Total pages in book: 81
Estimated words: 79052 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 395(@200wpm)___ 316(@250wpm)___ 264(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 79052 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 395(@200wpm)___ 316(@250wpm)___ 264(@300wpm)
But once she saw the children, it all changed. Moments later, she was sitting in the sand, one child on her lap, the others all vying for her attention, regardless of their age. She was in her element, talking, exclaiming, asking questions. The kids all gazed at her in wonder. She was amazing with them.
Matteo chuckled beside me. “She is lovely, Damien. A natural with children.”
“She adores them.”
“You adore her.”
I glanced his way. “I would lay down my life for her.”
He clapped his hand on my shoulder. “I know. It’s good to see.” He heaved a sigh. “What happened was horrible. But it’s over. You have her in your life now. She can rest and recover here with us. Then you can decide where the future takes you.” He shook my shoulder in rough affection. “No rush, no deadlines. Just the sun, the sand, and good friends. This place is magical with its healing powers. I saw it with Evie and me. Missy and Marcus. Julian and Tally. It’ll do the same for you and Raven.” He paused then chuckled. “Although you might have trouble getting alone time with her if the kids have anything to say about it.”
I had to laugh. “Whatever makes her happy.”
“I think we found one thing already. Look at her smile.”
Raven glanced up, meeting my eyes. Hers were clear and bright. Happier and calmer than I had seen them since we pulled her out of that room. Perhaps even before that. I had never known her before the threat of Andy was in her life. Now it was gone, and we could concentrate on each other. I winked at her, and she smiled at me, content, at ease, and in her element. I looked forward to seeing that smile more now.
“Now, let’s take your bags to the guesthouse. You can settle in, and the girls have a huge welcome dinner planned for later.”
I grabbed our bags. We had packed light, planning on buying what we needed when here. Raven stood to follow, the children falling into step with her, not yet ready to let her go.
I didn’t hold back my grin. Matteo was right. I was going to have to fight for time with her for the next while.
But that fight I would happily lose. It was worth the happiness on her face.
RAVEN
The night air was balmy, the sky filled with stars. The water swirling around my feet was warm, the feel of it on my skin soothing. Across the water was the mainland, the subdued twinkle of the lights barely visible. Around me, the air was peaceful, the only sounds were the wind and water and the muted murmurs of the families that lived here. On occasion, the high-pitched giggle of a child would ring out as their parents readied them for bed. Or a name being called affectionately by a spouse.
I had never witnessed so much love. The serious, intense men who were involved in vigilante justice and could kill someone without blinking were not the men who inhabited this island. They became doting parents and loving, devoted husbands the moment they stepped on the sand. And they had all embraced Damien and me. I had met Gianna, Vince, Geo, and Lila. Alex and Roza were away on one of their many trips, but I looked forward to meeting them before I left. They were all kind and welcoming, although Gianna, Matteo’s sister, was more reticent. She stayed close to her husband, and Damien explained she’d suffered a huge trauma in her past that made her wary of new people. I hoped she would warm up to me, seeing how much we had in common. She loved to spend time with the children, the same as me. Their innocence and joy were a balm to my soul, and I suspected she felt the same way. The rest of the women were gracious, open, and warm, including me in everything. The men were protective and openly affectionate with everyone. The love of their wives was so plain and effusive, it was astounding.
I loved the sun, the peace, and the absence of the darkness that had been in my life before I met Damien.
I sighed as I sat on the sand. We’d been here a week. Only a week and yet it felt as if I was home. I liked the pace here. Each family had their own space, their privacy, yet daily, they gathered. You never had to be alone if you didn’t want to. This beach was the common area, and there were games and play sets, chairs, and tables. The men had built a large gazebo, covered and welcoming, with places to sit and read. Relax in the shade. Enjoy some peace or be surrounded by everyone. In the short time we had been here, I had already come to love them all, and I was going to miss them when we left.