His Redemption

Chapter Thirteen

Eva's pov

Golden sunlight spilled across the school yard like melted honey, warming everything it touched. The sky stretched endlessly above, a brilliant shade of blue without a single cloud to dull its brightness.

Eva was seated under the shade of an old oak tree with a book open on her knees. It was one of the rare moments of peace she managed to carve out at school.

"Hey," a voice spoke startling Eva.

She looked up from her book and met Soren's gaze.

Eva smiled warmly as Soren sat beside her.

"I didn't mean to scare you," he murmured.

Eva smiled waving a dismissive hand.

"So," Soren began, his voice a quiet murmur that barely rose above a whisper. "How are you doing?"

I'm fine and you? Eva signed.

"Great," he murmured. "And how's things at home? Is Celeste and your sisters still giving you a hard time?"

Eva shook her head. No, they're not, she signed.

It was the truth her mother and sisters hadn't layed a finger on Eva which is unusual. Her sister's found pleasure in beating Eva including her mother. Even if Eva didn't do anything wrong, they'd still beat her.

Soren narrowed his eyes, "are you sure or you're lying to protect them?"

Yes, I'm sure, Eva signed.

Soren nodded but didn't believe her.

"I'm sorry," he blurted out.

Eva's brows knitted.

Soren exhaled, running a hand through his hair.

"I'm sorry for not spending much time with you lately," he apologized. "Remember I mentioned to you yesterday about meeting someone?"

Eva smiled and signed. There's no need for you to be sorry and Yes I remember you said you met someone.

"The girl I'm dating her name is Amelia and she takes history with me. She's pretty nice and I'm sure you will like her."

A wide smile spread across her face, it was impossible to hide. She was genuinely happy for her best friend.

I'm happy for you and when do I get to meet her? She signed.

A warm glow settled over his features,

"There she is," Soren grinned as he watched Amelia approach them.

Eva followed his gaze and smiled.

The girl was beautiful, with sharp amber eyes that seemed to miss nothing. Her hair was long and blond, it cascaded down her back in soft waves. She had smooth caramel-toned skin that glowed beneath the sunlight.

Something about Amelia made Eva's stomach twist with discomfort. There was something unsettling about her but Eva shrugged the negative thoughts away.

The girl walked straight to Soren and looped her arm through his.

“Soren,” she said with a bright smile.

“You didn’t wait for me.”

He grinned. “Sorry, babe. I thought you wanted to catch up with your friends."

Her eyes then flicked to Eva and she smiled tightly.

" And who is this?"

"This is Eva, my best friend, the one I told you about."

“Oh,” Amelia said sweetly. “So this is Eva.”

Eva lifted her hand in a small wave.

Amelia tilted her head. “Right. The… mute one.”

Eva's shoulders tensed.

"Yes," Soren replied.

Amelia's smile sharpened, her gaze lingered on Eva, taking in her old clothes, the large sweater with holes in it, her unruly hair that was sticking out in every direction.

Amelia wandered how did Soren manage to befriend someone lowly as her. She didn't look like a high school student but a beggar. Amelia had to hide her disgust, she didn't want to upset Soren after all this was his childhood friend, the one he always couldn't stop talking about.

Amelia stepped closer, her tone sugary.

“So, Eva… tell me more about yourself?"

Eva opened her hands to sign that she lives with her parents and two older sisters and she loves spending time at the library but Amelia lifted a hand slightly, as if dismissing the gesture.

“Oh, right. You sign. I don’t understand that.”

Soren glared gently. “Amelia—don’t be rude. She’s trying to answer you.”

"Oh, I’m not being rude.”

Her voice softened.

“I'm just being honest.”

Eva felt something kick in her chest—shame, hurt and confusion.

Amelia tugged Soren's arm possessively.

“So you two… hang out a lot?” she asked, tone casual but eyes sharp.

Soren nodded. “Yeah. Quite a lot actually."

Amelia's eyes narrowed on Eva.

"Don't you have any other friends Eva?"

"No she doesn't." Soren answered for Eva. "I'm her only friend."

Amelia's lips stretched into a cold smile.

"Well since you don't have any other friends we both could hang out."

"That sounds nice," Soren smiled, his gaze flickering to Eva. "You both can hang out. Amelia's a really nice person Eva."

"So what do you say Eva?" Amelia asked.

Eva's eyes darted to Soren. He seemed genuinely happy and Eva didn't want to destroy his happiness so instead she agreed to hang out with Amelia.

"Perfect," Amelia grinned, clasping her hands. "You and I are going to have so much fun."

____________________________________________________

Killian’s pov

Killian was behind his desk, trying to get some work done when the door creaked open and Colton stepped in, his voice was barely above a whisper.

“Boss… we’ve got a problem.”

Killian didn’t look up from the papers spread across his desk.

“Speak,” he ordered, his voice a low command.

“The shipment… the one scheduled for two days from now?"

“Yes,” Killian said, his eyes were still focused on the papers infront of him.

“It’s gone, it's stolen.”

For a moment there was silence. Just the faint hum of the city outside.

“By who?” Killian asked, slowly lifting his gaze.

" By Nicholas," Colton replied.

Killian’s eyes burned with fury, sharp and unyielding. He clenched his fists so tightly his knuckles turned white.

"But we managed to capture one of his men," Colton said.

A dangerous glint flashed in Killian’s eyes.

"Get him ready I'll be down in a minute," he said, his voice was dark and commanding.

Colton nodded and just before he could leave he stopped and turned around.

"You know the girl you saved in the alley?"

"What about her?" he asked, his voice was flat and unreadable.

I saw her at the grocery store, he said, scratching the back of his head nervously. "She works there."

Killian’s expression softened just for a second before it hardened again.

"And why are you telling me this?"

Colton raised a brow. "I though you might wanted to know."

"Are you done?" Killian asked, glaring at Colton.

Colton exhaled and walked out, closing the door softly behind him.

Killian reached for Eva's file and stared at her photo. His lips curled into a small smile as his fingers traced her photo.

"It's time we meet again," he whispered.