Page 68 of Redeemed

“Wha—no! Please don’t.”

I regret my words immediately. That predatory spark returns to Colton’s eyes, the one that makes my stomach twist with worry. I shrink back when he turns his gaze on me.

Stupid, stupid, stupid.I know better than to show him even a sliver of vulnerability. He can’t know the truth. He’ll find some way to exploit it, to make things worse. I’ve already told him more than I should’ve.

A chill settles over me. He wouldn’t take me back to Isaiah, would he? He’s been cruel, but dumping me at the feet of a man who obviously wants to hurt me would be a step further than the boys have ever taken their bullying.

Although… considering what Colton threatened me with earlier, maybe they’ve decided to stop holding back.

“Who is he to you?” Colton asks, his voice edged with danger, and I realize that predatory glint in his eyes isn’t directed toward me.

It’s pointed at my husband.

“I—I told you, I don’t know who he is.”

“Why did he call you Heaven?”

“You’ve never had someone mispronounce your name before?” My voice is too high, too shaky. Goddammit, where are my lying skills when I need them?

His eyes narrow, and in a flash, he’s gripping my throat and squeezing the sides. I gasp, clawing at his arm, but the thick fabric of his hoodie protects him.

“Colton,” I choke out. My airway is unrestricted, but he’s cutting off the blood flow to my brain. I probably don’t even have a minute before I pass out.

“You don’t lie to me. Not about something like this, Haven. You understand me?”

I go still, my gaze clashing with his. He’s never called me by my first name. Not since I betrayed him.

Why does he care?

“Who is he to you?” he repeats, his voice harsh.

“Can’t,” I whisper as black creeps into the edges of my vision.

“Yes, you can. Tell me.”

I squeeze my eyes shut.

“Now.”

My body starts to go weak, and he releases me, shoving me into my seat. Clarity slowly returns as blood rushes to my brain, and it hits me that he’s glaring at me.

“Why does he want to hurt you?”

“Why do you care?” I toss back.

“Isn’t it obvious?” Colton’s finger skirts across my jawbone in a way that has me shivering. “No one gets to hurt you. No one but us.”

“He won’t find me again.”

I’ll make sure of it.

He raises a brow. “Yeah? How are you gonna manage that? Gonna hide in your dorm?”

I rub my throat with my shaking hand. “I’ll… I’ll stay in a motel or something.”

Colton laughs. Not a chuckle—a full-on laugh, with his head thrown back and everything. It’s a cruel sound, and when he looks at me, he shakes his head. “Do you have any idea how easy it is to break into a motel room?”

“I—”

---