Page 278 of Redeemed

“Jesus, woman. How do you find this shit out?”

A smile breaks through, and Charlotte’s eyes sparkle. “I have my ways.”

“One of these days, you’ll have to teach me.”

She chuckles. “One of these days, I will. But for now, protect your wife. Don’t let her out of your sight.”

I tip my head toward her. “Yes, ma’am.”

Charlotte slips inside her car again. “Stay safe.”

“You as well.”

With a nod, she closes her door, and I head back the way I came.

Charlotte is right. I can’t kill Lane. But if he comes near Haven—ifanyonecomes near her—it’s on sight.

Fuck the consequences.

Colton

“YouwanttoseeAthelia?” I ask Haven as we’re cleaning up after breakfast.

She perks up immediately. I’m relieved that she’s already acting way better than she was last night. Sleeping well—and being sandwiched in between Lucas and Xander—did her a lot of good. I missed having her in my bed, but I’ve had her all to myself for the past four days.

“I’d like that,” Haven says.

“Good.” I glance at Xander and Lucas. “I’ve gotta rope Wesley and his friends into this.”

Lucas frowns. “You sure that’s a good idea?”

“Charlotte’s orders.”

“That woman knows more than God,” Xander says. “If she thinks it’s a good idea, I trust her. We need as many Rooks on our side as possible.”

“That’s my line of thinking, as well,” I reply.

“Let us know how it goes,” Lucas says.

Within fifteen minutes, we’re out the door and on our way to Athelia’s. I’m still not sure why exactly she forgave Wesley, Cal, and Kellan for all the things they did to hurt her, but I’m not examining it too closely. It gives me hope that things will really work out between Haven and us.

I park out front and rush around the car to help Haven out before she’s even finished opening her door. Her balance doesn’t seem as bad today, but just in case, I want to be here if she has trouble. I keep an arm around her waist as we walk up to the house and knock on the door.

Within seconds, Kellan opens it. He’s dressed in all black, and his brown hair is damp, like he just got out of the shower. He narrows his eyes when he sees me. “If you’re here about your car, you can go fuck yourself.”

“I’m not. That was months ago. It’s forgotten.”

“That’s not how you’ve ever played things.”

I bristle. “Or you.”

Kellan rolls his eyes. “Whatever. If you’re not here to retaliate, what the hell do you want? And don’t think you’re getting in just because you brought her.” He nods to Haven.

“I need to speak to Wesley.”

“About?”

“That’s between him and me.”

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