Page 91 of Redeemed

“Yeah,” Lucas says, and his voice softens. “I said I would. I just need to be at the gym by three.”

“And you’ll be back for dinner?”

There’s no response, so I imagine Lucas must’ve nodded. Or shook his head? Either way, the subject changes, so I’ll have to wait until dinner to find out.

My head is beginning to hurt from eating too much of the smoothie at once, so I sit up. That only makes the pain worse, and I grimace as the ache from my hangover returns.

Colton throws me a quick glance. “I’ll give you some pain meds once you’re done eating.”

“Can’t I have them now?” I grumble.

“It’s best not to take them on an empty stomach.”

The fuck?Why on earth does he care?

“Now finish your smoothie.”

There’s not that much left, so I ignore my headache and finish it quickly. I’m hoping Colton will let me off the floor now, but when I glance up at him, he shakes his head.

“Lick it clean.”

“Seriously?” I groan.

All he has to do is raise a single eyebrow, and I’m bending down to comply.

You can handle this,I remind myself.It’s either this or getting kicked out and falling into Isaiah’s hands.

“Much better,” Colton says once I’ve licked the bowl clean.

“Can I get up now?”

With a shake of his head, Colton holds out his hand, revealing a piece of scrambled egg sitting in the center of his palm. When I stare at it, unmoving, he brings it closer to my mouth.

No. No, absolutely not.

I shy away. “What’s that for?”

“You need protein.”

“Okay, then get me a plate,” I grind out.

Colton’s chuckle is cold and mirthless. “The sooner you learn who’s in charge here, the easier this will be on you.”

“I’m not eating out of your hand like a fucking dog!”

He sighs. “Don’t do this, angel. It’s a waste of energy.”

“No,youdon’t do this. It’s ridicu—”

“Eat it now, or I’m putting you back in your cage.”

For some stupid reason, I make the mistake of glancing at Lucas and Xander. They’re both watching with rapt attention, leaning in and whispering to each other, like they’re making bets on who’s going to give in first.

We all know there’s only one answer to that.

My cheeks burn as I lean forward and take the scrambled eggs into my mouth. I try not to let my tongue touch Colton’s hand, but it does a little, somehow making this even more humiliating. I expect him to scold me for it, but he doesn’t react. All he does is grab a piece of bacon and hold it, patiently waiting for me to chew and swallow.

“Ready for more?” he asks.

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