Page 36 of Redeemed

Out of everyone in our group, I’m the largest, so I’m fucking huge compared to her. I think she likes it, though. Any time she’s up against one of us, she nestles closer almost automatically. It’s kinda cute, and I like that she’s doing it withmeright now.

We meet a few of Haven and Athelia’s new friends, and they all get drinks. Me and the guys have no plans to go anywhere near alcohol tonight—not when we have to look out for both Haven and Athelia.

Speaking of…

I nudge Colton and then Xander before discreetly tipping my head to the other side of the room. Wesley Carver is sulking in the corner, and he’s been glaring at Athelia since we stepped inside. She spotted him immediately, but she only looked nervous for a second before seeming to remember that we promised not to let anyone touch her and Haven.

“He’d better keep to himself,” Colton grits out, and I know better than to disregard the dangerous undercurrent in his tone.

When I turned eighteen, my stepfather revealed the secrets of the organization he works within. The Glass Rooks consist of a network of rich and powerful people with one goal: to continue building more wealth and influence. Not everyone in the organization started out that way, but they all grew together—becauseof each other.

Colton’s father founded the Rooks, so when Colt looks like he’s going to raise hell, I know he can. He has a lifetime of training and more power than the average senator. It’s just that most people don’t know it.

Yet.

While the girls dance and hang out with their friends, we stay close, warding off the worst of the worst with silent glares. Athelia has been eyeing a couple guys, but no one—fuckingno one—is touching Haven tonight.

Speaking of, our girl has barely taken more than a sip of her drink. It’s some of the punch that everyone’s been gulping down, so I shoot her a questioning look.

“It tastes like cleaning supplies,” she explains, wrinkling her nose.

I have to hold back a laugh. That’s exactly what I thought the first time I took a shot of vodka from Xander’s dad’s alcohol cabinet. We were only fifteen at the time, and I coughed so loud and for so long that I almost got us caught.

“Do you want it?” Haven asks, holding out the cup.

“Not drinking tonight. But…” Taking her free hand, I tug her back toward the kitchen. “C’mere.”

She follows without question. I know she’s got some trust issues, but at the same time, I’m pretty sure she’d let me lead her anywhere. Me, Colton,orXander.

I’m not necessarily sure that’s a good thing.

In the kitchen, I grab a bottle of Sprite and fill her cup to the brim with it. “Try that.”

Hesitantly, Haven takes a sip. She makes a startled sound and pulls back before bursting into a fit of giggles. “Oh, the bubbles! I’m still not used to the bubbles.”

Right.Kellan handed her a root beer the other day, and Haven almost died when she took a big gulp of it. I guess carbonation is a no-no in cults. Who knew?

“Does it taste better?” I ask.

“Mmhmm.” As she takes another sip, she absentmindedly slides her hand into mine. “Thank you.”

I look down at her in surprise. Over the past couple weeks, she’s started opening up to us, but it’s been slow-going. I’ve taken her hand a few times to guide her somewhere, butshe’snever takenmine.

“What?” she asks when she realizes I’m staring at her. “Do I have something on my face?”

“What? No. You look…”

I swallow as I take her in. Little braids follow the crown of her head before getting pulled into a half ponytail. The sundress she’s wearing is mostly black with little purple flowers on it, and it makes the new purple highlights in her hair stand out even more.

It’s still a fairly modest dress, but I know it’s more skin than she’s used to showing. She keeps tugging the neckline higher while also trying to pull the skirt lower, effectively canceling out her efforts. Still, she looks… fuck, she looks downright tantalizing.

“What?”Haven pushes.

“You look so pretty, all I can think about is kissing you.”

At that, her eyes widen, and her lips part. It was a stupid thing to say—she has a crush on Colton, not me—but goddammit, it’s true. All I want to do is pin her to the wall and kiss her until she’s moaning and begging for more.

“Remember to go easy on the drink,” I say, hoping to distract from her shock. “Your body isn’t used to alcohol.”

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