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Chapter Twenty-One

Chapter Twenty-One

Michael had never known happiness until Allie and Amelia and he knew that now to be fact. Sunrise was streaming through the tall library windows but the women slept on, their light breathing the only sound filling the room.

Michael held Allie tight against him, breathing in the scent of her hair and knowing that he would never know peace like this without her in his arms. She loved him. That knowledge still shocked him. What would a woman as beautiful and good as Allie see in a monster like him? Michael had no idea but he wasn't about to question her or push her away.

"Does it have to be morning already?" Allie moaned softly as she adjusted her head on his chest. "I could lay like this forever."

"We could pull the curtains closed and pr..pretend," Michael replied with a smile.

"I've never been the type to want to linger in bed," Allie admitted. "But now that I wake up in your arms every morning I find that I never want to leave."

Michael felt his heart swell, "You don't have to."

A knock came to the library door, interrupting the peace and quiet, "I have some breakfast ready for ya," Tessa's voice carried into the room through the closed door. "And I'd like to speak to ya if ya'd let me so please come out and eat so we can talk."

Michael heard Tessa's footsteps fade as she walked back down the hall and he sighed with disappointment when Allie sat up and moved away from him, "What could she possibly have to say to us?" she demanded.

"Maybe she wants to apologize," Amelia offered as she too sat up and stretched her arms over her head.

"It's a little late for apologies," Allie snorted.

Michael shook his head, "Tessa has always been kind to me."

Allie's head whipped around and her brown eyes were wide, "How can you say that? The woman knew you were locked up in that attic and she knew that you were being abused and she did nothing to help you!"

Michael nodded. Of course Allie would see it that way. Michael had noticed that Allie had two sides to her. The soft, gentle, loving, kind side that she displayed to those she loved and the protective, angry and defensive side that she displayed to anyone who dared threaten those she loved.

"She m..might help now," Michael offered

"And if she doesn't have anything useful to say, at least we got breakfast," Amelia agreed.

***

Allie found that she could not bring herself to relax as they entered the dining room. Tessa had a feast laid out for them to dine on this morning and Amelia was quick to attack it with gusto.

Michael began eating as well but Allie simply stood behind him ready to defend him should Tessa say or do anything out of turn.

"Allie, won't ya sit down please, suga'?" Tessa offered as she folded her hands in front of her.

Allie was about to refuse when Michael's hand reached back and took hers, squeezing it gently, "Sit down, Allie. You n..need to eat something."

Slowly she nodded and sat down beside him, her eyes never leaving Tessa. Tessa cleared her throat awkwardly and shifted her feet, "I want to beg your forgiveness," she whispered. "I shouldn't have stood by and done nothing while you were being so mistreated, Michael. Especially when I have seen slavery first hand and felt what it is like to be a prisoner. Michael, can you please forgive me for not getting you out of that place a long time ago?"