Page 286 of Redeemed

“What do you mean, Aaron grabbed her?” he asks. “How the hell did you let that happen?”

“It was my fault,” I say before he yells at Colton more. “I was barely three feet behind him.”

Concern burns in Xander’s eyes. “You’re all right, though?”

“I am, yeah. Honestly, I’m more surprised that he’s in the Glass Rooks than anything else.”

Colton’s shoulders sag. “I forgot he’d be here. His older brother is graduating this year. Peter is the only member of their family in the organization, though. Aaron has no idea what’s going on behind the scenes.”

“How? I mean, he’s here. Doesn’t everyone know who’s putting on the party?”

Xander shakes his head. “To all non-members, this is a graduation party put on for the kids of families who’ve donated a considerable amount of money to a charity.”

“Let me guess,” I say weakly. “That’s an organization-run charity? For money laundering?”

“Smart girl,” Lucas says, gazing down at me proudly.

I can’t help the tired noise that leaves my throat. Every day, I learn of a new facet of the Glass Rooks. It keeps growing and growing, and Colton having that much responsibility on his shoulders has me worried for him.

Colton kisses me again, keeping it short this time. “We should head back in. You’re sure you’re all right?”

“Yeah.” Reluctantly, I pull back and look at my wrists. They’re a little red, but I doubt they’ll bruise. “Just… don’t let go of me?”

His hand slides into mine as a mask of calm confidence slips over his face, and then Xander and Lucas surround us. It’s a reminder that, while we’re surrounded by allies, there are a few enemies in the mix as well.

“We never will, angel.”

. . .

The graduation ceremony feels like it takes forever, mostly because I feel exposed without having one of the guys next to me. Once it’s over, chaos ensues. Graduates rush to find their families, and I stand in the middle of it all with nowhere to go.

Athelia finds me first, and I realize she came straight to me before her parents. She throws her arms around me. When we pull away, her eyes are shining.

“When we first got here, I never could’ve imagined the hell we’d go through together.” Her gaze moves to Wes and Cal, who’re both watching us. “But I’m glad we made it here. I’m glad we made it out, Haven, even if it’s differently than we imagined.”

“So am I, Thelia. I—”

Kellan swoops in from nowhere, gathering Athelia in his arms and spinning her around. She lets out a happy squeal as she throws her arms out, embracing the moment. It tugs at my heart. She deserves this—this and so much more.

Gently, Kellan sets Athelia back down and fits his mouth to hers. She’s on her tiptoes and he has to lean down, and it reminds me ofmyboys.

“Found your parents,” Kellan says in between kisses. “They’re waiting for you.”

“Did you talk to them?” Athelia asks, a hint of nervousness bleeding into her tone.

“Briefly. Your dad congratulated me. Seems like they’ve come around a little more.”

Athelia beams up at him and brushes some of his brown hair out of his face. “Good.”

Kellan turns to me. “Sorry to steal her away, but I promised I’d find her, and we have a long way to go before her parents forgive us.”

Before Kellan can pull her away, Athelia grabs my arm. “Will you be okay alone?”

I nod. “Colton should be here any second.”

Her lips purse. In the same way her parents haven’t forgiven Wes, Cal, and Kellan, Athelia hasn’t forgiven my boys. Maybe I should feel the same way, but I’m just glad she’s finally happy.

“We’re still on for breakfast tomorrow?” I ask.

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