Page 221 of Redeemed

“I don’t know,” I mumble.

At this point, I don’t even know what future Christmases will look like. The longer Haven is with us, the concept of letting her go grows more distant. How would holidays work if she was involved? And Colton, too, since he’s suddenly open to the idea of not spending holidays alone?

“Just think about it,” Aurora begs. “I hate seeing you like this.”

“You two better not be fighting,” comes Mom’s singsong voice as she saunters into the room. She’s wearing a bright Christmas sweater that has little bells on it. The colors give me a headache, but as long as she’s happy, then so am I.

“We’re not.” I wrap my arm around her when she sits next to me. “Just talking about different holiday arrangements for next year.”

Mom squeezes my thigh. “I love having all my kids under one roof at Christmas, but I know I can’t expect that forever. You have Xander, and someday, Aurora will find someone.”

Aurora’s eyes widen, and she quickly drops her gaze to her lap. If we were alone, I’d ask her what that’s all about, but I don’t want to call attention to it in front of Sandra.

“You’ll have other obligations,” Mom continues, “and that’s okay. That’s good. And I’m not as fragile as you think. I can handle it.”

“Mom—”

“Sweetie, it’s all right.”

I know Mom can handle it. She’s not who I’m worried about. With how much I avoid the house, I already don’t see Aurora enough. I won’t be yet another man in her life who abandons her.

Greg re-enters the living room, but he hovers near the doorway. “Lucas, if you have a moment?”

Mom’s face falls, and Aurora deflates. Guilt mixed with anger slips into my veins as I stand.

The members of the Glass Rooks have the choice to explain to their families what the organization is or to keep it to themselves. Greg opted for the former. It’s one of the many things we disagree on.

He cares about being honest and transparent with Mom, and I can approve of that to a point. Telling her and Rora about the Rooks, though? It was a mistake. The worry in their eyes any time it comes up is proof enough.

That’s the thing about honesty. Sometimes it does more harm than good.

Jaw set, I follow Greg into his office. Theo is already inside, leaning against my stepfather’s mahogany desk. His light brown hair is kept short and styled, and his muscular arms are crossed over his chest. The two of us have made light conversation today, but I’ve kept most of my focus on Aurora while he’s stayed in the background.

Once Greg has closed us into the office, Theo sighs quietly. Good to know he wants to have this conversation about as much as I do.

“It’s Christmas,” I say flatly.

“You don’t give me very many opportunities to get in contact with you,” Greg counters. He doesn’t say it angrily. He’s one of the most reasonable men I’ve ever met, and I don’t think I’ve ever seen him lose his temper.

“I’m here for Aurora and Mom, not you.”

Greg’s wince is almost imperceptible. He wants me to assimilate into the family like Mom and Rora, and it hurts him that I haven’t. But he doesn’t get to decide what I do. I don’t need another father, nor do I want one.

Theo glances at his watch. “Let’s just get to the point. Lucas is right. It’s Christmas. We should be in the living room with Cassandra and Rora.”

“Fine, fine.” Greg turns to me. “Mark is hiding things from the Rooks.”

“We know. We’ve been gathering proof for months.”

That’s not something we’ve told anyone, but I trust Greg and Theo. They’ve expressed their distaste for how Mark has been running the Rooks and have carefully signaled their support for Colton to take over.

“That’s what I was hoping you’d say.” Greg moves around his desk and opens a drawer. “What’s on this flash drive should assist you in reaching your end goals. It’s a conversation between Mark and Stephen Lane.”

“How did you get this?” I ask.

“I was in the room with them. I cut out the parts I was involved in.”

My eyes narrow. “You realize that if we use this, and we’re unsuccessful, it means you’d go down with us. Mark will know you gave us the recording.”

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