Page 39 of Redeemed

The three of us exchange a knowing look. There’s no way we can say no to her. Somehow, in under a month, she’s got all three of us wrapped around her finger.

Haven turns her big, pleading eyes on me. “Please?”

Xander frowns. “How do you know it’s a she?”

“I…” Her brows furrow. “I suppose I don’t know. She just feels like a girl, I guess.”

Something breaks inside me at the caring way she stares at the kitten. I don’t think it’s that the mangy little thingfeelslike a girl. I think it’s that Haven sees herself in the kitten. Abused, finding herself all alone in the world, and then finally protected.

“We’ll find a way to make it work,” I tell her softly.

“How?” Xander asks. “There’s no way your stepdad will let you take in a fuckingkitten.”

Raking my hand through my hair, I sigh. “Yeah. He’s deathly allergic.”

All eyes turn to Colton, who groans. “Seriously? Why’s it gotta be me?”

“Who elsecan?”Xander points out. “I’m in a dorm like Haven, and Lucas’s stepdad will die if he comes within five feet of the thing.”

With a heavy sigh, Colton steps up to Haven. He leans down to get a better view of the kitten and strokes it gently. “Jesus. I can feel her ribs.”

“Can you please let her stay with you?” Haven asks. “Please pleaseplease,Colt? I can come by every day to feed her and play with her.”

“Your heart is too big, angel,” Colton mutters.

Haven must’ve missed the undercurrent of pride for her in Colton’s tone because her face falls. “But—”

“I’ll take her.” He smiles down at her. “If my dad has a problem with it, he can suck it up.”

“Really? Oh, Colton, thank you!” Her arms are occupied, but she rises onto her tiptoes to press her lips to his neck, not able to reach any higher.

With a sharp intake of breath, Colton grabs Haven’s hips to hold her against him. He stares at her with the same shock I had when she grabbed my hand earlier. When their gazes clash, I realize she looks just as surprised.

I don’t know if she’s ever dated before—if she’s ever even been kissed. This all seems like new territory for her, and based on her reactions tonight, she’s overwhelmed.

“Well,” Colton says hoarsely, trying to break the tension, “what are you gonna name her?”

Haven thinks for a moment before her face lights up enough to illuminate the entire damn street. “How about Star?”

Colton

I’mplayingwithStarin my room when the doorbell rings.

Fuck.

Haven made plans to come over this evening, but she’s a half hour earlier than I was expecting. Leaving Star on my bed with a couple toys, I dash through the house. By the time I make it to the top of the stairs, I realize I’m already too late.

“You have a very lovely house,” Haven is saying, and my stomach fills with dread.

“Thank you,” my father responds coolly. “Has Colton given you a tour yet?”

“Not really. I’ve only seen a few rooms.”

“Well, then allow me—”

“I’ve got it.”

My father turns, and when he sees my glare, his hand drops from Haven’s shoulder. As I descend the steps, Haven’s face brightens. I keep my rage leashed, hidden behind a relaxed smile. He fuckingtouchedher. He was going to lead her away from me and tell her god knows what.

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