Page 137 of Redeeming the Villain

As we wrap up and head to the front of the restaurant, I murmur to Alora, “I’ll go tomorrow on one condition.”

She glances up at me with excitement in her eyes. “What is it?”

“You wear a dressyouwant and not the one your father sent. Wear one that makes you happy.”

Her demeanor softens, and she smiles. “I think that can be arranged.”

“Ooh.” Fauna butts into our conversation. “Wear blue. You look so stunning in blue.”

Flora pushes her out of the way as we walk outside into the chilly day. “Pink! Pink is your color!”

Fauna scoffs. “Blue!”

“Pink!” Flora slaps her shoulder. “It has to be pink!”

Fauna steps in front of us and walks backward. “Blue. Like the color of the sky on a warm, sunny day.”

“Pink! A soft, delicate shade. Something flowy!” Flora joins Fauna in her backward walk, and I chuckle.

Freya grabs the tops of their heads and spins them around. “I’m sure she is more than capable of picking out her own dress color.”

They bicker quietly with each other but find solidarity at last as we approach my Corvette.

“Tomorrow, let’s meet up two hours before the gala at your dorm room to reconvene and make sure we are set and ready to go before the big event. My secret weapon will meet us there,” Fauna instructs us, and we nod. “Alora, are you sure you want to do this, honey? One of us can take your place in all of this.”

She shakes her head. “He won’t talk with you guys the way he will with me. I can do it.”

Flora rubs her hand up and down Alora’s arm, and I squeeze her hand.

“We love you.” Fauna smiles at her and then up at me, and my heart warms.

“Tomorrow.” Alora mutters the word with finality.

“Tomorrow,” I repeat, lifting her hand up to my lips and kissing her fingers tenderly.

Alora, Sunny, and I get in my car to head back to her place.

When we reach the dorm, we head upstairs. My phone chimes when we slip inside of her room, and I check it out as Sunny and Alora plop down on her bed.

I pull my phone out and read the text from my uncle.

The Devil: He’s threatening me now because you can’t keep your dick in your pants. Get your shit together, or so help me God, I will make you.

Shoving it back into my pocket, I grind my teeth and glance up at Alora, who’s watching me with a worried gaze.

“Who is it?”

“My uncle,” I murmur. “Nothing important.”

“I’m sorry. It will all be over soon, I promise.” She opens her arms, her legs draping over the side of the bed, and I don’t waste a second to go to her.

She wraps her arms around my waist and rests her chin against my chest as she stares up at me. Fuck, she’s so beautiful. It’s intimidating sometimes how perfect she is. She fucking glows.

“I love you,” she whispers as I push her hair back from her face with my fingers.

“Not possibly more than I love you,” I murmur, brushing my thumb across her bottom lip.

“Will you help me with something?” she asks, and I’m already nodding in agreement before I know what it is. “Help me decide between a few dresses for tomorrow?”

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