Page 5 of Blood and Redemption

When I was little and Ren had to take over after our father was killed, he’d moved us out in the middle of nowhere, promising to keep me safe.

No arranged marriages like our father planned. No trades to strengthen bonds. Just peaceful serenity.

Ten years later, there’s suddenly a hiccup.

Rocco Parada.

If I’m not careful, Ren’s going to take away the first anomaly he’s allowed in our home.

And a man as interesting as this one? I want him to stay as long as possible.

3

Rocco

When I pried my eyes open, the world swam into focus like I was surfacing from deep water. My body was a wreck—every breath knifed through my ribs, my vision still streaked with static, and the metallic tang of blood coated my tongue.

I’d expected the Reaper.

I’d figured Death would come grinning, all shadow and teeth, to finally cash in the debt I’d been racking up for years.

Instead, I gother.

Sunlight fractured through the haze, haloing her face, golden hair, eyes like bourbon held up to the light. She leaned over me, lips parted, hands fluttering near my chest like she was afraid to touch. The prettiest goddamn thing I’d ever seen.

But now she’s gone, replaced by her brother. Like a gust of wind blew her way, I’ve swapped my angel with an asshole.

“Slept like a baby, I bet.” Ren clicks his tongue as he crosses his arms. His eyes flick over toward the glass of water in myhands. “Managed to help yourself to the kitchen. Did you find something to eat?”

I go to shake my head, and everything tilts. Another hangover is the result of my recklessness.

Shouldn’t have drunk so much. Shouldn’t have gotten upset by the invitation.

“Where in the hell are we?” I glance to the side, secretly hoping I’ll catch Aurora trying to sneak a glance at me. “Safehouse?”

“Myhouse,” he sighs heavily. “Can’t have you getting killed because you’re pulling stunts like you’re suicidal. I care for you, I do. You’re like a brother to me, Rocco. It’s the same reason I’m not letting you leave until you get your shit together.”

I stare at him for a few seconds while trying to process his words. Finally, I laugh. “You can’t be serious.”

He rolls his shoulder, the movement stiff with barely leashed irritation. His expression twists—lips thinning, brows slashing down—into something downright venomous.

“Honestly? I don’t think I know a single person more fucked up in the head than you.” A humorless laugh escapes him. “So yeah, you’ve got alotof work to do on yourself. Don’t expect anyone to stick around while you figure it out.”

I blink, my grip tightening around my glass. “Just us two, then?”

Was my angel a hallucination? Impossible. I felt the warmth of her palms against my cheeks.

“Ihave a business to run. So, unless you think you can survive a few miles’ worth of a walk through a forest, then I think I’m alright to leave you here to do some figuring out.” Ren pinches his brow and sighs. “I trust you with my life, you know that. It’s why I brought you here. I trust you’ll keep your distance from my baby sister.”

She’s no baby. She’s curvy and luscious. An angel. The kind they paint on church ceilings, all soft edges and quiet grace.

Just thinking about her is making my mouth water. Looking so pure, so untouched…

If I get my hands anywhere near her, I’llruinher.

My fingers itch to trace the blush on her cheeks, to learn the shape of her gasp when I drag her into the dark with me. One taste. That’s all it would take to taint her.

Ren knows this. That’s why his eyes have grown darker, more serious. Seeing as I’ve known the bastard for more than a decade, and I didn’t know Aurora existed, says a lot.

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