Page 27 of Redeeming the Villain

Blair starts walking away slowly, and Lumi and I follow behind. She snakes through the crowds of people, leading us who knows where.

One glass of water, and then I’ll go back home. I know Sunny is having a good time with her sitter, June, but I miss her and don’t want to be out too late anyway.

Bringing her here would have been so chaotic, and I’ll be just fine without her for a few hours, if I’m even here that long.

The crowds end, and a huge room opens before us. I spot Griffin as we pass through the arched walkway, sitting on a couch with two guys whose names I don’t know. But I recognize them from being with Malik from when we had our stare-off.

A sofa sits across from the couch, and two oversize chairs close the square in with a coffee table in the center.

“There you are. I was about to come find you.” Griffin beams, his entire face lighting up as he talks to Blair, lifting his arm for her to sit down and lean into.

“Oh, stop. It didn’t even take that long.” She giggles as Griffin leans down and peppers her with kisses on her cheek and hairline.

He whispers something to her, and her cheeks instantly redden. I feel myself staring, and I force myself to look away, feeling a twist in my chest.

I’ve always wanted something like that. A comfort and warmth. Unconditional love from someone you choose and who chooses you. I want that, but I won’t pressure someone into it. I’m patient and willing to wait for love to find me instead of trying to squeeze it into a mold that it’s not meant for.

Lumi walks around me and sits down next to Blair, crossing his legs and whipping his phone out instantly.

The sudden urge to pee makes me remember that I definitely didn’t do that before I left when I totally meant to.Dammit.

“Know where the restroom is?” I ask the group, setting my water down on the coffee table.

“I can show you. I’m going to head that way,” says one of the guys that I don’t recognize. “I’m Finn, by the way.”

Noted.

He smiles at me, and I offer my name. “I’m Alora. Nice to meet you.”

“I know who you are. But it’s nice toofficiallymeet you.” He looks at me humorously.

My chest tightens. Oh God, why does he know me? Because of Blair? Or because of Malik? Because of my dad? All of the above?

“You know who I am?” I ask with a playful sass in my tone.

He nods and gestures with his hand to start walking. I join him, once again following someone through the intense crowds.

Finn leans down toward my ear to shout over the music. “I know you are the only person I’ve ever seen get under Malik’s skin. And that is something to be proud of.” He chuckles. “You’re my hero.”

I chuckle. He’s easy to talk with even though we just met.

“Be careful saying that too loud. Malik won’t like it.”

We turn down a hallway.

“What’s up between you guys anyway? Did you used to date?” he asks, and I choke on my spit.

Coughing a few times, I swallow past the agitated pain. “God, no.” I clear my throat. “We actually went to high school together.”

He widens his eyes in shock, clearly hearing this information for the first time. “Oh shit. Really? He didn’t mention that.”

I huff, rolling my eyes. “I’m sure he didn’t.”

His questions continue. “So, what is it then? Out of curiosity, what happened in high school?”

I’m already pushing the envelope tonight, so maybe I should refrain from exposing all of the shit he did to me. Then again, he never stopped to question his actions back then.

“Finn!” Dean races over to us, his gaze falling to me and instantly widening. “What’s, uh—” One side of his lips tips up, a gleam in his eyes. “What’s going on here? Whatever. Doesn’t matter. We need you.”

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