Page 70 of Vow To The Devil

"Of course." I summon a smile, hoping to lighten the mood. "What would you like to hear?"

"Anything." She scoots over, patting the space beside her. "I just like listening to your voice."

My heart melts. I climb onto the bed, gather Solana close, and begin to read.

ChapterThirty

TALIA

Icontinue reading to Solana until she drifts off to sleep, her head resting on my shoulder. Carefully, I ease off the bed and tuck the covers around her. She looks so small and fragile, it's hard to believe the strength and spirit within her.

When I step out of the room, Dare is waiting in the hall, concern etched into his features. "How is she?"

"Asleep for now." I rub my temples, exhaustion seeping into my bones. "We need to talk about what you said in there, though."

He winces. "I know. I shouldn't have promised we'd keep her forever. I just..." He shakes his head. "Seeing her like that, so scared and vulnerable, I wanted to reassure her. But you're right, we can't make a commitment we may not be able to keep."

"You already said that you would take her home. That's asking for heartbreak, for both of you. She's already lost so much. I don't want to get her hopes up only to tear them down again." My voice wavers, and I swipe at my eyes. "She deserves stability. A real home."

Dare pulls me into his arms, one hand cradling the back of my head. "I know, sweetheart. We'll find her one, I promise. For now, we'll give her all the love and comfort we can. She's not alone in this."

I cling to him, drawing strength from his embrace. "What are we going to do, Dare? There are so many children who need help, and this is only the beginning."

He presses a kiss to my hair. "I'm sorry. I wish there was something that I could say to make you feel better, darling girl."

I shiver and press myself closer. For all my misgiving about Dare, he has always been my champion and my protector. I know that in his arms, I've finally refuge.

We go to Solana's hospital room, where she's curled up in bed, clutching a brand new stuffed rabbit. At the sight of us, her eyes light up.

"You came back!" She struggles to sit up, wincing. Bandages peek out from beneath her hospital gown, stark against her brown skin.

Dare rushes to her side, gently easing her back against the pillows. "Of course we came back. We told you we would, didn't we?"

Solana nods, then winces again. "My head still hurts. And my arm. The doctor said I have to stay here for a little longer." Her lower lip wobbles. "I don't want to be alone."

"You won't be alone," I promise, perching on the edge of her bed. I take her uninjured hand in mine, giving it a comforting squeeze. "We'll be here with you the whole time."

Dare nods. "Talia's right. We're not leaving you, Solana."

Her eyes fill with tears, and she throws her arms around my neck in a fierce hug. I clutch her close, blinking back my own tears. We've only known this little girl for a short time, but already I feel fiercely protective of her. I can see the same sentiment reflected in Dare's eyes.

Dare clears his throat, gaze fixed on the wall. "You can stay with us at least until we figure out where you are going permanently."

Solana peeks up at him, eyes wide with wonder. "Really?"

"Really," Dare says gruffly. He ruffles her hair, smiling. "We'll take really good care of you."

Solana beams, throwing her arms around Dare in a hug. He hugs her back awkwardly, clearly unused to such open displays of affection. But there's a softness in his eyes that wasn't there before as he holds the little girl close.

When Solana finally releases him, Dare clears his throat again and straightens his jacket. But he can't hide the smile tugging at his lips.

"Now, the doctor said you need to rest," he says, voice gruff again. "So no more excitement tonight. Talia and I will be back first thing in the morning."

"You promise?" Solana asks, clutching his hand.

Dare glances at me, eyes questioning. I give a slight nod, and he squeezes Solana's hand. "I promise. Now get some sleep."

Solana nods, stifling a yawn. Her eyes drift shut, and within minutes her breathing evens out as she falls asleep.

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