Page 43 of Devil’s Torture

I blink at my daughter a few times before laughing. I should have known she’d figure it out. She might not always say something about it, but she sees it.

“Okay,” I hold the word out and make a face at her until she giggles. “How do you feel about that too?”

“Is he going to move in here?”

“I,” I pause, unsure for a moment, “I don’t know. I’m sure he would if he was invited.”

“He’s probably already packed and just waiting for the right time.” Dawn laughs at her own words, but I wouldn’t be surprised to find out they’re completely true.

It sounds like something Miller would do.

“I wouldn’t mind him being here all the time,” Dawn tells me, her voice smaller like she’s almost afraid to admit it.

“I’m not sure I’m ready for that quite yet, but he certainly likes to spend time here.”

“Because he likes being around us.”

She says it so easily, like it’s the most obvious thing in the world. To her, I think it is.

To me too. I’ve just been ignoring it.

“Do you have any concerns you want to talk about?”

“No,” she chirps, “I figure this means more presents for my birthday and at Christmas. I’ll make sure to ask Dad for the higher ticket items, and if there’s anything you say no to.”

Her lips curl into a devilish grin, not even caring that she let me in on her master plan. She knows I probably wouldn’t stop her either way.

“You’re very well adjusted, considering I’m pretty sure I’ve been screwing you up since the moment you were born,” I tease her.

“Thank you,” her voice is pure sugar. “Now, I have business I need to talk to you about.”

My eyebrows pull together, “Business?”

“Yup,” she pops the p. “I’ve been hired to help some of the Old Ladies by babysitting. They can get something else done while I play with the kids.”

“Like a nanny?”

“If you want to put a label on it, sure.” She shrugs. “I need some spendin’ cash.”

The only thing I can do is chuckle and agree to take her to the clubhouse. When we step into the common room, Miller is just coming in from the kitchen. He pauses when he sees us and then a huge smile breaks out on his face.

He looks lighter.

It’s something I’ve been noticing more and more every time we’ve been together. He looks less haunted and more present. I like the change.

Dawn rushes straight toward him, flinging herself in his direction when she’s not nearly close enough. But she’s still easily caught by him. He doesn’t even have to think about it, he’s just there.

“Hi, Dad,” she shouts loudly and a few brothers grin when they hear her. “I’m going to be opening my playroom daycare soon. Spread the word.”

Then she’s off while shouting out at brothers and waving at everyone. Miller watches her go with a look so filled with love on his face that it makes my chest ache. Not in a bad way this time; in the best of ways.

Hacker chuckles from his seat, “Don’t worry, I sent a mass text to the parents to spread the word. I’m sure she’ll have a packed playroom soon.”

I can’t help but smile. “She said she needed spendin’ money.”

Rune’s laugh is still rough, but it’s sounding more natural every time I hear it. The thought that he didn’t have a lot to laugh about while he was a nomad makes me frown, but I push the feeling aside.

“What does she need it for?” Miller asks the question but there’s a sparkle in his blue eyes like he already knows the answer.