Page 25 of Vengeful Pawn

Coral and Charlotte are technically wards of the state of Florida due to the living situation with their uncle, after the death of their parents.

“Yeah, they could,” he replies, and when our eyes meet, it’s obvious that he’s thinking the same thing. “If you wanted to.”

“Do you?” I formed a close connection with the girls from the first day I met Charlotte. It feels like a lifetime ago.

Hendrix hesitates, blowing out a breath, and I suddenly feel foolish. It’s not like we’ve decided to be together. He doesn’t owe me this type of commitment.

“It’s okay. It was a silly idea,” I say, closing my eyes, letting him off the hook, and resting as instructed.

CHAPTER 17

Hendrix

Ifucked up. Royally. She gave me the perfect opportunity to convince her I’m interested in a relationship, and I remained silent. Not because I’m opposed to the idea of making the sisters a permanent part of our family, I’m not. They’re both incredibly sweet and resilient after all they’ve gone through. It’s me. I’m afraid to fuck them up even more, to be the reason they falter. To have them feel like being part of our family leads to destruction.

Enhancing their life is the goal. Whether it’s with us, another family, or they age out of the system and flourish on their own.

It’s the middle of the night now. Coral has been passed out in bed with Mia since around nine. After getting them both to eat something. Mom and Dad brought Charlotte around about an hour before that and stayed for a bit. When they left, Charlotte remained with us, not wanting to leave her sister just yet and hesitant to ask for what she needed.

With encouragement from me and Mia, she ate a little bit after the other two had finished. She’s now on the cot that was brought in for me, not wanting her to be uncomfortable. Ihaven’t been able to think of sleeping, either, because I need to know who the asshole is that hurt Mia before ever resting again.

Getting Coral to open up to me about who was there and who he was looking for has been difficult. She’s traumatized and badgering her for answers won’t help anyone.

For the last few hours, I’ve been looking at houses in both Pensacola and Mobile. Mia should have options, and if this is something I can take off her plate, I’ll do it. And surprisingly, Castle was helpful when inquiring about her style preferences.

She favors more outdoor space than indoor space. A vegetable and fruit garden is a must, with lots of space to plant flowers and create an outdoor living area. The baby and both girls will need their own bedrooms, plus more, so we can expand our family.

A suite with our own bathroom, closets, and seating area is crucial for me. Spending time with Mia is my top priority.

“Why are you still awake?” Mia’s sleepy voice pulls me from the laptop screen.

“Can’t sleep when someone has hurt you, but I can’t leave until I know all three of you are safe, either.” We still don’t know if the man who attacked Mia was one of the girls’ other uncles looking for revenge.

“We’re alright, Hendrix. You can sleep because you won’t be useful to anyone if you’re too exhausted to function.”Christ, I love how strong she is.

Moving to the side of the bed where Coral feigns sleep, I sit next to Mia’s hip, lean forward a hair away from her lips, and whisper, “I wasn’t there to protect you when you needed me. Let me do this.” Pressing forward, our lips meet, and for a split second, I forget the world around us, hoping she does, too.

“Okay, Hendrix. Tonight, you can be our knight. Tomorrow, you sleep.” She points a finger at me and arches a brow.

I know a demand when I hear one. “Yes, ma’am.”

With one last kiss and the assurance she has everything she needs before fixing the blanket on Charlotte’s sleeping body, I take my seat again. Apparently dozing off after putting a bid in on a house in a gated community in Pensacola. The plan is to close quickly and get the nominal amount of furniture in before the week is out. It’s likely not possible, but I offered several thousand dollars extra in cash beyond the price of the house.

The smell of caffeine hits me before my eyes open, and the sound of quiet female laughter fills the air, warmth spreading throughout my chest. I groan as I roll my neck, cracking the stiffness out of it.

“Good morning, sleepy head.” Hadley’s chipper voice is not one I expected.

“Hi, squirt.” She tosses a wrapped breakfast sandwich at me before Charlotte hands me a cup of coffee. “Where’s Ashton?”

Her man and I got off on the wrong foot when they started seeing each other, but I like to think we’re friendly now. He loves Hads and has proven it every day they’ve been together. Can’t begrudge him anymore.

“He had a meeting at one of the clubs. Mom and Dad drove me. They went to harass the doctors about when we can spring the prisoner here.”

Mia is sitting up in bed, with Coral and Charlotte sitting on either side of her as the three of them share a breakfast of pancakes and bacon.

“Do you girls want to go down to the cafeteria and grab something more?” My dad being here has me a little more willing to leave Mia for a brief period, but they both shake their head no.

“Relax, Hendrix. I swear, we’re all fine.” Even in my darkest thoughts, she hears everything I don’t say.

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