Page 151 of Redeemed

“My father has always expected blind loyalty and obedience without question.” Working his jaw, Colton traces a finger down the spine of his book. The movement is slow, calculated. “I’ve never given it.”

“What are you saying?” Xander asks.

But I already know. I’ve been in this position. Not that my father was ever a rich businessman, but he had a way of cornering me into doing whatever he wanted. I cared too much about protecting Rora and Mom, and he held that over my head at every chance he could get.

“He’s going to find some way to force your hand,” I say.

Colton nods, and my fingers curl into fists, my nails digging into my palms. Colton is strong. It could be argued that he doesn’t need my protection. But no one fucks with my friends—myfamily—even when I’m pissed off at them.

For as long as I’ve known Colton, his dad has caused one problem after another. He’s driven by nothing but greed and a lust for power, even if it means neglecting and manipulating his family. Because to him,familyjust means more pawns to use to get his way and expand his businesses—both legitimate and illegal.

Xander gently touches the back of my hand, and I realize I’m clenching my fists too hard. I relax my fingers, keeping my palms downturned. With how tense I am, I probably broke the skin, and it’ll upset Xander if he sees.

“Whatever it is, I’ll find a way to combat it.” Colton sets the book on the end table next to the tall, black armchair he’s seated in. “I’m not marrying that fucking—”

The abrupt silence takes me by surprise, but when Colton’s eyes snap to the stairs, I realize why.

Xander and I follow his gaze just as Haven gets to the last few steps. She’s in leggings and one of my old T-shirts from high school. Xander stole it years ago. It’s always been too big on him, and on Haven, it’s a fucking dress.

“Where did you get that?” I demand, not sure whether I’m pissed that she’s in one of my shirts or relieved Xander gave her something warmer to wear.

“I gave it to her,” Xander says. “Wanted her to be more comfortable.”

“What did you hear?” Colton asks, voice hard.

Nervously, Haven clutches the hem of her shirt. “Um…”

“How much, doll?” Xander asks.

“Everything,” she admits timidly.

“You shouldn’t have been listening,” Colton snaps.

“I was in the kitchen! Everything is open downstairs. You know how sound carries through the house.”

“Still, you shouldn’t have—”

“Colt,” Xander says in a warning tone. “It’s not her fault we forgot she was downstairs.”

“Why does your dad want you to marry Delilah?” Haven asks.

“None of your goddamn business,” Colton grinds out. “Are you done with your homework?”

“Y-yeah.”

He nods to the free spot on the couch. “Then sit. Xander said we need to talk.”

She does, keeping as much distance between me and her as she can.

“Tell them what you told me last night, doll,” Xander says.

An unpleasant feeling zaps through me. Xander talked to Haven last night and didn’t tell me about it? What the fuck? We tell each other everything.

“I want to make a change to our deal,” Haven starts out hesitantly. “I don’t want to change a lot, just… make things a little more consensual. And… a bit less consensual.”

Colton looks as confused as I feel. “What the hell is that supposed to mean?”

“What if—” Haven’s voice falters, and she takes a deep, steadying breath. “What if you’re right? What if I need to be forced?”

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