Page 106 of Waiting for Redemption

“I would kill to have that kind of energy at eight o’clock in the morning.” Ruby laughs as she falls back on her pillow.

“I don’t know. I think his energy is kind of infectious. I feel wide awake now.” I shrug, leaning over to kiss her neck. She smiles and lets out a pleased moan. “If you still need help waking up, I’d be happy to be of assistance.” I slide my hand into her sleep shorts, feeling that she’s already wet for me.

“But we have to get up and make breakfast,” she argues, opening her legs a little wider for me. I let out a hungry groan as she bites her lip, letting a small giggle escape her.

“Um, it seems as though my breakfast is wet and ready.”

* * *

“What is this place?” Hendrix asks, holding my hand as we walk with Maverick across the parking lot.

“This is where I like to come and hang out with some friends of mine every week. A lot of them served in the military just like me.” I stop, kneeling down to his height. “These people you’re about to meet are heroes. Some of them lost a lot trying to protect our country, so we’re going to be very respectful of them, understand?”

“Yes, sir.” Hendrix nods firmly, ironically saluting me.

“Let’s go then.” When we walk into the building I check in with the front desk and grab Hendrix a name tag. He takes his time looking around at everything before wandering into the dayroom. There are wheelchairs parked in front of the TV withWheel of Fortuneon, some guys are sitting in rocking chairs playing cards, and others are at tables studying their chess boards.

“Whoa, that guy has a robot arm!” Hendrix muses as Harold looks up from the table. I’d be a little worried by his wording if it were anyone but Harold.

“Well, what do we have here?” he asks, making Hendrix stiffen beside me.

“Hey, Harold, you figure out how to play this game yet?” I tease, walking over to him.

“Agh,Don cheats.” He waves a hand in front of him, reaching down to pet Mav. “Good boy,” he praises as Maverick lays down by his feet.

“This your boy, Tank?” Don nods to Hendrix again.

“Sure is. Hendrix, come meet my good friends Mr. Harold and Mr. Don.” I wave him over and he slowly makes his way across the room. Harold reaches out his prosthetic arm to shake Hendrix’s hand, making him look up at me with eyes as wide as saucers. I can’t help but smirk as I give him an encouraging nod. He reaches out to shake Harold's hand, but when Harold makes a fake zapping sound and jolts, Hendrix quickly pulls his hand back.

“Gotcha.” Harold smiles, making Hendrix laugh.

“Don’t scare the poor kid, Harry,” Don scolds him.

“Ah,he seems tough to me. Are you tough, kid?” Hendrix nods.

“Yes, sir. One day I’m gonna be as tough as my dad.” He looks up at me with a big grin, making my heart swell in my chest.

“Well, you already got the haircut for it, now you just need about 200 more pounds of muscle.” Harold slaps my arm, as he and Don start cutting up. It’s always the same with them.

You trying out for the next Avengers movie or something?

You get any bigger and you won’t fit through the doors anymore.

“Alright, that’s enough out of you two.”

“You know how to play chess, Hendrix?” Don asks, pointing to the board with only three pieces moved.

“Yes, sir. My uncle Max taught me.”

“Why don’t you put Harold out of his misery and take over.” Hendrix looks at Harold for approval before doing so.

“Be my guest.” Hendrix walks up next to Harold's chair and begins playing.

“Look at that, Harry. The kid’s doing better than you already.” I shake my head as I stand back watching Hendrix fall so comfortably into place here.

“How did you get your robot arm?” he asks, propping his face on his hand as he studies the chessboard.

“Well, my regular arm was no good anymore so they took it off and gave me this one,” Harold answers simply.

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