Page 178 of Redeemed

I feel guilty lying to her again, but she can’t see who picks me up. Wes already did, although Lucas seemed unbothered, so I doubt Wes will say anything to Athelia. It’ll bring up dozens of questions, and I can’t answer any of them yet.

“All right. Well, text me when you get back so I know you got there okay.”

“Will do.”

Only once Athelia is across the street do I text the group chat so one of the guys can pick me up at the park. The back of my neck tingles, like I’m being watched, but when I turn, I find nothing but the treeline.

My phone vibrates in my hand, and I jump. Cursing myself for being so paranoid, I tap on the notification that pops up on my screen.

Colton:On my way.

Taking a deep breath, I lower myself onto the bench. Colton’s house isn’t even ten minutes away, and with how fast he drives, he’ll probably be here in under five.

“It’s just a few minutes alone,” I tell myself.

It does little to assuage my anxiety. I wish I could’ve told Athelia everything so she could’ve stayed with me until Colton got here. The guys’ logic is solid enough, but I think she’d understand. She already knows who Isaiah is, anyway.

No. No, this is for the best.I don’t want Athelia caught up in this. As long as I don’t lead Isaiah to her, she’ll be safe, especially because it looks like she’s around Wesley, Cal, and Kellan twenty-four-seven. Since she’s not at the dorm anymore, Isaiah probably doesn’t know where she’s staying, same as me.

I’ll tell her as soon as it’s safe to, but until then, she has to stay in the dark. Today was enough of a risk. I can’t let Isaiah hurt her. If he does, I’ll never forgive—

“Heaven?”

My blood runs cold.

Oh no.

Slowly, I turn, and there he is, not even three yards away. He’s dressed in regular clothes instead of what Cornerstone requires, probably to blend in. Was he dressed like this on Halloween night? I was too scared to pay attention.

“What are you doing here?” I demand. “How did you know where to find me?”

“I have my ways.”

The guy who took the picture.

Oh my god.

That wasn’t Colton’s doing.

“You have people out looking for me?” I ask incredulously. “Why the fuck would you—”

“Heaven,” he snaps. “Don’t speak like that.”

When he steps toward me, my body jumps into action. I’m free now. I don’t have to take his abuse. I can run or fight back without having to face the consequences.

As long as I can hold him off until Colton gets here.

I bolt toward the trees. If I can outrun him, maybe I can hide until I don’t have to fight him by myself. I know I can try, but there’s no way I can win against him.

“Stop,” Isaiah yells.

I force my legs to move faster. There’s an opening in the trees to a hiking path I’ve taken a few times with Athelia. Not daring to look back, I dart up the trail. Isaiah’s footsteps pound on the packed dirt behind me, and it sounds like he’s getting closer.

The idea of finding a hiding place sounds so stupid now. Why did I ever think I’d be able to get ahead of him enough? He’ll see whatever tree or rock I dodge behind.

A weapon. I need a weapon.

Almost immediately, I fixate on a fallen branch in the middle of the path. It looks a little heavy, but if I’m going to defend myself against Isaiah, that’s what I need.

---