Finding Nora

by Ripley Proserpina

  He crossed his arms. “How does it work?”

  Nora stood, going over to the door and hammering on it. Seok and Cai would come searching for her now. It was only a matter of minutes before they did.

  He moved behind her, crowding her again. “I mean. Are you all, together together? Are they bisexual? Tyler said one of them is applying for law school. I know this is Vermont, but what if he wants to practice somewhere else? That’s some pretty kinky shit. Wouldn’t fly in Virginia, that’s for sure.”

  She could feel his heat against her back. “And one is a social worker? With at-risk kids? Is it a front for something? You trying to get him to bring young kids into your fold?”

  When she spun around, he was inches from her face. “That’s sick!”

  He smiled, pleased with her reaction for some reason. “Not a child molester then.” He leaned forward. “Just a whore.”

  The blood left her head, leaving her lightheaded, dizzy. She reached for something to hold her up, shocked he’d dared to say it to her face, but somehow… not. Others would say the same thing, wouldn’t they? She should get used to the word.

  The door pushed against her back, and she tripped forward. Dr. Totten gripped her arms, fingers tight. “You’re cute,” he whispered quickly. “But I can’t say you’re worth sharing.”

  Stepping away, he left her unbalanced, and she stumbled forward.

  “Five-ten!” Dr. Murray’s voice called out. “Not bad, huh?”

  Turning, she caught Dr. Totten’s gaze. He stared at her while answering Dr. Murray. “Not bad at all.”

  “Nora.”

  She tore her eyes from the man. Dr. Murray held out a white box in his hand. “Your new cell phone. And…” He handed her an envelope. “Your birthday present. Thanks again, Nora.”

  She nodded, clearing her throat.

  “Your friends are waiting upstairs.” She intercepted a loaded look between him and Dr. Totten as he held the door open, waiting for her to pass by.

  Clearing her throat again, she got his attention. “Get the lock fixed on the door. And clean this place before my next interview. It’s disgusting.” She hurried past him, not waiting for a response. Safety was upstairs. Caring, comfort, protection, love was waiting for her.

  She emerged from the stairwell into the harsh first floor light. It was still a beautiful day. The sun forced its way through the narrow windows, flooding the hallway. All five guys waited for her. Matisse looked elegant in a black jacket and slacks, his dark hair slicked back from his face. Seok punked out, hair gelled to perfection with clothes that clashed perfectly. Cai managed to look both cool and casual in a simple fleece coat and jeans, and Ryan finally appeared relaxed and happy, laughing at something Apollo said. They turned to her when they heard the door close, calling to her, talking over one another, and reminding her of golden retriever puppies, eager and enthusiastic. She ran toward them, the horrible day wiped from her mind like it never existed.

  They were here. They wanted her to be happy. They were happy.

  Fuck Dr. Totten. He didn’t know anything. She would protect these boys from whatever ugliness was waiting for them. She would make sure they knew, every minute of every day, that she loved them. She knew her heart, and what it told her.

  And she trusted them with hers.

  THE END

  Continue the series with book 2,

  Finding Valor

  About the Author

  Ripley Proserpina spends her days huddled near a fire in the frozen northern wilds of Vermont. She lives with her family, two magnificent cats, and a dog who aspires to cat-hood. She is the author of the Reverse Harem series, The Searchers, and “Missing Linc” from the paranormal series, The Aegeans in the upcoming horror romance anthology, Bloody Kisses. Follow her on Facebook or sign up for her newsletter at www.ripleyproserpina.com.

  Find Ripley on Social Media

  www.ripleyproserpina.com

  @RipleyProserpin (twitter)

  Ripley Proserpina (FB)

  Note from the Publisher

  Thank you for reading the FINDING HONOR. If you liked the stories, please leave a review. Reviews help the authors more than you know.

  If you’d like to know more about After Glows, check out our website or email us at admin@AfterGlowsPublishing.com.

  To stay current with upcoming titles, new releases, and other publishing news from After Glows subscribe to our MAILING LIST.

  Also, join our Facebook Reader’s Group to interact with our authors and other readers.

  Thank you again for purchasing and reading Starstruck Holidays.