Page 136 of Redeeming the Villain

I’m more nervous walking into dinner with Alora’s aunts in a suit than I’ve ever been while walking into an arena. But with Alora’s hand in mine, I feel damn near unstoppable.

As if she can sense my erratic heart, Sunny brushes against my leg and looks up at me.

“I’m okay, girl,” I assure her.

When she gently tugs at my hand, I look down at Alora’s sparkling blue eyes, framed by her long blonde waves.

“Don’t be nervous. I know they’ll be shocked at first, but once we explain everything, they’ll love you. Seriously. They are nothing like my father, the furthest from him.”

Rubbing the back of my neck, I lift our interconnected hands to my lips. “I trust you.”

We walk through the double-door entrance, and three women’s heads turn to us instantly.

Sunny’s tail starts going crazy, and for the first time ever, I see her pull on her leash to try to get to them.

“Alora!” one of them calls out and races over, wrapping her arms around her while the other two greet Sunny with pets and kisses.

The one with pixie-cut hair looks up at me, and the glimmer in her eyes instantly fades. She steps back without tearing her stare from me.

“Why is Malik Ravenwell here?” Her voice is sharp.

The other two look up at me and rise to their full height, all of five foot one, scowls twisting their mouths.

Alora steps in front of me, her back brushing my torso, and I release her hand, resting it gently on her waist.

“Before you freak out, you need to hear us out. There’s a lot you don’t know yet.”

“Briarwood. Table for five!” a hostess calls out.

The five of us look over at her and pause, the heaviness still in the air.

“Right here,” one of her aunts answers, stepping toward the host stand.

“This way, please.” She smiles.

Her aunts lead the way, followed by Sunny, Alora, and me. My heart is in my fucking throat as we are seated at a round table in an enclosed atrium.

A waiter comes over immediately and takes our drink order before disappearing behind a stained-glass door.

Thrust back into the awkward disdain of the conversation, I swallow hard, sitting still with my hands in my lap.

Never more in my life have I ever wanted to impress three people as much as I do them. But I know I’m starting with a thousand negative points and have a hell of a long way to go.

They sit tall and proud, all three staring directly at me.

Alora drags their attention to her. “Hate him later. But I promise you will hate him less once I’m done telling you about my dad.”

That ignites their gazes, and Alora tells themeverything.

By the time she’s done catching them up on the absolute chaos that has become our lives, their eyes soften when they look at me, and an understanding passes between us all.

Flora, Fauna, and Freya disclose that they have a few secrets of their own, ones they’ve kept for years, waiting for the right moment. Waiting forthis.

Fauna slips away to make a quick phone call before coming back and telling us that she has an idea, a plan to bring some of his darkness to light without putting on a grand spectacle.

But if a show is what he needs to own up to the things he’s done, then so be it.

The charity gala is tomorrow night, and I still haven’t technically agreed to go with Alora, although she and I both know that I wouldn’t be anywhere other than by her side.

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