Chapter 82 Freedom
That surprised me, though. Dean Kingston used to be filthy rich... I wonder what happened to it all? I'm not going to ask, even if I was curious. That really is none of my business, and I don't like sticking my nose where it doesn't belong.
"And you really don't mind having my sisters live with us?" I was nervous about this. I know he'd insisted back when he'd first brought it up that he would bring my sisters with me, and yet I still had doubts. After all who would want to have the baggage of two little sisters? James sure didn't. He wanted me to pay for them while they lived with us... It really didn't sound like they would be a welcomed part of our family.
"Josie, your sisters have had it rough too. I know what you've done to protect them. I'm not going to toss them away like trash, and I sure as hell will not leave them to Beth and Jay. They've been stealing your fortune from you and laughing at your face while they do it. The moment you are out of their clutches you get your money back," he smiled at me. "Besides, it's not like I don't have the rooms," he chuckled.
I gaped at him. "How did you know?"
"Little dancer... I told you I was obsessed with you... I also told you Dad has a lot of contracts, but so did your parents. I have no idea why Anthony trusted my dad with them, but he showed them to Dean... And I was there with him. He wanted to make sure you and your sisters would be taken care of if anything happened... Well it did and it all went to shit. Somehow you ended up with Beth and Jay instead of your aunt Janet and uncle Ben," he huffed, shaking his head in annoyance.
My stomach dropped. "I was supposed to go to Janet and Ben? But the officers... They said mom wanted me with her sister..." I swallowed. I would have loved to live with Janet and Ben! They have adorable little twins that are Liv's age, only they are the sweetest! They would always come to watch my performances when I was dancing. We could've been happy there!
I blink my eyes and smile down at my new jacket. After we finished our lunch, Rick insisted on taking me shopping. I got new clothes for the first time in 5 years! And I have a warm jacket of my own.
Rick said it was all part of my late birthday present, and he was planning on spoiling me and my sisters now that we were official. He doesn't have to do a damn thing, and I told him that. He was giving me more than anyone ever had! A home safe from abuse and manipulation, but he just blushed and kissed me again. "Little dancer, I love spoiling you. It makes me feel good... I've never felt so happy giving anything to anyone before. I'd had girlfriends and given them things... but it's never made me happy in return."
I don't know how to respond to that. This man I thought was an asshole is actually really genuine, and that makes me want to make him happy too. Something in my chest I thought had been dormant pounds hard against my ribs in bliss. Is this what it feels like to be in love?
We pull up in front of Beth's house and march right in. Everyone freezes as they take us in. I almost laugh at the comical looks on everyone's face. I guess they weren't expecting me home until later tonight... Well, not tonight. And never again! I'm done working that late just to avoid the abuse.
"Okay girls, go pack up whatever you want to keep. We're leaving," I announce with pure joy. I thought this day would never come!
"What do you mean?" Charlie asks with cautious hope, looking between me and Rick's hand wrapped around my waist. "We're leaving? Where?"
"We're leaving? Since when?" Liv demands, completely shocked, her eyes searching between me and Rick for answers.
Jay, Beth and Ava look at us with cautious anger and I just smirk, holding out my left hand. It's a good thing they aren't talking or I'd have Rick beat the hell outta all of them. It's the least they deserve! But since they are being 'good little minions' for the moment, I'll let it slide.
"I'm getting married, and I'm not leaving you with the family from hell," I giggle. "We're getting out of her girls. We are going to be safe! You won't have to worry about Beth withholding food or her other punishments."
"Oh my God! Jos! Are you really?" Charlie rushes over to look at my ring. I see the tears in her eyes and I know damn well it isn't because of the ring! It's the freedom from the Taylor's that has the rush of relief pouring through her eyes.