Page 46 of Unexpected Redemption

But her eyes.

Red-rimmed and coated with a sheen of tears.

“What’s wrong, sugar bear?” I ask in a hushed whisper as I exit the lair and close the door behind me.

Through a sniffle, she asks, “Are you okay?”

My chest growing tight, I take her hand and guide her into Mia’s empty office.Shehas one.

Probably not the best time for me to ask Boss for a space of my own.

As soon as I close the door, Lettie snakes her arms around my midsection and holds me close. Instinctively, I encircle her in an embrace while trying to figure out what’s got her upset. Why is she asking if I’m okay?

With my eyes closed and her delicate smell filling my lungs, I let her touch banish all the darkness brewing inside me.

She withdraws partially from the hug, affixing her gorgeous blue eyes on me. “Well? Answer me.”

“What are you talking about?”

She puckers her lips adorably. “Don’t be obtuse, babe.” Her eyes flick in the direction of the lair. “I saw that. Well, heard it, then I peeked and saw it. It took everything in me not to barge in there and punch him in the throat. Whether he’s my dad, my boss, or both.”

I realize what she’s talking about now, but I don’t want to dwell on it. She’s seen me weak far too often lately.

“We found Yev,” I offer, aiming to distract her.

Her jawline stiffens, and her eyes darken. “Don’t try to dangle something shiny in front of me when I’m worried sick about you.”

“I’m fine, sweetness.”

She cups my cheek with her silky palm, and I lean into it, soaking up her touch for every ounce of love it’s worth. My heart hurts less when she’s with me.

Her tone overflows with affection and solace when she says, “You’re a bad liar these days. I feel your pain as acutely as my own.”

“He’s entitled to his anger.” My hands trail over her back, reveling in her presence. “I’ll be okay. I promise.”

And I mean that. I will be. Because I have her.

She tilts her chin up, offering me her lips. An invitation I’ll never turn down. “Come here, babe.”

When our mouths meet, a seed blooms in my chest, quickly growing roots. The sensation is familiar but foreign.

Hope, perhaps?

As I work my lips over hers, the sprout blossoms until it’s large enough for me to identify.

Lettie’s kiss renews my spirit, giving me something stronger than hope.

Hope is a wish. Whether wishes come true is often out of our hands. As if we’re putting our desires out in the universe for intervention by some mystical fate.

That’s not what’s flourishing inside me now.

It’s faith.

Not in a religious way, but in the form of confidence. A belief in my ability to overcome. Conviction.

As Lettie’s continued presence in my life has shown, I’m capable of restoring what was once in ruins.

If I could win her back, then Icanrepair the damage I’ve done with her father.

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