Page 42 of Finding Redemption

“Now we’re definitely not going,” I growled.“Unless you want me going on a killing spree, keep your eyes off anyone you don’t want me to murder, kitten.”

“I’m not worried about anyone who can’t handle themselves against you.”She picked up one of the bowls from the tray and grabbed a fork.“Bella, this sauce smells so good.”

“I made it just for you,” Bella said proudly.“Well, for Riah and Uncle Luck too.But mostly for you.”

Twirling spaghetti around her fork, she took a small bite and moaned.“It’s delicious.”

While Brooke ate, Sariah sat down on the other side of the bed, her eyes full of so much happiness, my throat felt tight.I’d always hoped to see her like this one day.And there it was.I’d already known Brooke was mine, and I realized I had to share her with everyone I loved.But seeing how much she meant to Sariah pulled at different strings attached to my heart that I didn’t even know could be touched.

“I was thinking we could dress to match,” Sariah told Brooke and Bella.“What do you think about—”

“Riah!”I growled.

“Have you ever been to a fight before?”Brooke asked her, ignoring me.She took another bite, but then frowned, something suddenly bothering her.“What is the dress code?Can I just wear something from my closet?”

“I’ve been to a few.It’s been a while, though.”Sariah tucked one foot under her and pulled Bella onto her lap, making herself comfortable.“There’s not a true dress code, but we want to make a statement.Right, Bella-Boo?”

“I don’t know what that means, but I want to wear blue to match my lightsaber.”

“Well, that’s decided,” Luck said, turning to go, probably to keep me from arguing with him more.“I’ll let the pilot know.We’ll fly out tomorrow and stay the night.Come back Sunday afternoon so that Bella can still go to school on Monday.”

“Ah, man,” Bella muttered.Brooke gave her a stern look, making her quickly change her tune.“I mean school, yay!”

ChapterTwenty-Five

Brooke

Flying wasn’tsomething I’d ever done.It wasn’t that I was afraid of heights, but the opportunity simply had never presented itself.Mom was always working or going out with her boyfriends.And after she died, I was quickly carted off to St.Andrew’s.Once I’d run away from that nightmare, I was lucky if I could afford a meal and then rent.Traveling was definitely not in the budget.

I was excited until we stepped inside the plane.From the outside, it appeared spacious.And while chairs and a long couch were spread out to give the illusion of privacy, with the five of us, several members of security, including Henry, the two flight attendants, and the pilots, the plane suddenly felt very cramped.

We were going to be thirty thousand feet in the air in a steel cage.

On unsteady legs, I carefully walked to the couch, trying to pretend that everything was okay.Fake it until you make it and all that jazz.

Bella sat beside me, close enough that she seemed to be half on my lap.Attempting to keep my breaths even, I tucked her hair behind her ear and distracted myself by asking her about her favorite trips until Luck and Sariah boarded the plane.

My gaze went behind my uncle, wishing Paxton would hurry.He’d been talking to one of the members of security who wasn’t going to Las Vegas but had driven us to the private airport.

“Riah said the hotel is closed now, but at least we got to go.”Bella was still animated after telling me about going to Disney World over the summer and spending the entire stay at the Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser hotel.“My second favorite trip was when we went to Cabo.”

“That was so much fun,” Sariah agreed, taking the chair closest to the couch.“My favorite part was snorkeling.”

Bella burst into giggles.“Daddy didn’t know how and nearly swallowed a fish!”

I laughed along with her and my friend, but I had to shake off the brief flash of jealousy that filled me.It was no secret that Sariah was close to Paxton and Bella.Their small family of choice that included Luck warmed my heart.But I hadn’t thought they went on family vacations together.That seemed too intimate for some reason.

Sariah was such a big part of their everyday lives.

“Si—” Luck abruptly cut himself off and cleared his throat.“Sariah,” he gritted instead.“Did you pack everything you need this time?”

“Yes, Luck.”

From the expression on his face, it didn’t seem he believed her.“It’s fine if you didn’t.There are enough boutiques in the hotel that you can pick up whatever you forgot.Just charge it to the room.”

Bella leaned closer, whispering, “Riah always forgets something.Always.”

Paxton stepped on to the plane with the final member of security traveling with us.As he came to sit beside Bella, one of the flight attendants closed the door.My heart began thumping harder, sweat rolling down my back.I discreetly sucked in a quick breath.

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