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I couldn’t bear to wake Raine this morning, she needs her sleep. She might think she’s unstoppable, but she needs to rest for a while. It’s easy to forget that even the brightest stars need to recharge.

After checking in on Howard and Linda, I proceed to my office. Raine’s words from yesterday linger in my mind. They spark a whirlwind of thoughts. Could I truly be happy if I let it all go? Would that be the key to finding what I really need? Or has this way of life woven itself into the very fabric of who I am? I doubt it was what I was doing that bothered me, more who I was doing it for. I need to consider everything thoroughly before the meeting.

To take my mind off it, I check my emails. The first one I open is from the coroner. They are releasing Rose’s body, to lighten the load for Raine and Howard, I gave them my details. Raine doesn’t need more on her mind right now, Howard is still in an induced coma, and we have no clue when they will be taking him out. It would be truly cruel to have her funeral without him.

I’m deep in thought when my phone suddenly buzzes, jolting me out of my thoughts. It’s Jeff, and for once, he brings me good news. He’s located my sister. But before I can let myself feel hopeful, he adds that he wants to check everything out first to ensure it’s all legitimate before he shares the details with me. I can hardly wrap my head around it, the possibility of seeing her again after all this time. She was the driving force behind everything I did. Even if she wants nothing to do with me, I just need to know she’s safe and ok. The thought of finally having some answers sends a rush of emotions through me. My hands tremble as I drink my coffee, my thoughts going to the what if’s.

Anxiously attempting to clear my mind, I leave my office, and proceed upstairs to check on Raine. She’s not in the bed when I get there, but I can hear singing coming from the bathroom. Quietly, I make my way to her, not wanting to frighten her.

She’s in the shower singing her heart out to some song I don’t recognize, fuck! This woman amazes me, even after everything she has endured, she can still find happiness amongst the chaos. I don’t want to burst her bubble just yet and tell her about her mom’s body being released. I will tell her after my surprise today.

I clear my throat to get her attention. She turns to look at me with a wide grin.

“I knew you were there.”

“Did you now?” I answer with a smirk.

“If you want your surprise, you better get your ass in gear,” I say with a playful laugh. I have never seen anyone move so quickly. She shuts off the water and walks past me naked, she doesn’t even bother to grab a towel. Awkwardly following her, I grab the towel, wrapping it around her shoulders, before kissing her on the cheek. “I will be downstairs when you’re ready, Sweetheart,” I say and leave her to get dressed.

I go back downstairs, grabbing a cup of coffee to head outside with. I sit in the garden while I wait for her, enjoying the calm and quiet of the morning. I expect her to go and see her dad first, so I might as well get comfortable. I consider my options regarding my father’s business. I know I want nothing to do with the money laundering or drugs. Even though I did enjoy the kill, I wouldn’t want to kill innocent people, but what about the others? The scumbags? I wonder if I could make arrangements to just take care of them. I suppose I will have to wait and see.

Twenty minutes later, Raine strolls out. She glances at me, a hint of excitement in her eyes, and then offers a small smile, the kind that can light up the darkest rooms. She looks so beautiful; she’s wearing some black leggings and black T-shirt. Every time I look at her, my heart skips a beat. I wonder if she has any idea what her surprise is? Because she seems on edge.

She stands dazed, gazing out to the garden, most likely at the sunflowers. Loudly I clear my throat, bringing her back to reality. She has already visited her dad, so we get going. Proudly, I bring out my inner gentleman and open the car door for her. She mocks me by giving me a curtsy before she gets in.

As we drive to the compound, she sits silently, fiddling with her fingers. I reach over and place my hand over hers, feeling the warmth of her skin beneath my palm. Her fingers are slightly trembling, as if they’re grappling with a hidden tension. Reassuringly, she offers me a small smile, one that doesn’t reach her eyes, which remains clouded with a whirlwind of emotions.

We pull up at the compound, and she glares at me with a puzzled expression.

“What are we doing here?” She asks softly.

“Wait and see,” I reply, getting out of the car.

She doesn’t wait for me to open the door; instead, she steps out, fidgeting with her fingers. I need the reassurance and I’m guessing she does too, so I pull her close and lead us inside. We follow the hallway until we reach the end, then descend a set of stairs. It's not often that I take this path, but I know exactly where I’m headed. Once we are off the stairs, we take the second door on the left. I pull out my keys and unlock the door to our right. As I open the door wide, I gesture for Raine to enter. She lets out a loud gasp upon stepping inside, so I give her a moment to process what she sees. After a few minutes, I join her in the room and let the door close behind us.

Jack is lying on the floor, chained up and awake, staring at us. It seems the boys were here this morning, as next to him is a tray with fresh water and leftover toast. Raine hasn't said anything so far, and I'm starting to question whether bringing her here was the right decision, I really hope it was. Curiously, I want to find out if what she told me yesterday is true, if she does have a fetish for blood, or if it was a one off. The best way I thought was to let her take her anger out on Jack; I hope, without killing him. Killing two birds with one stone so they say. After giving her a few more minutes to collect her thoughts, I decide to interrupt her. “Raine, Sweetheart, what’s going through your head?”

“I’m unsure,” she says, gazing at me with wide eyes.

Protectively, I move closer to her, lean in and whisper, “You’ve got this, Little Wasp.”

At my words, she sucks in a breath, “Get me a knife.”