Page 149 of Redeemed

“Yes, that’s right. The flight was quite relaxing. Got in a quick nap.” Bill winks at me, like that’s some kind of inside joke.

I chuckle. “Good, good. What about you, Delilah? Was the flight all right for you?”

Startled, she glances up at me. She looks oddly pale and way too delicate to be anywhere near me. One touch from me, and I’m pretty sure she’d shatter into a million pieces. Maybe it’s just her light blue dress washing her out, but I don’t think that’s the case.

“Oh, it was fine, thank you for asking.”

“Well, I’m excited we get to meet you after hearing so much about you for all these years.”

“So are we,” Bill says. “When Mark suggested dinner with all four of us, I thought it was a great way for you and Delilah to meet.”

Of course.Mark knew I would’ve left the Rooks’ meeting early—if not skipped it entirely—if he’d told me who he invited to the Grand Hotel, so he sprung it on me last minute like the bastard he is.

“Oh, I’m so sorry, but I actually can’t stay.” I make a show of my apologetic grimace. “I had an urgent matter come up, but I still wanted to stop by and chat for a few minutes.”

“What’s this?” Mark asks, eyes narrowing. “This is important, Colton.”

“Nonsense, nonsense.” Bill waves a dismissive hand, oddly jovial considering I’m being pretty rude—from his perspective, at least. “Things come up, life happens. It’s not that big of a deal. Besides, Colton and Delilah will have plenty of time to get to know each other, what with Delilah transferring to Pemberton next semester.”

Oh, for fuck’s sake.The last thing I want is the woman my father is trying to force on me in closer proximity. If she’s on board with this, then she’ll probably be clingy and annoying, and I want nothing to do with her. Not when I have—

I stop that thought just in time. I don’t have Haven. Not like that.

“Congratulations, Delilah,” Mark says. “It takes quite a bit to get accepted into Pemberton.”

“Well, her mother and I have always said she was the smartest out of our kids.” Bill nudges Delilah playfully. “Isn’t that right, sweetheart?”

“Mmhmm.” But Delilah avoids making eye contact with anyone at the table, instead staring at the pristine white tablecloth.

My phone dings. It’s a useless notification that I clear immediately, but it’s the perfect excuse. I stand. “Well, that’s my cue. Really, I’m so sorry to leave so quickly, but I’m looking forward to getting to know you, Delilah.”

Not waiting for a reply, I turn and cross the room. I’m almost out of earshot when I hear my father mutter a placating, “Excuse me for one moment.”

Mark catches up to me just after I exit the restaurant and grabs my arm. “What the hell is wrong with you?” he hisses. “First impressions matter. If I’m going to secure Bill as a connection, then you need to cooperate.”

“I really don’t care.”

“What?”

“I’m not marrying her.”

His head jerks back like I just slapped him. “Excuse me?”

“I’m not fucking marrying her. This is the twenty-first century. Arranged marriages are a thing of the past.”

“You don’t have a fucking choice.”

“I do. And you’re welcome for actually walking into that damned restaurant and being cordial. I had half a mind to walk out without even saying hello and making their entire trip a waste.”

“You will marry her, Colton. We’re moving up the timeline of the wedding. Bill and I have already discussed it. We want you married before graduation. Speeds things up a little.”

“Look, you can make whatever deals you want with Bill without this stupid marriage. You’ve got the money, the power, the negotiation skills.” I gesture toward him dismissively. “All of it.”

“Colton—”

“My focus is on the Rooks. I really don’t care about your other businesses, and I’ve made that very clear.”

Mark’s face has been progressively turning red, and now it’s at its darkest shade. For the past few years, I’ve either avoided the topic of marrying Delilah or pretended to go along with my father’s plans. I didn’t want him to shut me out. Now, I have my own footing and reputation within the Glass Rooks.

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