Page 56 of Vow of Vengeance

Digging deeper, I know one thing for sure: I trust myself. I wouldn’t let anyone inside my body if I didn’t trust them on some level. So, the answer is yes, I do trust him.

For how long, I have no clue.

“Come on,” he says, still smiling. “Say yes.”

I stop myself from swiping a fingertip over the adorable dimple on his cheek. “Yes. I trust you.” I add, “Somewhat.”

My answer makes his grin double. “Somewhat is all I need.”

“You keep your expectations low,” I laugh. “That’s good.”

He holds his hand out to me. “Come with me.”

“Where?” I ask.

“Get your coat.”

I need a moment to escape his heated gaze, so I head to my room. Opening the closet doors, I grab my coat from over the backpack, shrugging my arms into the sleeves.

The backpack on the floor stares up at me, reminding me of the contraband it holds. I stare down, thinking of the phone. Should I look now and see if I can turn off the ringer?

My heart thrums in my ears, and my face goes hot as I listen for footsteps. Nothing. Kneeling, I unzip the backpack, a few painfully loud teeth at a time, the sound unbelievably loud in the silent room. Still, no footsteps come, so I pull the gray hoodie from the bag. As I’m unrolling the hoodie, the phone pops out, landing on the floor.

“Shoot.” I lift it with fumbling fingers, snapping the thing open. There’s a text. My heart lifts, immediately recognizing the number.

“Carter!” I whisper-shout to myself. “You’re okay.”

PHEE RUOK

My heart now pounds. He could come up any moment. It’s worth the risk to let Carter know I’m okay. The poor boy practically got thrown out my bedroom window.

Im OK!

How’d you get this number #

He writes back.

ur mom

haha

WHAT’S WITH THAT DUDE

Too many things to list here, Carter. It would take me three days on this tiny keypad,” I murmur. One ear out for Haze, I text back as quickly as I can.

Long story, but I’m good

Promise!

He texts back.

the teachers said you won some dope ass trip

is that true?

Hmm… what to say?

Heavy footsteps move around downstairs. “Ophelia? You ready?”

---