Salvation (Surrender 3)

“Yeah, but not many people know the whole story, especially the part about Finn. That’s why the article is so damaging. There are details in there that are personal to our inner circle, and as soon as it came out, Finn did a search and found pictures of them in Paris floating around the Internet. Someone has been close enough to Raven to get into her computer files. And all that stuff written about the guys wanting to protect Sayge and get Raven out are lies. Those guys realized the errors of their ways immediately. There was a lot of regret and apologies. They adore her. So whoever did this was blatantly trying to hurt my sister.”

“What happens now?”

“Dad’s getting it pulled down and threatening to sue for slander. Declan is about to have an aneurysm from pure rage. Raven’s hurt, mad, and worried about her wedding being leaked. The band is ready to throw down for her. Finn’s working on finding the hacker. I’m working on finding the fucking journalist.”

My heart swells with love and respect for this man. “She’s lucky to have you.”

His face goes soft with understanding that my statement means so much more. “Babe—”

“No, listen. I strived for acceptance from my sibling for most of my life. It was exhausting. But listening to you talk about protecting Raven doesn’t make me sad. It makes me care for you even more. You’re an amazing brother.”

His eyes flash with anger at the mention of Natalie, but then turn soft as he leans his head against mine. “It’s her loss, Ember, because I think you’re pretty amazing, too.”

“Thanks,” I whisper. “Is there anything I can do to help with the Raven situation?”

“Yes, you can sit here and make me forget about today. She’s going to be fine.” He squeezes me tight. “Please tell me your day was better than mine.”

His words from the other night about trusting him float through my mind. “My day was great. I talked to my dad.”

“You did?”

“You sound surprised.”

“I am. How often do you talk?”

“As often as possible. He calls Chloe, Cruz, and me weekly. He tries to talk to Natalie, but she’s resistant.”

“How’d your talk go?”

“Let’s see. My crazy, intrusive aunt told him about you, so he called to hear it from me. He grilled me a bit, but in the end, he was pleased.” I look up and see Robbie smiling.

“You told your dad about us?”

“Of course.”

“What exactly did you tell him?”

“Don’t worry. Chloe put you on a pedestal.”

“Pedestal, huh?” He wiggles his eyebrows, still grinning.

“Don’t let it go to your head.”

“I’d like to meet him.”

My mouth falls open. “Really?”

“Why wouldn’t I?”

I can’t form the words I want to say so I stay quiet.

“You think, because he’s in jail, I’d want to stay away?”

“It’s not really that, but what will your family think of you visiting the penitentiary?”

“Nothing. It’s not their business.”

“Oh.” I try to move away.