Page 71 of Ruthless Redemption

“Because she said we wouldn’t have time. But I got up early specifically for this.”

“I think you’re smart enough to know that wasn’t the only reason.” I slump back onto the pillows and drag my arm over my eyes. “Go back to sleep. We’ll surf next time.”

“There won’t be a next time. Not unless you figure out how to win her back.” Her footsteps carry closer to my side. “Come on. Aunt Keira said I could.”

“Your aunt Keira said you had permission to go surfing with me?” I ask slowly, as if everyone under this roof is insane. “I find that hard to believe.”

“Then ask her yourself. She’s already up making coffee.”

I’m fucking tempted to do exactly that. To put this meddling little schemer in her place. If only I didn’t appreciate her tenacity.

“I’m doing you a favor.” Her tone gains an edge of superiority. “This is your chance to get the inside scoop on all things Layla Hart. I could teach you how to win her back. How to gain her forgiveness. Isn’t that what you want?”

“I want your mom to forgive me, not kill me.”

She giggles, feigning innocence I now know doesn’t exist. “Come on, Matthew.” She grabs my wrist, dragging it away from my face. “I know you can make her happy. I just need to teach you how to convince her of the same thing.”

I growl and sit up as she tugs my arm. I can’t deny her any more than I can deny her mother. “Meet me downstairs. The boards are in the garage.”

She makes a soft squealing noise—a sound of pure delight as she hustles for the door.

I fling back the covers. “And,principessa…”

“Yeah?” She stops at the threshold.

“If your mom wakes up and doesn’t approve, I’m throwing you under the bus as hard and fast as possible. Understood?”

She chuckles. “Understood.”

I stalk for my walk-in closet and wait until she leaves before changing into swim trunks. When I get downstairs, she stands in the fluorescent light of the garage, her hair pulled back in a ponytail.

“I don’t have a wetsuit in your size.” I grab the first board from the rack, then open the roller door. “We’re going to have to brave the cold.”

“If you can do it, so can I.”

“Homicidal and an optimist. The world better beware.” I jerk my chin for her to walk ahead.

“I think my mom would describe me as more of a harmless people pleaser.”

“Which one of us is correct?”

She shrugs. “Both.”

We walk around the side of the house where the breaking sunrise greets us, then into the backyard. Hunter glares down from the deck, silently warning.

I wait for him to make a threat. But he doesn’t say a word, just watches with narrowed eyes as I lead Stella to the back gate and hold it open for her to walk onto the beach.

“Don’t worry about him.” She stops a few feet onto the sand to wait for me. “He’s always like that.”

“An arrogant prick?” I grate before common sense kicks in.

She chokes out a laugh. “Yeah. It’s his job. He used to be meaner before Sarah came along.”

“Well, I’m glad I didn’t meet him back then.” I close the gate behind us and continue toward the surf where the breeze is more savage. “You sure you still want to do this?”

Goose bumps cover her arms as she bundles them close at her sides. “Of course. Like you said, I can’t come to the beach without surfing. And we haven’t even talked yet. I’ve got a whole heap of questions, like what happened to your arm?”

I glance down at the square bandage covering the stab wound. “There was an incident in the kitchen.”

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