Page 228 of Redeemed

When he straightens, I find both boys gazing down at me. Tears fill my eyes when I realize there’s not a resentful bone in my body for what they just did to me. There’s no shame, either. I loved it. Hell, I want a round two, and I don’t feel bad about it.

“Haven.” Xander scoops me into his arms until I’m on his lap, and Lucas cocoons both of us with his big body.

“What’s wrong, little fawn?” Lucas asks.

“Nothing.” I kiss Xander. “Everything is perfect.”

“Then why are you crying?”

“Because it felt different. I don’t know how to describe it, it just did.”

With my hand wrapped around the back of his neck, I pull Lucas down until his face is an inch from mine. I hesitate right before I press my lips to his. Lucas has never kissed me before. If that’s not something he wants from me, I don’t want to force him into it.

“Different in a good way?” he asks.

“Yes,” I whisper.

Lucas brushes his nose against mine. “Good.”

Warmth wraps itself around me as they both tell me how proud they are of me, of how good of a job I did taking them both. And when Lucas lifts me off the ground, I realize I didn’t feel Isaiah’s hands on me once throughout the whole thing.

Haven

I’mnestledinbetweenXander and Lucas on the couch while a rom-com plays on the TV. It’s what I requested, and I thought for sure the boys would say no, but they agreed without protest.

Colton is sitting in his armchair by himself, and I wish he wasn’t. I think it would be difficult to cuddle all three boys at the same time, but I want to try. I don’t like that he’s lonely.

It’s nearing nine o’clock, and my punishment definitely wore me out. The boys are keeping me warm, and with Lucas gently running his hands through my hair, I’m having trouble staying awake. All I want to do is curl up in my cage, snuggle under my blanket, and sleep until the sun wakes me up.

That thought shocks me.

There’s no way in hell Iwantto get in that damn thing.

… Right?

But, as the movie continues, I realize I can’t fully convince myself of that. My cage has turned into something that represents an odd type of safety for me. When I’m locked in there, nothing is expected of me. I can’t do homework, I can’t scroll on my phone, I get to wear comfy clothes, and I don’t have to do whatever the guys want me to.

In my cage, I’m just me. And, in its own fucked up way, being locked up in there is freeing. I guess I do want it—as long as it’s Colt, Xan, or Luc who have the key. There isn’t anyone else I’d trust with something like that.

“Haven?”

Startled, I jump at Lucas’s voice. All three of the guys are staring at me with varying levels of concern. Xander is standing in front of the TV, remote in hand, and the movie credits are rolling behind him.

“What?” I ask.

Colton frowns. “Did you not hear me?”

“I… No, I’m sorry. I guess I was… thinking.”

“He asked if you’re ready for bed,” Xander says gently, moving closer so he can push some hair out of my face. “You look tired.”

Swallowing hard, I nod. “Sleep sounds nice.”

I move to get up, but before I can, Lucas has me in his arms. He stands with ease, and I don’t even bother fighting it. I press a kiss to his neck and close my eyes.

When they promised to take care of me months ago, I didn’t believe them. I thought I was walking into a prison of misery. And sure, these boys will spend all day degrading and using me. But when nighttime hits, they treat me like a fucking princess. The harshness in their eyes disappears, and it makes it easier for me to relax.

As Lucas carries me up the stairs, I realize that must be intentional. He knows how hard it is to rest when you don’t feel safe.

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