Page 65 of Charity's Redemption

“I didn’t want you two to fight,” I said, which made me sound like a child getting between their parents.

“I know your reasoning, Max.”

“You do?”

“Yes, you’re afraid I’m going to hurt her again, but I’m not. I’ve changed.”

I scoffed. “You’ve changed?”

He passed an icy glare my way. “Yes.”

His features softened but refused to elaborate.

There was only one moment in time that convinced me he might be telling the truth, and that was when she went to Uncle Turo. You don’t get to go above us like that and not come out unscathed. I expected a major blowout, with Luca losing his shit, leaving us to pick up the pieces once again.

But Nico and I saw her come out of the basement, wrapped in his arms, her bare ass red and welted, and we knew she would be okay. He’d kept to his word until his rage boiled over not even twelve hours later when he heard about John. All the hopes of change drifted away with each outburst.

“Tell that to your anger complex.”

“Anger is an emotion like all the others. It’s the actions you take that make it differ.”

I brought my beer to my lips and let the bubbly drink fill my mouth, then swallowed again and again until my bottle was empty. I nearly choked as I glanced at the clock.

One minute, it’s early in the morning, and we’re forming a rescue party, then next, it’s time for bed. Where had all the time gone?

“Well, I’m off to bed.”

“Let her sleep, Max,” Nico said as I glided out the door.

I waved him away with my hand over my shoulder, then bounded up the stairs to her room.

Charity’s deep, steady breaths filled the hushed room as she slept on her side, her hands tucked beneath her pillow. I kneeled down beside her, studying her tranquil features.

Sadness crept in as I thought about how her life would’ve been had her brother not fucked up—had she not saved him from our wrath.

What would she have become?

Would she have married and had children? Or would her bloodlust bring her to a life of crime regardless of circumstance?

Thinking about Charity with a kid was a strange thought. She was great with Allie in Mexico, almost maternal-like.

Even though I’d never seen her interact with kids before, the image she’d conjured during that time had me picturing her belly swelling with my child. But that would never happen.

I kissed her forehead, causing her to stir in her sleep.

Even at nineteen, she thought of the future of others and what her actions may do to someone else with a maturity rivaling kids her age. She knew bringing a child into this world would not only be a bad idea, but I’m sure one that would have her slaying the world in its defense.

I stood and turned, but a warm, delicate hand grabbed me before I could take another step.

“Cuddle me, Max,” she said in a sluggish voice.

I took in a deep breath and slowly released it as I thought about the consequences of pressing my hard dick against her amorous body.

Stripping myself free of thoughts and clothes, I crawled in behind her, wrapped my arm around her waist, and cupped her breast with my hand.

Charity moaned and pressed her butt against my cock, using tiny movements to grind against me as I bit down on my tongue, staving off a groan.

Nico was right. She needed sleep. If we didn't kill the Senator in three days, war was imminent.

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