Chapter 25: Can't catch a break

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**ERIC'S POV**

"Alright. I hired a PI a while back to dig into her life. After her little "accident" I wanted to know all about her. What else was she hiding from us." Jake started out

Our whole group tensed up, afraid of what he was about to tell us. What terrible thing has she been hiding from us? What could make her want to harm herself just to ease the pain?

"What did you find out?" Zach inquired

Suddenly I wasn't so sure I wanted the answer!

"I don't care if we have to tie that girl up, she is under no circumstances going back to her "family"!" Jake said, making the air quotations around the word family

His outburst confused us all. We all looked around at one another trying to figure out what he had discovered.

"That girl has been mistreated, starved, beaten, raped, and abused in any and every way imaginable. Her own brothers are who started the other college students tormenting her! Her family keeps food from her sometimes for a week or more at a time.

She has more cuts on her wrists which are more than likely her own doing. But she has scars all over her body that she didn't do. I will fucking kill every single person in her family if they try to take her away from us!" Jake ranted angrily

His nostrils were flaring. His hands were waving around wildly as he spoke. His voice rose dramatically. To say our head of security was angry was a drastic understatement! Our shocked gasps at what he had uncovered unnerved and angered us all. Zach asked about her parents and I was appalled to discover not only did her parents know about all the abuse, they're the ones who started it. Who allows their own child to be abused and mistreated like that? According to Jake's source, they only treat her this way, not their five other children. Her five siblings who are all male, by the way.

"She can stay with me. At my house." I suddenly exclaimed

I could watch over her, protect her, keep her safe from the world and at the same time help her find her wings. So to speak. Seeing them all looking at me funny made me cock my eyebrow at the other four. It wasn't such a crazy idea!

"I have more room than I need in that big house all by myself. I can help look after her. My house is secluded enough we shouldn't be bothered by anyone. She can roam the property freely without worrying about someone seeing her." I said more defensively than I really intended

"I think it's a great idea. Being on the beach is so relaxing and that's exactly what she needs." Zach said

"We can't just take her away from her family like that. What if they come after us or something?" Barry stated

I hated even having to think about this stuff but we did need to have a plan or course of action just in case. We had to keep her safe and away from these awful people no matter the cost!

"She's over the age of 18. She's a legal adult to come and go as she pleases." Jake retaliated

"Aren't her parents paying for her tuition and stuff?" Zach asked

"Good point." Brent stated with a huff

"We'll pay for her college. Collectively. Jake, you find out how much it is and how much we'll need and we'll divvy it up evenly." I retorted

It's not like I have a wife or children to take care of. Kellie left me over two years ago after handing me divorce papers. I bought another house, which is way too big for just me, but really other than bills I'm not doing anything with any of my income.

"I'm down with that." Zach said

I knew Zach would be on my side with this crazy idea!

"Cut all ties with those... people ... and help her make a life for herself." Barry thoughtfully replied, "Lori said it could take months or even years to undo the damage that's already been done to her. Psychologically and emotionally."

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