Page 29 of Redeemed (Redeemed #1)

Chapter Twenty-Four

Kennedy

T he following morning, I stretch out across the bed, and I’m greeted by cold sheets.

There’s only a moment of reprieve before my mind is flooded with everything that’s wrong in my life at the moment.

I cried more in the last three days than I’ve allowed myself in the past twenty years.

Last night was my first night of unmedicated sleep, and fortunately, I actually feel rested.

I will contribute that level of rest and relaxation to sleeping in Alex’s arms.

Then you don’t.

The simple answer he gave to my hopeless question replays in my head.

He threw me a lifeline and everything in me wants to latch on.

The thought of possibly being dependent on someone scares me, but can I go back to life as I knew it?

What’s the difference in asking for help, and being controlled?

It’s clear that my father used my mother’s death to wield me into a weapon for his own use, and I don’t know if I can trust anything he has led me to believe when it comes to the events of her death. Was Michael Ellis even involved?

I turn over in bed, opening my eyes to find the folder on the nightstand staring back at me.

There isn’t a question of if I will tell Alex about the information his team found, but more so of when.

If I wait any longer, there’s a chance that one of his people will let the information slip.

The fact that nothing has been said already is interesting, to say the least. It does explain the questioning looks I’ve gotten from Patrick.

It helps to know I’m not the only one holding on to my secrets. Although, the nature of Alex’s business gave me a clue that there’s more to his story. I’m not delusional—one of the reasons I could actually date him is because I don’t have to hide my life of crime.

I pull the folder into my lap and flip through the pictures until I land on the one with me and my father.

I don’t know why it’s hard for me to believe that he could have arranged my marriage as a business deal; Ashton Rose won’t pass up the chance to make a move that benefits him.

But I thought he had more respect for me.

I slam the folder shut. Now that I’m no longer on the brink of tears, I would prefer to not start my day consumed with anger.

It’s been days since I’ve properly taken care of myself.

So, I’m convinced that if I look and feel good, this day will go much better.

I take my time washing my hair gently, working my fingers through each tangle.

I scrub, shave, and moisturize my body from head to toe, attempting to shed this depressive skin.

The bathroom is my fortress, and I take the time to build my mental armor back up.

If I want full control of my life, I’m the one who is going to fight for it.

It’s that thought I carry with me as I make my way downstairs to find Alex. If I’m leaving The Rose Empire, I’m going to need help and right now he is all I’ve got.

“Did she tell you what was in the folder?”

I expect to hear more concern in Patrick’s voice, not the sound of him digging for the latest gossip.

“She asked for time that I’m all too willing to give to her.”

I smile at Alex’s response.

“Don’t you think it’s important to know who’s sleeping under your roof? I barely slept last night with the mystery of it all.” I can hear the humor in Patrick’s voice, and it feels misplaced for the impassive man I’m used to seeing.

“Sitting behind a desk hasn’t softened me up. If I need to protect myself, I’m more than capable.” Patrick laughs at that comment and the throaty sound shocks me.

Not wanting more to be said without them aware that I’m here and listening, I clear my throat and instantly regret it. The bruising on my skin is fading away, but my throat is still tender, so my gentle clearing sends me into a coughing fit.

Alex sets aside the food he’s making and grabs me a cup of water. I meet him at the bar, taking small sips as I watch him over the glass’s rim. He rubs his hand up and down my back in a soothing motion.

I reach up and run my thumb over the little crease on his forehead, offering him a small smile. “Good morning.”

“Good morning, baby.”

Then he does something I don’t expect him to do with an audience: he leans in, giving me the sweetest kiss.

I look over to Patrick. “Good morning.”

“Good morning, Kennedy,” he says with a smirk. “I have some business to attend to this morning. I will leave you two kids to it.” He grabs his coffee mug on the way out.

“Your hair looks amazing.” Alex spins me around to get the full view. “The curls really do it for me.”

“Glad to hear it.” This man has a way of making me feel like a shy schoolgirl with all the attention he gives me. “Whatcha cooking?”

“I was going to throw some cinnamon rolls in the oven for breakfast before I finish up my work in the office. Unfortunately, I have to go into the lounge tonight.”

“Oh, okay.”

I knew better than to think I would be able to keep him all to myself for long, but I hoped I might for one day. My fingers twist around each other before I start cracking my knuckles.

“Everything okay over there? Talk to me.” He’s staring at my hands.

“Well, I was hoping we could talk.”

If he’s opening his home to me indefinitely, I need to tell him everything that comes with me being here. My identity, and who I am to Ashton Rose, directly affects him.

“Sure, let me get these in the oven and we can talk.”

I’m sitting on the couch with a pillow in my lap, thinking about the best way to spill my secrets.

Everything about our relationship could change after this moment.

Alex joins me shortly, setting two cups of coffee on the table before intertwining our fingers together.

I look down at our joined hands and take a deep breath.

It’s now or never and I just need to come out with it.

“My name is Kennedy Eden Rose . My father is Ashton Rose, leader of the Rose Drug Empire. I’m also his personal assassin, better known as Death’s Shadow. Until three days ago, I was next in line to take over the business.”

I pause there, taking another deep breath before looking up and finding Alex staring at me with a smile on his face.

“I tell you I’m an assassin and you’re smiling at me. Should I be concerned?”

He just laughs like I’m the ridiculous one.

“I already knew something was different about you from the moment I stopped you from committing a murder outside my business. I’m just happy you trust me enough to be open about it.”

“Well, it wasn’t easy, so I’m glad you’re taking it so well,” I say with a touch of sarcasm and an eye roll.

“Let’s even the playing field. Before we moved to Georgia and opened Emerald Nights, I was part of a mercenary group called The Reapers, so I’ve done my fair share of dirt and wouldn’t think of judging you.

I would be willing to bet that Ashton Rose didn’t give you a choice about your lifestyle. I had a choice and picked wrong.”

His voice grows somber as he relays a piece of his past to me.

I squeeze his hand gently and his eyes meet mine again.

His statement makes me think about the life I’ve lived doing my father’s bidding, and if I had a choice.

I made the decision to train to avenge my mother, and I didn’t care about the harm caused to fulfill that goal.

“Well, I did have a choice, and at the time, I believed I picked right. But you’re out now. How?”

I hold tight to the hope that blooms in my chest that it’s possible for me too.

“While, yes, I’m out of that life, I still have a debt to pay.”

“Was it worth your freedom?”

“Absolutely. Is that where your question came from last night about not wanting to go back?”

“Yes. Leaving has been on my mind a lot recently, but I thought my father and I had a deal. If I were to leave, I don’t have the resources to escape him by myself, and he won’t let me go without a fight.”

“Well, it’s a good thing that you know someone who is not only handsome but has some connections that could possibly help.”

“Wow, smugness doesn’t suit you.”

His laugh is loud and free. I feel lighter knowing that he knows another piece of me and there’s only acceptance in his eyes.

“I actually have another bit of information I should probably share with you.”

Alex grabs my hand, and I don’t realize I’ve been squeezing and twisting my fingers around each other.

“I’m all ears.” The acceptance in his eyes has not wavered once and I feel comfortable moving forward with what I say next.

“My father and I had an agreement long ago to kill the person responsible for taking my mother away from us.” He nods his head in understanding.

“The reason I joined Emerald Nights is because I know Michael Ellis has a membership there. Initially, my plan was to kill him, but recently I’ve come to question how much involvement he actually had in my mother’s passing. ”

Alex leans back into the couch cushions with his arms loosely crossed. He tilts his head with a questioning look on his face. “What does Michael Ellis have to do with your mother’s passing?”

“Honestly, I’m not sure. My father has drip-fed me information throughout the years.

What I know for sure is that Michael Ellis worked for my father before my mother passed.

I have vivid memories of him at our house.

He supposedly wasn’t even in town when she was taken from us, but knew an attack was coming and didn’t warn my father.

I think at this point I just need answers about what he knows. ”

He leans forward, taking my hands in his, gently rubbing his thumbs back and forth on the backs of my hands.

“Well, listen, I’m here to help you in any way that I can.”

I may be jinxing the luck of the direction this conversation has gone, but I have to ask anyway. “You aren’t upset with any of the information I’ve given you today?”

“Of course not. It wasn’t long ago that I was trying to find a way out and I only had one other person to rely on. Besides, you can’t pick who your parents are, and most people have hidden agendas when they join Emerald Nights. If you truly want out, let me be another resource for you.”

“Thank you. I appreciate your help more than you could ever know.”

We share a smile before he pulls me into his arms and kisses the top of my head.

“I think I can put off my work until tonight. What do you say we have a movie marathon and rot on the couch for the day?”

I look up at him with a beaming smile. “I would love that.”