”

“Their Church room when they’re in Church is off-limits, but otherwise, most places are fine,” Royal said, with a smile. “Why don’t I come back in the morning around nine, and I can take you on a tour? And if you’re feeling up to it, I’ll introduce you to the other women.”

“We don’t want you to feel overwhelmed, but I think knowing you have multiple people you can talk to might help,” Glitch added.

Naomi found herself nodding, even as her mind screamed for her to decline, wanting to stay hidden, not walking around where anyone could see her. Doing that for six months was out of the question though. Maybe if she saw this place in the light of day, she’d feel better.

“Good. The place is stocked with fresh groceries and everything, but if you need anything, just let us know.” Royal stood. “And if we missed anything for Asher, please let us know. We’re happy to get you whatever you need. Good night.” She touched her shoulder as she walked by and headed out the door.

Glitch stood too but didn’t immediately follow Royal out. Instead, she looked at Naomi with a knowing expression. “It’s a lot, right?”

Naomi nodded, her thoughts in turmoil as she tried to make sense of everything.

“I put my number in that phone Taz gave you. So if you need anything, just text me and let me know, even if it’s just to ask a question. I know it doesn’t feel like it now, Naomi, but you and Asher are safe. You have people in your corner, and when this is over, we’ll keep making sure you stay safe. It’s hard, but for tonight, sleep as much as you can.”

“I’m terrified that I’m going to go to sleep and wake up and someone is going to be trying to get to us,” Naomi whispered, throat thick with emotion, worried they would try to take Asher.

“My team isn’t leaving until tomorrow, so they’re running point on your protection tonight. Taz will be on the roof with Warg, ready to take anyone who shouldn’t be here. The others will take turns patrolling, along with the Dragons’ men. Not to mention, Karissa will probably be part of that detail too. Would you feel safer if she were inside here on watch?”

Would she? She didn’t know Karissa, but the quick introduction seemed to show she was capable.

Karissa couldn’t do that every night, though; she would have to learn to stand on her own.

“Can I have a gun?” Naomi asked. She wasn’t allowed to have one while she was with the cartel, but her father had shown her how to use and handle one, and she never forgot it.

Glitch regarded her for a moment before she reached under her cut and pulled one out, handing it over. “You’re smart, Naomi, so I know you can handle this without being stupid about it.”

It was a confident statement, and it eased something in her chest as she took the gun and checked that it was loaded and the safety was on. Glitch gave her a look of approval.

“Everything will be fine, but you’ll sleep better. Now, I’m going to talk to my man, who is probably pissed I didn’t give him a heads-up about all this. But I do love when we make up.” She gave a wicked grin.

Naomi let out a weak chuckle. “Then it sounds like you’ll have a good night.”

“With a man who knows how to use his fingers, damn right I will. Now, get some sleep, and I’ll see you tomorrow.” She left, shutting the door behind her.

Studying the gun, Naomi took a deep breath. She was safe. Asher was safe. It was their first night of freedom, and even as exhausted as she was, she knew she wouldn’t get much sleep.

She locked the door, double-checked all the windows, and sank into bed with her son, the gun in the nightstand drawer, left open just in case. Her mind was whirling with plans for her escape, mapping out the apartment and the grounds she had seen. She wasn’t leaving anything to chance.

She woulddn’t dare.

It was going to be a long night.

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