Page 52 of Redeemed

That makes her pause. Ever since we met, we’ve always looked out for each other. The two of us have been through so much, so I understand her hesitation. They’ll hurtme,not her, though, which makes this my decision.

“I’ll be fine. I promise,” I say before downing the rest of my drink and then doing the same to hers.

“Hey—that’s mine! Jesus Christ, Haven, slow down.”

“I need the courage,” I insist, standing tall. “Okay, let’s go. I have a plan.”

Athelia looks like she’s about to drag me away, so I turn and sprint up the walkway before she can. She calls after me, but I don’t slow down. I have to do this before I chicken out.

Colton is still in the kitchen, and Lucas and Xander flank him, their arms crossed. All three of them are glaring at the masked guys we avoided earlier in what, according to my already-half-drunk-self, looks like a comically dramatic standoff.

It dawns on me that my alcohol-induced plan might not be horribly well thought out, but I’m already marching up to Colton. He’s so fixated on the masked guys that he doesn’t even notice me until I’ve already slapped him in the face—hard.

I whip around to dash away, but I’m yanked back by my hair. Pain sears my scalp as I fall into Colton’s body, and for a second, all I can do is stare up at him in shock. But when that smug look takes over his features, my hands automatically go for his face.

Before I can claw at his skin, Xander grabs my wrists and forces my hands behind my back. “Nice try, little traitor.” His grip tightens until I whimper. “Better luck next time.”

Pinned between them, my brain goes into full panic mode. I try to break free, but Xander is too strong.

“Stupid, stupid girl,” Colton taunts softly. He leans in close, and his breath tickles my ear as he whispers, “I’d be careful if I were you. Piss me off too much, and I’ll get you thrown off campus before the weekend is over.”

Xander jolts, and I realize Athelia is behind me, kicking at his legs. It distracts him enough that I can break free from Xander’s grasp, so I slap Colton again, harder this time. But his hand is still in my hair, so he only pulls me closer. His lips just barely brush against mine, and it sends a shiver of revulsion through me.

“Fuck you,” I grit out. “You vile, disgusting,worthlesspiece of shit. Let go of me.”

His eyes flash, and that smug smile only grows. “That’s the best you got?”

Athelia is hitting him before I can respond. “Let go, Colton.” She goes harder when he ignores her. “Let. Her. Go.”

“Deal with her,” Colton tells Lucas.

Lucas disappears from my line of sight, and I pound my fists into Colton’s chest. I’m too close to get enough leverage, but I know it’s got to hurt him at least a little.

“Don’t you dare hurt her. Don’t youdare.I’ll—”

Colton’s laugh is sharp. “You’ll what? Look at yourself, angel.” He spits the nickname out with disgust. “You can’t do anything. You’re helpless. Nothing more than a stupid girl who bit off more than she can chew.”

His insult stabs deep, the pain in my chest so potent that I can’t even come up with a retort. Once upon a time, if I’d taken on more than I could’ve handled, he would’ve helped me.

But he’s right. I’m the one who squandered that connection.

“Enough.”

Colton’s eyes flick past me, and I turn enough to see those three masked men standing threateningly close. I gulp. Now that I’m in the middle of their standoff, it doesn’t feel so funny.

“Oh, fuck off,” Colton snaps.

I try to push away from him, but he grips my hair tighter and forces me to look back at him. Tears spring to my eyes. From the sharp burn in my scalp? From how badly his words sting? I don’t know, and I probably never will.

“There are those tears I love,” he murmurs, and a sadistic smile takes over his face.

I hate it. Hate myself for what I did. If I could take it back, I would, although I don’t know if it would make a difference. I’ve tried apologizing countless times, and Colton has rejected me every time. His hatred for me is undying.

“I just want…” My voice falters. “I just want to forget.”

“You’ll never forget me. That’s a promise.”

“Enough.” It’s the same masked man this time. His voice sounds strange, like it’s digitalized or something. “Let her go.”

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