Page 37 of Brick’s Anchor

Phoenix looks at me. "Rosie. I need to hear from you. Are you okay with what happened last night?"

I take a breath. "Yes. I'm okay with it. More than okay. I initiated it. I wanted it. Brick gave me multiple opportunities to stop, and I didn't take any of them because I didn't want to stop." I look at Phoenix directly. "I know you all found your people in crisis situations too. I know the timing seems suspicious. But what I feel for Brick, it's real. It happened fast, but it's real."

Phoenix and Judge exchange a look.

"This is still against my better judgment," Phoenix says finally. "But I'm not going to tell you what to do with your personal life. Either of you. As long as it doesn't interfere with club business or put anyone in danger. And Rosie, you're under our protection regardless of what happens between you and Brick. If this doesn't work out, if you change your mind, if anything makes you uncomfortable, you tell us. You're still safe here. That doesn't change."

Something tight in my chest loosens. "Thank you."

"Judge is going to coordinate therapy resources for all of you," Phoenix continues. "Professional help. Because what you went through, all of you, that's not something you can just walk off."

"I know," I say quietly. "I'll do whatever I need to do."

"Good." Phoenix stands. "Then we're done here. Brick, you're still on security detail for the women. Keep it professional when you're working."

"Understood."

Judge moves toward the door, then pauses. "Brick. You hurt her and I'll break both your legs."

"Fair."

"I'm serious."

"I know you are. And I'm telling you it's not going to happen."

Judge nods and leaves. Phoenix follows, leaving us alone in the office.

I exhale slowly. "That went better than I expected."

"They get it," Brick says. "They've all been there. Fast attachments. Crisis situations. Finding someone who matters in the middle of hell."

We head back to the common room. Eden intercepts us immediately. "Rosie, when you have a moment, I'd like to do a full medical assessment."

"Okay. After I call my family?"

"Whenever you're ready."

Grace runs over, signing enthusiastically. Judge translates. "She says good morning and did you sleep well and she saved you a seat at the table for breakfast."

I tell Judge what I want to say, and he translates it back to her. "Good morning. I slept very well. Thank you for saving me a seat."

We eat breakfast together. All of us. The rescued women, the club members, the old ladies, Grace signing about everything. It feels like family.

After breakfast, Brick takes me to a quiet room with a phone. I sit down and stare at it for a long moment.

"You can do this," he says.

I pick up the phone and dial my mom's number. She answers on the first ring.

"Hello?"

"Mom," I say, and my voice breaks. "Mom, it's me. It's Rosie."

She screams. Actually screams. I hear her yelling for my dad, for my sister.

"Rosie? Baby, where are you? Are you okay?"

"I'm okay," I tell her. "I'm safe. There was a situation with my ex. He locked me up. For a week. But I'm out now. I'm safe."