We returned to the girls who were still in the foyer together, sitting side by side with their hands clasped together.

When Raven noticed Magnus approach, she rose to her feet, ready to listen to whatever he said.

“We’re going to hit the camp tomorrow night.” He spoke to her plainly and didn’t mince his words because she could handle it.

Melanie came up to me, but her eyes were on Magnus as she listened.

“And then what?” Raven shifted her gaze to me for a brief moment before she looked at him again.

“We’ll talk when we get home. Come on.” He moved to the front door, gave me a goodbye nod, and then walked out.

Raven followed.

I watched her go, my heartbeat loud in my ears.

Melanie stared at me, like she knew what I was thinking.

I walked out of the foyer and followed them.

Magnus was around the front of one of my cars, ready to open the driver’s door.

Raven’s back was to me.

I walked down to the middle step. “Raven.”

She stilled at the sound of my voice.

Magnus watched me before he shifted his gaze to her. Then he gave her a slight nod.

She slowly turned around and regarded me. War was still on her face. She didn’t like me, and she would never like me.

Fair enough.

But she closed the door and moved up the steps until she was closer to me but still at least six feet back.

The last time I’d spoken to her in private, I was vicious. I’d treated her like a dog. I didn’t do that now.

Magnus got into the car and shut the door, giving us privacy. He was no longer protective.

Because I would die for this woman in a heartbeat.

Her hostile eyes shifted back and forth as she looked at me, waited for me to say words that were long overdue.

“Thank you.”

Her eyes dimmed slightly.

“I couldn’t live without him.”

“I didn’t do it for you.” She kept her voice even despite all the rage she felt for me. It was difficult for her just to be near me because her disdain was so heavy.

“I know why you did it. And I’m glad that’s the reason.” He had a loyal woman who would take a bullet for him the way I would. Couldn’t ask for anything more. “I’m yours for life. Whatever you need—”

“I want the girls to be free.” Her eyes darkened at the request, furious, like she expected my answer to be no.

“I already said yes, but I didn’t do it for you.”

She sucked in a sharp breath, her eyes automatically welling up with tears of relief.

“My offer remains. You saved his life—mine is yours to claim.”

Her wet eyes took me in, shifting back and forth quickly. “Why?”

“Because you saved his life—”

“No. Why did you agree to free the girls? Magnus?”

It was for a lot of reasons, but I didn’t care to explain. “Because it was time. Time for us all to move on.”

Her fury remained, like that answer wasn’t good enough.

“I’m sorry—for everything.” I never apologized to anyone, so she had no idea how heavy that sentiment was.

It clearly meant nothing to her because she got in the car without looking back.

Magnus started the car, and they drove away.

I watched them go then heard the sound of heels approaching.

Melanie came to my side, her arm sliding through mine. “My sister has a long memory…”

I watched the car until the taillights disappeared. “I don’t expect her to care about a word I said. But I had to say it anyway. She has every right to hate me for the rest of her life. Wouldn’t expect anything less from her.”

“What’s happening?”

I turned to look at her. “We’re taking back the camp.”

“As in, your men are?” Fear danced on the surface of her eyes, wishing for an answer I wouldn’t give.

“Yes. Along with Magnus and me.”

“No…” Her hand released my arm as she stepped back.

“Chérie—”

“They killed everyone at the camp. I don’t want you going back there—”

“I have to.”

“Send someone else—”

“Chérie.”

Her eyes watered as she shook her head.

“Chérie.” My hand cupped her face, trying to calm her with my confidence. “I have to do this.”

“Why?” She turned her cheek into my hand, wanting the callused fingertips for comfort.

“Because I’m the best. So is Magnus.”

“I can’t live without you…”

“I can’t live without you either, chérie. I’ll come back.”

Tears that sparkled like diamonds dripped down her cheeks.

“Nothing will stop me from coming back to you. I will marry you. I will have a family with you. We will live the rest of our lives together—in peace and quiet.” I didn’t know who I was without my business, but looking at her told me who I would become. Husband. Father. Brother. We would be everything that I’d lost.

“Peace?” she whispered.

I nodded. “We’re taking back the camp for vengeance—and freedom.”

Realization came into her eyes. “You’re…you’re letting them go?”

Tags: Penelope Sky Chateau Romance
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