Page 92 of Vicious Deception

Watching them both, my heart warms. Multiple times, Ludo has tried to tear us apart, whether he knew it or not. We came out stronger each time. Now, we’ve truly made it out to the other side.

We have a long way to go. Even once we’ve killed Ludo, we each need to heal. But as I watch Wren and Rhett, I realize we’re on the right track. Holloway has consumed our lives for long enough, and we won’t let him have that power any longer.

I join them, taking Rhett’s other hand and kissing him lightly. We’ll forge new paths, and we’ll let the past fade. We’ll never forget Sammy, of course, but Ludo? Soon, he’ll only be a distant memory.

“We won’t let you, either,” I say, my gaze settling on him. “We’re with you, Rhett. Always have been.”

Wren smiles. “And always will be.”

Chapter twenty-eight

Wren

Upstairs,BennyandAndreware in the kitchen eating. Well, Andrew is eating, and Benny is holding a sandwich while talking to Oliver, who’s trying to do the dishes.

“You’re sure there aren’t any secret tunnels? Old housesalwayshave secret tunnels.”

With a chuckle, Oliver turns the water off. “You know, we’ve checked, but maybe we missed them. We’ve got some stuff to do today, but I’m sure we can fit in some exploration time.”

I smile. I’ve always figured that Oliver would be good with kids, and it looks like I’m right. Aside from Rhett, Benny is warming up to him the fastest.

Hearing us come in, Benny spins around and immediately dashes to Rhett’s side. “Do you want to look for tunnels with us?”

“Sure, but let’s wait until after lunch. Like Oliver said, we’ve got some stuff to do today.”

“What stuff?” Benny asks. He’s bouncing on the balls of his feet, his eyes tracking Rhett’s every movement.

Elliot sighs. “Grocery shopping, for one. We’ve gotta get some food. And . . . just some work stuff,” he finishes.

I’m assuming thatwork stuffmeans Ludo’s first torture session.

“I can handle the groceries,” Rhett says, his fingers brushing down my arm. “You want to come with me?”

“Yeah, sure. Do you think we could stop by my apartment to get my jacket? It’s too warm for my winter coat.”

He nods. “We can grab whatever you need.”

Benny’s eyes zero in on Rhett. “Can I come?”

Shaking his head, Rhett squeezes his shoulder. “Not unless you want me to go to prison for kidnapping. You can’t go out in public yet.”

“Right,” he says, his posture slumping.

“We can do something when we get back. Looking for tunnels, exploring the woods, whatever you want.”

“All right.” Benny is trying not to sound too disappointed, but it’s not really working.

And honestly, it’s understandable. Not only has his whole life completely changed in the past month, but now he’s stuck in a huge house with nothing to do.

Well, that’s notquitetrue.

“I heard you like reading,” I say.

He nods.

“Do you want to take a look at my books before we go? I have a lot of fantasy.”

“Oh, yes please!”