Page 58 of Unexpected Redemption

Sawyer pats my upper back. “Talk to me, T. You all right?”

Aaron piles on but with a different type of support. Tough love. “Need you back with us, T. Not the time for a breakdown.”

That does it.

Frame stiffening, I rub my palms over my thighs as if metaphorically wiping my hands clean of this for the time being.

Aaron’s right. We have a fuckface maggot in the back who needs my undivided attention in a few minutes when we get back to base.

If Lettie hasn’t figured it out yet, then it can wait a bit longer.

No sweat.

Chapter 11

Little kitty (the real hero)

LETTIE

My feet dangle off the edge of the desk, swinging back and forth. The rocking motion soothes me. My chest swells with cleansing breaths in the peaceful silence of Mia’s office. She and Klein will send Tomer in as soon as he gets upstairs. Should be any minute.

I needed a second alone to clear my mind.

When they brought Yev inside the building, I decided that was enough screen time for me for the day. Knowing he was in the same building as me caused a bevy of emotions to rush through me. In no more than sixty seconds, I experienced a full trauma response with all the physical symptoms to go along with it. Cold sweat, blurry vision, noises around me sounding far away, dizziness, andmore of that lovely nausea that has been my constant companion for a solid week.

To avoid causing a scene that would ultimately distract everyone in the lair from their important tasks, I excused myself. Mia suggested I wait in her office.

For the last few minutes, I’ve calmed down thanks to Simone’s breathing and grounding techniques. Initially, I told myself I’d do them just to humor her, without expecting they’d work. I’ve been pleasantly surprised by how effective they are at steadying me.

After suppressing the panic, I distracted myself further by texting Stella to set up a video chat with her tonight. At least that called her off for now. Gonna have to face the music.

Ultimately, it’s my life, and I’m sure she’ll respect that.And that’s what I’m telling myself until I can no longer live in denial. Most likely, that will be tonight.

Butterflies flutter in my belly when I hear male voices coming down the hall. One voice in particular stands out, bringing a grin to my face and an extraoomphto my swinging legs. I’m tempted to open the door and yank him in as he passes, but I wait. It’s possible I’m intentionally edging myself like a masochist.

By the time he busts in through the door, my entire body is vibrating. How does he do this to me? It’s not like this is a new relationship, but I suppose it is. Without any walls between us, my love for him has reached new heights.

His turquoise eyes find mine instantly, trepidation dulling their shine. My arms extend as if they’re compelled by magic to reach for him. I want him to know that I’m not scared of him or what I saw. I love him even more. I’m overjoyed that he was able to get a little bit of vengeance against that horrid man, and so freaking proud he was able to hold off from killing him. I know he could have. The rest of them knew it too. But he was totally in control.

So proud.

He wastes no time accepting my offered embrace. An honest-to-goodness sigh leaves me when his strong arms encircle my back.

He’s safe.

And the world is a little safer with Yev off the streets. Because of this man and the people here.

His vest is rigid and uncomfortable against my cheek, so I draw my head back and crane my neck to look at him. The way he searches my face to determine my reaction is heartbreaking. The apprehension tugs on his features, giving him an air of sadness.

Beaming at him with a toothy smile, I unlock one arm and touch his face. With a gentle pass over his cheek, I gradually trail my palm over his chin and settle my hands on the sides of his neck. My fingertips creep toward his nape.

I’m unsure why I can’t find any words. It’s unlike me to be quiet in situations like this. Well, in all situations, truthfully. All I can do is smile and caress him to convey my love.

I suspect he can’t find the words either.

He nods, conveying he understands my silent message. Gradually, the sparkle returns to his eyes.

I’m the first one to find my voice. “You did good, babe. I’m proud of you.”

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