Kennedy's Redemption (The Protectors 3)

“Oh,” she whispered with a smile. “This is all mine?” she asked in awe, waving her hand at the tub. Nodding his head, she squealed again.

“What the hell is going on?” they heard hollered up from downstairs. She looked slightly upset for about half a second before her smile returned.

Going to the small cabinet in the corner by the tub, Creed pulled out the salts and bubble bath Emily had also picked up for her. Setting them on the steps he told her, “Help yourself to what you like, Sunshine, and I’ll go calm his ass down.”

When he turned to leave, she jumped on his back. Caught off guard, they almost went to the floor. Wrapping her arms and legs around him she kissed the back of his neck and whispered a heartfelt thank you before sliding down and busying herself with choosing a scent she liked.

He watched her for a moment as she hummed her pleasure. Seeing her happy like this was something he could get used to.

Making his way back downstairs, he saw Linc was still at the bottom waiting for an answer. “She found the tub,” was all he said in passing. The huge grin that took up residence on Linc’s face told him he understood.

·?•? ?•?·

She’d never seen something so spectacular. Her parents had a gorgeous home, but this? This was amazing. The colors, the décor, the feel of it all. It felt right. A huge part of that was due to her men. They made her feel again. They made her analyze before hiding. She didn’t think they knew just what they had done for her but she did, and one day she’d find a way to show them exactly how much she loved them.

Starting the water and getting it to the right temperature, she added the cucumber melon bath salts. Waiting for the tub to fill she rifled through the medicine cabinets looking for a comb and toothbrush, not sure where her bag was and wanting to feel half-way human. Not seeing what she was looking for she decided to wait and ask after she relaxed.

Undressing slowly, she folded her clothes and placed them on a chair behind the door, shocked when she saw a full-length mirror on the back. The scars on her back practically glared at her. The white jagged lines pulsing with every beat of her heart.

Lowering her eyes, she fought the nausea she felt every time she saw them. They were the worst she had. Brought on by a thick leather belt or strap of some sort. She remembered each lash vividly as if it were happening again. Breathing deeply, she stood up to face her biggest fear.

Loving herself again.

They haunted her.

Their smooth edges.

It was something she feared she’d never be able to look at again. Unless… an idea formed. She’d asked Linc and Creed about it but had never really fully decided. With the idea firmly planted in her mind, her eyes opened and she dared her scars to mock her.

This time she could picture them with color, with life. With words of strength and devotion. She refused to play the victim any longer. Refused to allow her demons to determine her future.

From that moment on she vowed she would be a survivor.

A warrior to empower victimized women everywhere.

·?•? ?•?·

Darting up the stairs like some love-struck teenager, Linc slowed to a soft step when he heard gentle humming coming from behind the master suite doors. Quietly opening them, he watched as Kennedy hummed a melody he couldn’t quite catch and swayed around the room in a happy dance.

Her naked hips moving side to side held him hypnotized. His eyes were locked on her small, round ass. Something was different about her. He couldn’t quite put his finger on it but she radiated sensuality and confidence in a way he had yet to see from her.

His cock instantly hardened and he wanted to devour her. Adjusting his now too tight jeans, he quietly backed away from the door in search of Creed.

Finding him locking the house up he told him, “Dude, I don’t know what happened but that woman up there is something from a wet fantasy.” He had to wipe his mouth to be sure he wasn’t drooling just thinking about the way she had been moving.

“What are you talking about?” Creed asked him, clearly confused.

“Just come here; I can’t explain it.”

Going back upstairs quietly, he still heard her lilting voice. Slowly pushing the door open he again took a peek inside. Seeing her brushing her hair now with one of their shirts on was even sexier. She was still doing the little side to side hip thing. The shirt would raise just enough to tease him.

Pointing in the room to where she was at, Linc motioned for Creed to look. He immediately went rigid and his breathing picked up too.

“Holy fuck,” he whispered.

“You see it?” Linc asked him.

“Fuck yeah. I’ve never seen anything so stunning,” he whispered in awe.