Redeemed Read Online Free PDF Page A

hushed.
    “Oh.” Josh gasped. “You knew.”
    “I did.” He paid no attention to anyone else in the room. They were almost all strangers to him, and he didn’t care. The only person who mattered, who would ever matter again in this lifetime, was Ashley. He cared only for her feelings and reactions.
    “Why didn’t you say anything? Oh God, it’s been months.”
    “One hundred eighty-nine days,” Evan muttered. “It wasn’t a good time.” He smiled and glanced at Josh. That was an understatement.
    “Ashley?” Josh took about three steps to get to his sister’s side. “Are you okay?”
    She didn’t move. She wouldn’t be completely okay for a very long time, but Evan intended to ensure she eventually was whole and healthy and happy.
    “Ash?” Josh continued, “Did you know too?”
    She shook her head.
    Samantha approached and tugged on Josh’s arm. “Let’s give them some time.”
    “But—” Josh was flustered. His mouth hung open.
    “Josh,” his mate soothed, “we must. Let’s go in the kitchen and let them talk.” She turned toward the others and motioned them all out of the room.
    It was eerily quiet for several moments and Evan pictured all seven people holding their breath in shock in the kitchen.
    “I’m sorry,” he repeated. “There was no easy way to handle this.” He stepped toward Ashley, but not close enough to make her uncomfortable.
    He’d worried about this meeting for so long he’d lost sleep most nights. His greatest fear was how he would handle her in such a delicate state. But now that he stood before her, all his doubt fluttered away. She was his mate. That was all that mattered. He’d do anything for her, including take things at whatever pace she needed. It wouldn’t be the difficult task he’d envisioned. Nothing having to do with Ashley would ever be a challenge.
    “Why? How?” she gasped.
    “It wasn’t easy.” He smiled at her. “You needed time to heal.”
    “I’m not healed. I don’t know if I ever will be.” She shook her head as though she could deny their attraction with those words and actions.
    “It’s okay, Ashley. I understand. We’ll work through it together. I’ll be by your side the entire way.”
    He watched as her chest rose and fell under the weight of new problems she hadn’t foreseen. Her breasts were high and full with the weight gain that made her look physically mended.
    “You’re beautiful,” he said.
    She blushed and ducked her gaze for the first time.
    “Sit with me?” He motioned to the couch.
    She shuffled that direction and took a seat on one far end, hugging the arm rest.
    Evan kept his face straight, but grinned inwardly at her attempt to keep a distance. He wouldn’t pressure her to do anything. In fact, he’d make no move until she was ready every step of the way.
    “How are you feeling? Josh speaks of you pretty often, but tell me in your words.” He sat in the center of the sofa, not close enough to force contact, but near enough to breathe her in.
    “Okay, I guess. It’s hard. Every day is a challenge. I’m nowhere near ready for—”
    “Ashley, don’t stress. I’m not going to push you. It may have been selfish of me to come here tonight, but I couldn’t stand knowing this secret and carrying it alone for another day. I don’t want you to read too much into my presence here tonight. I swear to you I will take things at whatever pace you need.”
    She lifted her gaze, peered into his eyes. “And what if that pace is to stop right here and never let it go any further?”
    He’d anticipated such an answer. Hell, every possibility had gone through his mind over the months. She did have the right to reject him outright. It would be hard, but if it was what she wanted, he would grant her that concession. “If that’s what you decide, then that’s how it shall be. But I’d like you to at least give me a chance. Spend some time with me. Let me take some of the burden you’ve been carrying and get