Redeemed Read Online Free PDF

to know me.”
    “Sounds risky. You cloud my mind.”
    He grinned. “That’s a good sign. At least we’re even on that front.” He leaned forward, careful to avoid touching her, and placed his elbows on his knees. “Get to know me. That’s all I ask. It would hurt too much if we didn’t at least try. I’d hate to live without knowing how it could have been.”
    “That’s fair.” Her hands shook as she set them on her lap and rubbed her palms on her skirt.
    Evan glanced down at her legs. Dainty was the best way to describe her. She couldn’t be more than about five four. At six feet he towered over her, even sitting. Any woman would be intimidated by him. “Would you like me to leave so you can enjoy your evening?”
    “No.” She shook her head. “Stay.” Her words were emphatic. That was a good sign. Things were looking up already.
    •●•
    Ashley’s head spun as though she’d fallen and the concussion was making her dizzy. So many thoughts went past her consciousness she couldn’t keep up with them.
    This man was her mate. There was no doubt. The chemical attraction was so transparent she couldn’t understand how she’d believed for a moment Damon had been her mate. He’d insisted. She’d always suspected there was a lot more to the bond between mates than Damon presented, but now the proof was obvious.
    She’d never felt one ounce of attraction for Damon. This new man, Evan, called to her on an undeniable level. Her entire body lit up when he entered the house. A deep yearning for something she never expected to have melted her insides and left her wobbly.
    But she was ruined. Broken. Unfixable. No one should have to walk this path with her.
    She’d agreed to give him a chance simply because she’d been too weak to turn him down. He’d stared at her with such deep brown eyes. She’d been a sucker for his finely chiseled jaw, the dark brown hair that fell across his forehead in a way that made her want to run her fingers through it.
    Ashley closed her eyes and took a deep breath. She needed to get a grip. The impossible was right before her. A true mate.
    She would have to let him down easy. No way in the world would she drag someone else into her hell on earth and force him to walk the path that lay before her.
    She’d become a recluse, too chicken to leave the house. The fact that she’d come here tonight was a miracle in and of itself. When she’d have the courage to venture out again, she didn’t know. She wouldn’t be able to stop shaking until she was safely back in her room at her parents’ house where the place was locked up like a fortress and surveillance cameras gave her a false sense of security.
    She knew her fears were absurd, but they were hers and they were real and she owned them.
    She stared at Evan’s profile as they sat down to dinner. God, what she would give to have a man hold her during the night. Would she be able to sleep soundly for more than two hours if someone else held the reins and kept her safe from the boogeyman?
    Everyone around her chatted as she remained silent. The meal was fantastic. She wished her throat would open up and allow her to eat more than the few bites she swallowed.
    There was an elephant in the room and no one acknowledged it, bless them. She couldn’t fathom the idea of discussing her new status with the group.
    When the meal was over, the men headed for the living room and left the women sitting around the table.
    Kenzie scooted over several chairs to sit across from Ashley. “I’m so sorry. I know my timing stinks tonight, but I need to talk to you about something.” The woman fidgeted. She tapped her fingers on the table and paused before she continued. “Samantha told me a little about what happened to you. She said you were taken from The Gathering four years ago. Is that right?”
    “Yes.” Ashley was used to questions. She’d answered dozens but not often by someone she’d just met.
    “I’m sorry to be so blunt. I