Page 341 of Redeemed

Haven is laughing as we move down the road as one. I’m pretty sure this is the happiest she’s been since we rescued her.

I wish Isaiah could see her like this. First, so the bastard could finally get it through his head that she’s ours, not his. But second, so he could see how much better off she is without him. She’s protected, cherished, and free.

But I don’t let my thoughts linger on Isaiah for long. He’s dead, and that’s the best revenge I can give Haven. Now it’s time to help her continue to find herself again.

Haven

August

‎

“Dad!Fortheloveof god, let me help you.”

“Oh, I’m fine,” Phil says. “Go sit with the others. Luc and I have got this.”

With an exasperated huff, Xander tries to take a plate full of raw hamburger patties from his dad. Phil dodges him and lightly hits Xander in the shins with his cane.

“Hey!” he exclaims. “That’s child abuse!”

“Pretty sure that only counts if you’re still an actual child, Xan,” Lucas says from where he’s standing in front of the grill.

Colton and I exchange amused smiles. We’re sitting next to each other on a picnic blanket in Phil’s backyard. Rachel is in front of me while I braid her hair, which is just about the only thing I’ve done all afternoon. Whenever I finish, she runs inside to look at herself in the mirror before dashing out and begging me to do another style.

I start my job as a social worker next week. The boys made sure I knew that I didn’t have to work, but I don’t think any of them actually expected me to stay home. They know how important this job is to me. I may not be able to save my siblings yet, but that doesn’t mean I can’t help other kids.

It took a while to feel safe enough to leave the house without one of them with me, but I got there eventually. My anxiety isn’t gone, but between Athelia, the guys, and my therapist, I’ve found some ways to calm myself in the moment. It also helps that the men who wanted to kill me are all dead.

“Sit,” Phil says firmly, batting Xander away with his cane when he won’t stop hovering. “Rachel can help set the table once Haven is finished with her hair.”

“Awww, Dad, why doIhave to be the one to do it?” Rachel whines.

“Becauseyou’renot on vacation.”

Rachel grumbles under her breath, and I laugh.

“How about I help you?” I suggest. I know Phil will disapprove, but he can’t order me around the way he can Xander. And if he tries to hit me with that cane…

Well, let’s just say he knows better than that.

“Really?” Rachel asks, perking up.

“Why not?”

She grins. “Sweet.”

Colton leans in and kisses my shoulder. “You’re too good for us.”

“Oh, I know.” I tilt my head and fit my mouth to his in a chaste kiss.

“Gross!” Rachel throws herself away from us.

I roll my eyes. “Whatever. Let’s go set the table.”

As I pass by Lucas, I give him a quick kiss. Xander is leaning against the table on the patio, and when I get close enough, he pulls me into him. He kisses me softly before letting me go, but I feel his eyes on me until I disappear into the house after Rachel.

“Do you have to leave?” Rachel asks as we grab plates.

“You’ve still got a whole six days with us.”

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