Page 52 of Redemption's Inferno

“You kept that hidden all these years,” Anya said sadly, “letting it eat at you. I wish you’d come to one of us, darling.”

Her lilting British accent held so much sadness Emilie reached over to squeeze her hand. “Mama, this wasn’t anyone’s fault. At first I was afraid, and then Therese was blackmailing me and I was overwhelmed and embarrassed. But it will never happen again—I know better now. Though I hope I’m never in a situation like that again.”

“Amen to that,” Karl muttered.

“This Therese person gives me the willies,” Misty spoke up, wrinkling her nose.

“Me too!” Emilie murmured.

“And you dated her for three years!” Kate smacked her husband’s arm.

He laughed. “I was 17 when we met! Geez. I got rid of her as soon as I realized that she wasn’t you.”

Kate rolled her eyes. “You didn’t know I existed when you were 20.”

“But I knew my soul mate was out there and it wasn’t her.” He gave her a sweet smile that made everyone laugh.

“So tell me what I’ve missed!” Emilie said, hoping to change the subject.

“Well, duh…” Jamie held out his left hand, showing the wedding ring on his finger.

“You got married without me!” she pouted, giving Viggo a look.

“You left without warning and I proposed without warning,” he chuckled. “But we’re planning a party—a reception of sorts, for friends and family who weren’t there and because we didn’t have one.”

“And because we like to party,” Jamie said dryly.

“That too,” Viggo grinned.

“How’re things at the club?” Chains asked Joe.

“Good. Definitely too much work for a guy my age,” he laughed. “Those late nights are not for me.”

“Lots of new things happening,” Becca said to Emilie. “In a couple of days, when you’re not jet-lagged, we’ll have to meet and catch up.”

Conversation changed to other topics and everyone dispersed into smaller groups. Joe, Dante and Viggo moved off with Chains, obviously ribbing him about dating Emilie, and Kate and Anya took the twins inside to change their diapers. Emilie changed into a bathing suit and took Simone into the pool, anxious to spend time with her and get back into their normal routine.

“She missed you,” Jamie said, sitting on the edge of the pool and letting his legs dangle in the water. “She asked for you every night.”

“I know.” Emilie hugged the toddler again. “I missed her like crazy, but I had to figure out what I’d done—or didn’t do—because I wasn’t able to function anymore. It was nothing but nightmares and guilt and pain and insanity.”

“I know, doll. I’m sorry you had to suffer like that.”

“You and I need to have a private conversation,” she said under her breath. “With Viggo and Chains, of course, but I don’t want to do it when we have guests. Later tonight, just the four of us, okay? Don’t look so sad. What I have to say will make you happy. Promise.”

He looked like he was going to protest but he simply nodded. “Okay. Tonight then.” He started to get up but she put her hand on his knee. “Stay. Talk to me. How’s your back?”

Jamie sat down again but looked away. “Ugly as fuck.”

“Have you started the tattoo?”

He nodded. “Yeah, but to cover my whole back will take time.” His attack earlier in the year by a group of men disgusted he was involved with another man had carved the word “faggot” into the skin on his back. It was fully healed now, so he was getting his entire back covered in tattoos but he still hated it and always wore a shirt now unless he and Viggo were alone.

“I have an idea for that,” she said. “But we’ll talk about it later. Can I see what you’ve got so far?”

“Later,” he said. “I just… I’m not comfortable with it yet. My back, not the tattoos.”

“I know.” She rested her free hand on his leg. “Jamie—what is it? You look so sad.”

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