Chapter Thirty Five

Those closest to Jane shared a look.

"You think she's talking about her stepfather?" Talia asked of Red.

"Who else? Damn it, is that piece of shit ever going to leave her alone?" Red looked at Tarloh.

"You all decide whatever you're going to do. I'm going to go check on her." She stood up and made as brisk a pace towards her quarters as she could. As she descended the stairs, she realized that Talia had followed her.

"I want to be there for her too," Red's best friend stated firmly. "I'll go with whatever the rest of the Strays decide. Red, I think I can help."

Red agreed by remaining silent and continuing to her room. Jane was still asleep, albeit fitfully. Talia could see the two women's pain reflected on each other faces.

Neither of them deserved what had happened to them, nor did they deserve the continuous strain that their burgeoning relationship had been under. It's hard to fall in love when you don't have time to breathe and while you're fighting for your life.

Red gentl