Page 48 of Veiled Vengeance

Glancing up, I notice Asher listening in on our conversation.

“I just can’t help but wonder.” I fiddle with my hands in my lap.

Rio stops me by interlacing his fingers with mine. “I know. And one day, they may tell us. But for now, a win is a win.”

The curiosity of my brain doesn’t shut off just yet. “Was there anyone else in the house?”

“There was.” His mouth thins in displeasure.

“Where are?—”

“They were killed before I could get to them. It seems Anthony’s policy is to leave no survivors. People are just a commodity to him, and our planet is busting at the seams with his chosen merchandise. He believes he can afford to kill a few because he knows he can easily replace them.”

I trace circles on the back of his hand with my thumb. “You tried—that counts for something. Don’t blame yourself.”

Rio’s jaw tenses visibly. “I’m not. I’m fuming that someone like Anthony still walks around as a free man. He doesn’t deserve to breathe fresh air. He doesn’t deserve to experience this life while he ruins it for so many others. He’s a dead man. Vengeance will come to him soon.”

My eyes lock with Asher’s in the rearview mirror as he drives the van. The fury stirring there tells me all I need to know.

He plans on putting a bullet in Anthony’s skull.

The restof the ride is silent. We stopped at St. Barnabas so Elena could check each of the children. She said that Noah’s scar will fade over time but will probably always be visible. Noah let slip that one of Anthony’s men cut him with a broken beer bottle. He didn’t offer more detail than that.

She tested all three kids for every sickness, disease, and infection under the sun. Besides being slightly dehydrated, they’re all healthy.

We left Elena in the late morning and decided to take the kids out for ice cream. The stop at the ice cream shop was supposed to be short, but Margaret wanted to try every flavor. Zane wasn’t able to say no to her—anyone who can is heartless. The teenager managing the shop was more than happy to indulge Margaret in her every whim.

Now, the kids are snuggled together on the floor of my living room, watching a movie. Their ice cream is smeared all over their mouths, and they each wear a smile on their faces.

Dahlia sits next to August with her arm around his shoulders. Her aura is lighter now that she has August by her side. I never noticed the air of sadness that followed her everywhere before.

Hayes sits on the other side of Dahlia. His gentle, firm foundation gives Dahlia the confidence and security she needs to enjoy this time with her son. He constantly cracks jokes that force innocent giggles from August, Noah, and Margaret.

The guys and I lurk in the kitchen, observing the Hallmark scene taking place in my living room. We should probably give them some space, but I think we’re all a little wary of leaving the kids alone so soon.

The kids finish their ice cream and finally drift off to sleep just after lunch. They lean against each other, with Margaret in the middle, and hold each other’s hands.

Hayes leaves Dahlia, who is watching August sleep, and tiptoes over to us in the kitchen. “I want to take them home.” He holds a hand up as we prepare to argue. “Anthony is going to be looking for you, and he’ll come ready to fight. It’s not fair to put these kids in the middle when they just got away from all that shit.”

Zane raises his brows. “Where would you take them that’s safer than here?”

“My home in Boston.” Hayes crosses his arms.

My lips twist into a frown. “I thought you lived here in the city.”

“I do, but I’m from Boston. My parents live there and pay for very expensive security.” Hayes directs his last sentence to the guys.

What the fuck is going on?

Asher, Rio, and Zane exchange looks, participating in a secret conversation that only they understand. They give Hayes a nod, which is all the confirmation he needs.

I really need to purchase that damn book, “How to Decipher the Grunts and Gestures of Cavemen.” I’m tired of being left out of these exchanges.

Hayes pulls out his phone and gives us his back, but we can still hear his conversation. “Kieran, I need a ride home, and I’m bringing a few guests.” He nods his head as the man on the other end of the line speaks, then hangs up without so much as a goodbye.

Ugh. Men.

Hayes stows his phone in his pocket and informs us, “My bodyguard will be here soon. We’ll be on the road in a couple of hours.”

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