Page 6 of Benedict’s Rejuvenation (Dark Patriots #5)

I watched Kensy bawling into her sister’s shirt. I wanted to go to her, but she needed her sister at the moment. I looked at Beau and Reed.

“How can someone do what he did to her, and God knows how many before her? And then to sell people to others, who, let’s face it, are likely worse than he was. I need to do something, but killing him isn’t enough. What can I do to help her?” I needed to know.

“You be there for her. If she needs a friend, then you be a friend. If she needs a sparring partner, a shoulder to cry on, whatever, you be it. You can help dismantle this organization and others like it if the opportunity arises. And when the time is right, you let her see what she means to you and that you’re there as more than a friend. ”

Beau’s words registered, and I jerked as I made eye contact with him. “Beau, I don’t know what you’re—”

“I’m gonna stop you right there. I see how deeply you’re already invested in her.

It’s been hours, Ben. I recognize the symptoms. I was the same with Keeley.

Unfortunately, in your case, you’ll have to bide your time.

I have no clue how long it’ll take her to heal.

If you’re not able to hold out until she does, then walk away and stay away.

She doesn’t need to be hurt. Either give her all your loyalty and fidelity now or go,” Beau told me sternly but not unkindly. He was stating facts.

I knew that my stupid attempt at a denial hadn’t fooled anyone, not even me.

I’d realized a lot of things over these past several hours, especially after I watched Kensy get revenge on her kidnapper and rapist. I recognized that the moment I laid eyes on her in this basement, when she tried to hide from me in fear, something had changed inside me.

The heart that I thought was only soft for my sister and her kids.

The heart I believed had been hardened to almost stone by what I’d seen and done since I was a kid began to beat, to be rejuvenated.

It was about to heal and open up because of the beautiful, tortured woman before me.

And I would give her all my care, time, and love.

Hopefully, one day, I’d be lucky enough to call Kensington Mills mine.

Until that day, I had plenty of soulless fuckers to take my anger out on. I looked at Beau and made my vow.

“I’m not going anywhere. I’ll be here no matter how long it takes.”

“Good,” Beau said as he smiled and slapped me on the back.