Page 113 of Rescuing Rebel

“You need to give your leg time to heal. Focus on getting stronger. The rest will come in time.” I do my best to encourage her.

“I don’t have that luxury.” Rebel just gives me a cryptic look.

Her restless obsession with the past worries me, but perhaps one thing can provide solace. I visit Mitzy and collect the damaged records the day before Rebel is discharged.

When I enter Rebel’s room, she greets me as guardedly as ever. Wordlessly, I pass her the folded paper. Confusion knits her brow until she unfolds it.

“Sentinel?” Rebel frowns. “I don’t know what that means.”

“We don’t either.” I squeeze her hand. “But we’ll keep digging, see if it leads anywhere.”

Rebel nods, but the hope in her eyes fizzles out.

“I know how much it means for you to find Violet’s child. Guardian HRS will do everything possible to uncover leads on your niece or nephew.”

“You would do that? After everything I did?” Tears shine in Rebel’s eyes.

“Hey, look at me.” I tilt her chin up. “You’ve been fighting this battle alone for so long. You don’t have to carry this burden yourself anymore. Let me—let the Guardians—help shoulder it now.”

Rebel searches my face through her tears. Slowly, she nods, lips trembling but resolute.

I kiss her knuckles softly. “We’re going to find your family.” It’s the least we can do after all Rebel has sacrificed.

She grips my hand tightly, wordlessly at first. At last, she whispers roughly, “Thank you. For not giving up on me.”

I gently brush a tear from her cheek. “Never.”

“I don’t deserve you.”

“You deserve me more than you know.”

“Thank you,” she rasps. “Thank you for understanding and for forgiving me. What I did…leaving you…” Her eyes tear up. “It was the hardest thing I’ve ever done. I never knew you’d find me and rescue me again.”

No other words are needed.

FORTY-TWO

Ethan

Several Weeks Later

* * *

The setting suncasts a muted curtain of fire across the sky as it sinks into the ocean. I make my way up the coastal road toward my new quarters. It’s been another long day of training drills and tactical meetings at Guardian headquarters. My muscles ache pleasantly from being pushed hard.

Less than a week ago, I signed on the dotted line, making this place mine. My life with the Guardians has given me purpose, and sharing this space with Rebel makes it feel complete.

Stepping inside, I pause to take in the cozy interior. Late afternoon light slants through the windows, casting a warm, soothing glow. The faint scent of Jasmine tickles my nose—Rebel’s favorite soap.

A smile tugs my lips, and need stirs my cock to life.

Curled up on the sofa, her nose is buried in a book. An oversized sweater slips off one creamy shoulder, revealing the distinct absence of a bra.

I like that.

The dying light softens her features and sets her fiery curls ablaze. She looks up at my entrance, a pencil tucked behind her ear, and her face melts into a smile. In the warm light, she seems fragile, strung out by exhaustion and emotion.

I’m across the room in two strides and scoop her eagerly into my arms. She comes willingly, legs wrapping around my waist as our mouths find each other. We kiss hungrily, reuniting after a day apart. My pulse quickens, feeling her curves press against me.

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