Page 53 of Ruthless Redemption

Once Matthew returns, I’ll have to risk speaking to him about our plans in Denver. I won’t let him drag this on any longer. Two days has been enough.

“He’s here.” Bishop pushes from the railing and returns the cell to his jacket.

I stiffen at the faint rumble of a car carrying from the front of the house. A door slams, increasing my anticipation.

Then another.

And another.

And another.

I sit taller. “How many guests are there?”

“Why?” Bishop waggles his brows. “Are you getting excited that it might be a gang bang?”

Fuck you.

“What’s going on?” I demand.

“Wait five seconds and you’ll find out.”

Footsteps carry around the side of the house. Fast. Light. Someone is running.

I shove to my feet and rush to the railing to peer into the yard. A young girl runs onto the lawn, her long dark hair flowing behind her back.

My heart stops. Breath evacuates my lungs. “Stella?”

“Mom?” She glances around the backyard.

“Up here, little fish.” I tremble, my hands shaking, my throat drying as she swings around, her face tilted skyward.

She beams a smile at me, then runs for the stairs. All I can do is stare while my knees threaten to buckle.

I glance to Bishop in question. In confusion.

He smirks. “Aren’t you glad you brushed your teeth?”

“You’re such an asshole.” A sob clogs in my throat.

He starts for the living room, sliding the door closed behind him as Stella reaches the top step.

Her pace increases. She flings her arms wide while I rush to meet her halfway. “Surprise.”

I close my eyes, hugging her tight, nestling my face in her hair. “What are you doing here?”

“Aunt Keira took me out of school. She said I deserve a few days off.”

My heart skips another beat. “Aunt Keira?” I pull back to read her expression.

“Yeah.” She leans toward the railing to stare into the yard below. “I think she misses you.”

My stomach bottoms as I follow her gaze, finding my sister on the lawn. Longing isn’t what stares back at me though. It’s indifference. Sterility. From herand Decker at her side.

I don’t bother glancing toward Hunter and Sarah, who close in a few feet behind them. I’m not wearing enough clothes to withstand their arctic chill.

The only one who looks at me with any civility is Matthew, who prowls around the mini crowd toward the stairs. Watching. Supervising.

I’m not sure if he’s trying to determine if I’m okay or if I’m about to run off with my child. Because I could. Skipping town is an option now that Stella is here. But only if I had the intention of letting her live on the streets.

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