An Act of Redemption by K. C. Lynn Read Free Book Online Page B

fight. Use them wisely. I still don’t know where the hell you’re training, but I could help you out if you need?”
    “Nah, man, it’s all good.” I don’t want anyone to know where I’m training or with whom for that matter.
    “All right, that’s cool. Talk to you later.”
    “Bye.”
    Hanging up I head to the shower and wash the sweat and blood from my body. The entire time I think about the only girl I want but one I will never have again.

CHAPTER FIVE
    Anna
    T he next morning I walk into SEAL Extreme and immediately feel a smile grace my lips when I spot some of the greatest men I’ve ever met.
    “Hey, there’s our girl,” Sawyer booms with a smile of his own before jumping down from the ring. I know exactly what he’s about to do, but even with me anticipating it I can’t escape it. He puts me in a gentle headlock and messes up my hair. It’s something he always does and it drives me bonkers.
    I give my usual growl of frustration then shove at him. “Let go of me, you big brute.”
    With a chuckle he finally lets me up, but pulls me against him and lays a loud smacking kiss to my cheek. “How’s it going, kid?”
    My heart warms at his affection and I wrap my arms around his waist. He’s one of the three Navy SEALs that pulled me out of hell, and even though I share something with Jaxson that I don’t with the other two they are all like brothers to me. I love each and every one of them, and if not for their sacrifice I wouldn’t be here.
    “I’m good,” I lie, still feeling out of sorts after last night’s debacle.
    “Hi, Anna!” I turn at the squeal to see Cade jump down from the ring with his daughter Ruthie on his shoulders. They both wear their matching beanies and my heart smiles like always at the sight of them.
    “Hi, Ruthie.” I greet her with a smile. Cade bends down so I can kiss her on the cheek then I plant one on the side of his, too.
    “What’s up?” he asks.
    “Not much. What about y’all?”
    “We’re goin’ to the state fair later,” Ruthie replies excitedly, “but the Big Guy had to do a few things here first.”
    “Well that sounds like fun.”
    “We’re all going,” Sawyer says. “You wanna come? You can babysit the twins so I can get my woman drunk and make out with her behind the rides.”
    I shake my head with a chuckle, not surprised by his remark. Usually, I wouldn’t give up the opportunity to hang out with these guys and their families. I babysit for them often and I love their kids, but I’m swamped right now with schoolwork.
    “I’d love to, but I can’t. I have a huge test to study for. So you will have to steal kisses from Grace while standing in line,” I say teasingly.
    “Why are you studying on a Saturday?” he asks, perplexed. “It seems like that’s all you ever do.”
    “Because that is all I ever do.” I sigh, though it’s half-hearted. I really enjoy studying psychology but the workload can be daunting at times, especially since this is my last year before I begin my practicum. “I need to talk to Jaxson. Is he around?”
    “In the office,” Cade answers, pointing behind him.
    “Thanks.” I kiss them all on the cheek one last time then make my way across the gym, passing by the ring where two fighters are sparring. The other half of the space is loaded with exercise equipment and is almost filled to its capacity.
    I stop by the door that’s marked Office to see it slightly ajar. Peeking my head in, I see the man I came here for bent over paperwork, a frown marring his handsome face. “Knock, knock.”
    Jaxson’s head snaps up at the sound of my voice. His expression immediately softens and his lips lift into one of his famous smirks. “Well aren’t you a sight for sore eyes.”
    I walk in with a smile. He gets to his feet and meets me halfway before encompassing me in his strong arms. The same ones that carried my broken body out of the nightmare I was forced into at fourteen. I soak in the safety I always feel