✔️ The Arrangement (A Kinky Romance) [1st Draft]

Better Days

The trip to the facility was a difficult, yet heartening experience. Seeing the many faces of the abuse victims was hard. Nick's heart broke at some of what he saw, for in spite of the healing touch of the various workers, they had all been thoroughly traumatized. You could see it in some of their eyes. Some of them even bore brands that marked them as slaves. In spite of their hardships, however, the resilience they showed was inspiring. With daily therapy, group counseling, and scheduled activities, many of the children were again being children.

Selene had a harder time with it. While she loved what they were doing and the hope they were providing, Nick knew seeing so many children who'd been hurt like she had was devastating. As if they somehow knew, a few of the children gave her hugs and words of encouragement. In spite of their situation, they could feel the pain she felt, even if that pain was more for them than herself. She spent over three hours in the center of a circle of the children, talking about whatever they wanted her to.

Nick stood back and talked with the project leader. He learned that, from her experience, this type of thing could be incredibly healing on both sides. They had proof that what they'd dealt with had been worth it, and they could see that they could have a good life of their own. They could find a place where they were wanted and loved and build a future. It was hope, something that they desperately needed. Being rescued was only the first step in a long road.

Before they left, Nick had a check cut to the organization, donating $5 million to help fund their efforts. They also arranged for the kids to receive a truckload of stuffed animals, toys, books, and clothing. While they didn't stick around to see how that went, the phone call that was received told them everything they needed to know. The children calling thank you and the laughter would stay with them forever.

Back at home, life slowly returned to normal. They still had security and Selene did not go anywhere without an escort, but it was as normal as they could get. Three days before Valentine's Day, the news about the international sex ring bust hit the papers. The reporters who'd received the packages months earlier had released the story first when they were given the advanced press release, then a formal press conference was held two days later.

Some very lucky children are celebrating something extra special this Valentine's Day. After being trafficked in an international child sex ring for varying years, some 200 children have been rescued in recent, coordinated raids on homes and business on nearly every continent. The FBI and lead Federal Prosecutor Robin Lange help a press conference this morning...

Fortunately, Selene's name remained out of it, and they were getting no unusual attention. She did find herself being photographed at times when she was out and about or with Nick, but it mostly seemed to be related to pieces speculating about their upcoming wedding. The preparations for that consumed a significant amount of her day-to-day. While the wedding ceremony itself was not hard to plan, it was all the other things that she hadn't thought about that consumed most of her time.

So many details – fonts, textures, colors, shades, glass styles, plates, silverware, tablecloths, patterns, napkins, napkin rings – and the list went on. Fortunately, she had the help of a number of experienced hands to make it less stressful. When she had to, she would stop by Nick's office to get his opinions on things. He had told her to feel free to choose what she wanted, but when she couldn't decide, Nick would sit down with her and give her his input. If he couldn't decide, Keesha was their back-up, and happy to do it.

Nick took her to the Bahamas for her birthday, where they spent a weekend splashing in the ocean and running across the sand like a couple of teenage lovers. Nick talked her into her first-ever bikini, showing her off around the island to prove to her that she was physically beautiful – and not just to him. It was fun, romantic, and provided them a much-needed break from everything. The sunshine and warm weather certainly didn't hurt either of them, either.