Page 64 of Redemption
Damien’s car caught up to us, and he rolled down his window, flipping us off with a wide grin before speeding ahead.
I huffed, sinking back into my seat, my heart still racing. “You and your brother are… ugh,” I muttered, too frustrated to find the right words.
Gabriel chuckled, clearly amused by my reaction. “Crazy? Reckless?” he offered, the teasing glint still in his eyes.
“I was going to say idiots,” I shot back, crossing my arms over my chest.
The rest of the drive passed in tense silence, the adrenaline slowly fading from my system. When we finally pulled up to the airport, we were escorted directly onto the airfield to a hangar where a sleek white jet waited for us. As we boarded, I couldn’t help but feel out of place in the luxurious interior, with its plush leather seats and polished wood accents. Gabriel, on the other hand, seemed perfectly at ease, pouring us both a glass of champagne as the plane took off.
“To new beginnings,” he said, raising his glass to me. His eyes held that same confidence, the certainty I wished I could share.
I clinked my glass against his, trying to muster up some of that same confidence. “To new beginnings,” I echoed, taking a sip of the crisp champagne.
As the plane climbed higher, I leaned back in my seat, watching the clouds stretch out beneath us. Despite the luxury and Gabriel’s reassurances, I couldn’t shake the feeling that I was in over my head. But when I looked at him, his blue eyes steady and unwavering, I knew that whatever lay ahead, I wouldn’t be facing it alone. And for now, that was enough.
Gabriel
Isat at jets little bar, trading champagne for whiskey, watching Sophia in the bars mirrored backing. Her eyes were closed, earbuds in. She looked relaxed, but I knew better. She was anxious about the unknown. Soon, she’d be even more frightened. If not during the plane's descent, then when we stood at the front door of the mansion. There was no avoiding it; she would have to meet my father, and he wouldn’t like her. The only grace she might receive would be for being the reason I returned, but even that wouldn’t be enough. I had to find a purpose for her fast, or the women would resent her too. I raised the glass to my lips, letting the burning whiskey coat my tongue.
I had tried to live a normal life, but the grass was not greener on the other side; There was no grass at all, the other side was a boring, barren wasteland. But I found flower growing there, somehow. A small delicate thing I plucked out of curiosity. Now I had to be that flowers thorns.
I set the glass down and walked over to her, tapping her on the shoulder.
“Okay, Sophia, let's see what you've got in your suitcase.” She looked a little unsure of herself as she opened her bag, shufflingthrough wrinkled clothes. It became obvious she didn’t have anything she could confidently wear.
“What is your dress size?”
She sipped her drink, giving me a sideways glance.
“Don’t you know not to ask a lady that?”
“I thought the forbidden question was cup size.”
She rolled her eyes. “I'm not too sure, actually. Why do you ask?”
“We need to get you something else to wear. Don’t get me wrong, I like your outfits, but they aren’t suitable.” I waved over a flight attendant in my family’s employ, who promptly strolled over. “Take her measurements and have a few options lined up for her when we land.” The man nodded, gesturing for Sophia to follow him. She downed her champagne and stood nervously, then disappeared from view.
Damien wasted no time sliding into her seat.
“I was hoping for a moment alone.” I said.
“Sick of her already? Gabriel, we haven't even landed. Are you sure Sophia is who you want to introduce to our father? To the family?”
“Why wouldn’t she be?” I replied, my tone intentionally casual.
“She’ll stick out like a sore thumb,” he said, adjusting his shirt cuffs—a sure sign he was also uncomfortable. “They won’t care if she’s the one who brought you back if she can’t even fit into the surface appearances of our world.”
I didn’t like his insinuation but couldn’t deny the seed of truth in it. Sophia would be a fish out of water. She had spirit, though; her willingness to step onto this plane without knowing much about the destination was proof of that. “I'm already taking care of it.”
As if on cue, Sophia returned. Her eyes darted between me and Damien, and even in the jet’s low light, I could see the apprehension in them.
“Did I miss something important?” she asked.
Damien chuckled, his laugh strikingly similar to our father's—hollow and devoid of warmth. “Oh, you have no idea.” He rose from his seat and disappeared down the corridor, leaving an ominous silence in his wake.
Sophia raised an eyebrow at me, waiting for an explanation. But I said nothing. Instead, I pulled her onto my lap, wrapping my arm around her waist. Her body relaxed against me.
“So… what’s waiting for us when we land?” she asked quietly, her voice steady, though still laced with fear.
