Page 290 of Unexpected Heroine

Mia shimmies her shoulders. “I do love a good challenge.”

Chapter 54

The brightest spots

LETTIE

For the first time in days, my heart isn’t in pain. It’s my muscles that ache, but only in the best way. A delicious soreness that comes from being pounded into the mattress. Hallelujah.

It’s hard to believe this day started with me contemplating murder and then continued with me embarrassing myself in front of a conference room full of strangers. When I look back on today, those won’t be the events I recall. Not even how I tossed my cookies minutes after coming face to face with my birth father.

It’ll be the love. And the most passionate lovemaking.

There’s a soft knock at my door, making my heart skip a beat. As I glide toward the door, a sense of giddiness bubbles in my chest. Is it him?

Silly to wish for that, considering how busy he must be at Redleg. Yet I hope it’s him all the same.

The sting of disappointment when I see Sabrina through the peephole is only a momentary blip since I like her.

I open the door, wearing a genuine smile. “Hey, girl.”

Her stoic demeanor is a little jarring. “Can we talk?”

A chill runs down my spine. “Sure. Want to come in?”

Nodding, she breezes into my room. Not sure what’s going on with her, but she’s acting like she’s got a burr in her saddle.

I gesture to my mini fridge and stash of protein bars, nuts, and chips. “Something to drink? A snack?”

She waves me off, lowering to a chair. “Nah, I’m good.”

Taking her cue, I join her at the small table. “What did you want to talk about?”

“Did you have a guy here today?” Her tone is harsh, entirely at odds with how she’s been since I arrived several days ago.

And her words are very blunt.

“Um, yes. Is that a problem?”

Instead of answering, she asks a question of her own. “Who was it?”

Searching my memory bank, I recall the rules I signed when I moved in. Visitors were fine, but male visitors were a touchy subject, so additional rules were in place. They aren’t allowed to ever be left alone in the facility. It’s essential they pass a security check and aren’t the abuser who sent the woman to the shelter.

Oh, and we were supposed to keep to our private rooms to avoid upsetting other girls. I didn’t break any rules, but the accusation in her expression makes me feel guilty.

“It was Tomer. My boyfriend.”

Her eyes narrow brutally, judgment and condemnation swirling over her.

I quickly add, “He was the one who saved us.”

She draws her tongue over her lips, gaze flicking to the ceiling. “I get that, and I’m grateful for what he did.”

“But?”

“Seeing him here was upsetting for some of the girls.”

My exhale flutters out on a shaky breath. “I’m sorry. We didn’t mean to upset or trigger anyone. Who do I need to apologize to?”

---