“Were they hurt?”
“Not to the extent of what just happened. It escalated with Raven.”
“You give this to Marcus and Julian?”
“Yes. They’re going to make sure a complete investigation is done and anyone who needs it gets help. Financially or mentally. They told me to show you and then you could move on, knowing the why. He was mentally unstable and fixated on a certain type. Unfortunately, he had the wealth and talent to do something about it.”
I stood. “Had is the operative word. He’s gone. He can’t hurt her or anyone else again.”
“Nope.”
I stuck out my hand. “Thanks for everything, Egan. You’ve been amazing.”
He stood and hugged me. “You are my friend. And soon to be my cousin. Of course.”
“Sofia know about the cousin thing yet?”
“No. I like to prepare. She’s like building a bomb. One careful piece after another. Each one perfect.” He grinned. “And I am excellent at building a bomb. She will be my greatest detonation. Fireworks like never before seen.”
I laughed and headed back upstairs. I had a feeling Sofia had no idea what she was up against.
And I hoped Egan got his wish. With him beside her, I wouldn’t have to worry about her happiness, safety, or anything. I knew him well enough to know that. I hoped she could see that too.
CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE
Damien
The look of sheer delight on Raven’s face as we approached the island let me know I’d made the right decision in bringing her here. We’d traveled with Julian and Marcus, the private plane making her comfortable as they suggested. She still shied away from bright lights, loud noises, and strangers. Even going for a walk caused her anxiety. She clung to my side, pressed as close to my body as she could when people would walk our way. She’d been unable to return to work at the camp, and Deb had told her the replacement they hired wasn’t as much fun to work with, although she understood why Raven wasn’t coming back.
She needed time, space, and love to recover, and I planned on giving her all of them. Leo and Egan were running Elite in my absence, Egan thrilled to be donning a suit and looking businesslike and professional. He informed me Sofia liked that look, so he was going with it. He carried a briefcase and made sure that she saw him as often as possible in his business attire.
“I wear her down. Brick by brick,” he told me. “The wall is going.”
Sofia, of course, had no comment on the subject, although I noticed her softening toward him.
“It’s so beautiful,” Raven murmured, bringing me back to the present.
I held her close, her back pressed to my chest. I had my arm wrapped around her tight, and I gripped the rail of the boat to keep us upright. I lowered my head and pressed a kiss to her cheek. “Almost as beautiful as you.”
She laughed softly, squeezing my arm. I glanced down, pleased to see the welts and bruises beginning to fade. I hoped the sun, peace, and beauty of this place helped the memories fade as well.
We arrived and were greeted enthusiastically by the crew. Missy, Tally, and Evie were all smiles and welcoming hugs. Matteo shook my hand and waited until Raven extended hers before approaching her. He was still larger-than-life, his presence intense, his countenance serious. But his voice was gentle and careful while interacting with Raven. I appreciated his holding back, knowing he would make Raven nervous.
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.