Page 82 of Brage & Dinah

"I'll make that happen." He placed his hand on the back of her neck and rubbed the tight muscles.

She slowly closed her eyes, shook her head, and looked at him again. "Do we go tomorrow?"

"No, next weekend." Roar stood. "I'll let you two be alone. Lizzy is waiting in the alley for me. I'll be at the house for the rest of the night if you need anything."

Brage concentrated on Dinah. He'd never seen her unsure of herself. She usually had a confidence that surprised him knowing her background. Even when hit by news that would crumble a person, there was always some inner strength within her that held her up.

Dinah stared at her clasped hands. He shifted, picked her up, and held her on his lap. He couldn't protect her from the possible hurt if the knowledge of her parents brought out vulnerabilities that she had no idea she had. All he could do was be there for her.

"What if I find out I come from awful people?" she whispered. "What if everything I learn is worse than knowing that Brad and Tony stole me from my parents?"

He put his hand on the middle of her chest. Her heart raced against his palm.

Kissing the top of her head, he said, "Don't let other people's actions define who you are, babe."

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