Chapter 85

FREYA

He’d taken me to a room that could have been some sort of office—sleek, minimal, and intimidating. A heavy oak desk and plush leather chairs were jarringly out of place, adding to the turmoil in my brain. He said Alden was on his way, but each second felt like an eternity. My palms were wet, my stomach churned with dread, and my thoughts raced wildly.

Was this some kind of sick game? Some kind of sick joke? The thought plagued my mind, fueling growing paranoia that Roman would smile and tell me this was all for his entertainment. Logically, it was impossible—what could this man possibly gain from torturing someone as insignificant as me? Yet, my life had a peculiar habit of careening into absurdity, and I wouldn't put anything past him.

The distant echo of hurried footsteps jolted me from my spiraling thoughts.

“Where is she?” Aiden’s voice rang out, raw and demanding. Relief flooded through me. Seconds later, he appeared, flanked by two men, his steps quick and purposeful.

I leaped from my chair as if propelled by a rubber band. The second his eyes met mine, I felt the wall within me crack. He took two long strides into the room, and without hesitation, I ran to him, flinging myself into his arms, my legs collapsing under the weight of emotion.

“Freya,” he whispered, his voice low and rough, barely containing the tempest brewing beneath his controlled façade. “Shit, baby, you had me thinking I was going to be inching my way into eternity.”

His warmth, his embrace, broke me. I hid my face in his chest and began to talk, words tumbling out in a disjointed ramble. “I was so scared. I didn’t know what was happening, and I thought I would never get out of here.” Tears streamed down my face, blurring my vision, but I didn't care. I needed him to hear me, to know what I had been through.

“I’m pregnant, Aiden. We’re having a baby.”

His body stiffened, then his arms tightened around me, holding me as if he could protect me from every evil in the world. “I know, sweetheart. I got your surprise.”

A shaky laugh escaped me, a rare ray of light cutting through the darkness. I clung to him, my fingers digging into his back as if afraid he’d disappear.

“I’m so sorry,” I whispered, feeling bad for the mess I’d caused.

He spoke without hesitation. “It’s okay. You’re safe now.”

As he pulled back to look at me, his face was a study in relief and anger. The shift was instantaneous—the second his eyes fell on my bruised cheek and the thin cut along my temple.

“Who did this to you?” he demanded, his tone colder than I’d ever heard.

I swallowed hard, averting my gaze. My silence spoke volumes, and his contained rage shifted to Roman, his jaw tightening.

“Freya.” A new voice snapped me out of my haze. I turned to see Reyna rushing toward me. She enveloped me in a hug, her familiar scent and warmth grounding me.

“Oh my God, Freya.”

Aiden wasn’t finished. His rage was palpable, and the tension in the room intensified.

“Did your men do this to her?” Aiden snarled, his gaze fixed on Roman.

Roman remained unfazed, his voice even. “We should sit down and discuss this.”

“No.” Aiden’s voice was a low growl, his body practically vibrating with fury. “I’m not sitting down for anything. Your men kidnapped my girlfriend, and they assaulted her.”

“You wanted to make her one of your whores?”

Roman’s jaw twitched, his calm mask cracking. “It wasn’t me,” he growled. “Some stupid guy. Not my men. And the women working in the clubs and brothels are there voluntarily. I never forced anyone.”

His words carried weight, a firm but gentle line in the sand.

“The guy who assaulted your girlfriend! My men are holding him hostage. I figured you’d want to handle him.”

“You bet I would,” Aiden hissed through clenched teeth.

Roman inclined his head slightly, his version of an apology. “I apologize for the disrespect shown to your girlfriend. I owe you one.”

Aiden didn’t hesitate. “In that case, I’d like to collect now. I want Noah.”

My head snapped up at that; surprise flickered across Roman’s usually unreadable face. “Done,” he said after a beat, his tone clipped.

Before I could process their exchange, I spoke. “I need something from you.”

All eyes turned to me. My heart pounded, but I straightened my spine.

Roman raised an eyebrow. “Well, what is it?”

“Bianca,” I said, pushing the words out. “She works at Ruby. Let her go. If she wants to—”

Roman’s expression was unreadable, but he nodded curtly. “Get Bianca here,” he instructed one of his men.

Reyna leaned in. “Who is Bianca?” she whispered.

“You’ll see,” I whispered back, my voice shaky but firm.

Moments later, Bianca appeared, her suspicious eyes darting between us before settling on Roman.

“You called, boss?”

Roman nodded, giving me the floor.

I moved forward, my nerves bubbling up again. “Bianca,” I began softly.

Her eyes met mine, confusion etched on her face. “Freya, what’s happening?” she asked.

“Do you want a new start? You said you’re working here because you don’t know if you’ll find another job. So I’m offering you one. Come work with me at my café.”

Her eyes widened, her lips parting in stunned disbelief. “I know it’s not the job you wanted,” I rushed on. “But you can always find a job at a flower shop later if you want. I will—”

“Yes!” Her voice cut through my rambling. “Yes, I’ll work for you.”

Relief washed over me, and I smiled, tears threatening to spill again. She cast a cautious glance at Roman, who simply nodded.

“You’re free to go,” he said evenly.

“Thank you, boss. It was actually nice working for you,” she said before turning back to me.

“Here’s my number,” I said, giving her a scrap of paper. “Call me, okay?”

She squeezed my hands tightly before stepping away to gather her belongings.

Roman’s voice broke the silence. “Once again, I’m sorry for what you suffered.”

I met his eyes, saw sincerity there. “It wasn’t your fault.”

“Come on, baby. Let’s get you home,” Aiden said, his arm already wrapping protectively around me.

I could feel my eyes drifting back toward Roman as we walked out. For a man of shadows, his granting me these small mercies left a strange sense of gratitude in my chest. But as Aiden guided me forward with a calm presence, I knew one thing for sure: I was finally free.