Page 33 of Redemption
“Yes, Imean. She made us watch when she killed one girl…” My voice fell away. “I’d rather off myself than die like that.” I stepped over to Ma and told her, “But I do want you to know that I am glad I got to meet you. I am so thankful for all you have done for me.”
Ma had tears in her eyes. “It is dangerous out there, Cinnamon.”
“Not right now it isn’t,” I told her. “But when they exchange O for Glory, I won’t be safe.” I hugged her and whispered to her ear, “I wish I’d had a mother like you. Life would have been so different for me.” I kissed her cheek and went out the back way. I knew if I looked at her, I might chicken out and stay.
I stopped and pulled my small flashlight out to light my way as I hurried along the fence. I grabbed the bike and tied my bag to the back rack. I walked it to the hole in the fence and eased it through, then ducked myself in through it and caught the bike.
I walked it through the bumpy path until I reached the road. Of course, no one was on it. I took the flashlight out and used a hair tie to secure the flashlight. I got on and hoped to make it to town by 5:30 at least. I pedalled for an hour and since it had been mostly uphill, I had to stop. I grabbed the water out of my bag and the orange. I would rest for ten minutes and then go at it again. I had to be in town before daylight. I didn’t want anyone to see me.
After a few more miles, I knew where I was. I headed to the street Jewel lived on. Stopping my bike, I looked around to see if her place was being watched. I didn’t see anyone in any of the vehicles. I pushed the bike up to the apartment building and tapped in the code I remembered, hoping it was still the same one. The door buzzed as I released a breath of relief and walked the bike inside. I gazed around and saw no one. So, I got in the elevator and fit the bike in. At the third floor, I got off and wheeled the bike to her door. I reached into my pocket and got out my keys to find the one for her apartment. Turning the key, I opened the door.
I moved my bike to the side, put the stand down and quietly closed the door. Heading over to the couch, I let out a long breath and took my shoes off. I hoped I could get a few hours sleep before Jewel woke up, she worked until 2 am and was probably still sleeping.
I laid down and stared at the ceiling. I didn’t want to think about Redemption. His smile, his scent or his laugh. Or any of the wonderful things he did to me. But I knew he would be in my dreams as that was the only place I would see him again. Closing my eyes, all I could see was his face. Would this haunt me for a long time? Maybe, but I had to push past it. I wasn’t safe and I wouldn’t be if I didn’t get out of town today.
Closing my eyes, exhaustion finally won and I fell to sleep.
Sometime later, a hand patted my face. I opened my eyes expecting to see Jewel, instead, a man stood over me. I gasped and tried to sit up.
Pushing me down, he pressed his hand against my neck. “O said you might come here.” His Russian accent was thick as he smiled at me.
Panic rushed through me as I felt cold all over. The Russian man grabbed me up and clamped his hand over my mouth then turned me around. I heard grunting and groaning.
Another large man had Jewel trussed up and gagged.
I stared at her as tears formed in my eyes. I had just turned her life into a nightmare.
The two men hurried as they tossed us onto their shoulders and carried us out. They used the stairs and they were so strong they didn’t even get winded as they carried us down three flights.
Tears now streamed from my eyes. In two days when O was set free, I would die a horrible painful death. One that would take several hours and it would seem like a lifetime.
They went through the exit and headed down the steps. I had no hope for help as no one in Ramton would get involved even if they did see us. Mistakes, all I’d ever made was mistakes. This one would cost me my life and maybe my only friend’s life as well.
Then suddenly, the man carrying me went down. I screamed through my gag as I landed on the sidewalk and rolled over, hitting my head. There were bootsteps along the walk as I was scooped up and carried over to a vehicle. I tried to open my eyes but my head pounded badly as blood trickled down my face along my nose. I heard a voice as I passed out, “I got you. I got you.”
Chapter Ten:I Got You
Redemption
I’d woken up to an empty bed. I at first thought she might have gone to the bathroom, then I sat up and saw the door to it open. I figured maybe she had gone to her room. Then my gut told me something had been off with the way she had acted outside the barn. Looking terrified one minute then asking me to take her to my bed in the next. I had been around women and they could confuse the hell out of you. Cinnamon for the most part seemed level headed. Until she got anywhere close to this O woman.
I swung my legs over the side of the bed. I knew something now. I wanted her to be in my bed, in my life. I’d expected to take her to the shower when we woke up. Show her a bit more of the pleasure I could give her. Yeah, I was greedy when it came to this woman. This was different for me too. Usually, I wouldn’t take any woman too seriously, it would be consensual and brief. I would make it clear from the start, it was just attraction and I made sure they understood that I didn’t want any attachments.
Not with Cinnamon though. Damnit, I wanted more. I wanted to hear her soft voice in my ear. I wanted to see her in the daylight smiling at me. I wanted to… I paused. Make her happy. Chase away those shadows in her eyes. Yes, I saw them. Something not only scared her but it haunted her. I had no idea what it might be but I aimed to find out.
I needed to make sure she stayed here. For her own safety and for my sanity. I shook my head. I had fallen hard and fast for this girl. I had to admit this to myself at least.
I stood from the bed and tugged on my jeans, then my shirt. I planned to check on her as I knew what room she stayed in. Yes, I had sort of spied on her. Bad boy behavior but when it came to this woman, I just couldn’t seem to walk away.
I headed out and down the hall. Knocking softly on her door, I listened. Maybe she was asleep by now. I would just slip into the bed beside her if that was the case. I eased her door open. Heading in, I looked around. Bathroom door stood wide open. Then I snooped. I went over to the dresser and opened a drawer or two. No clothes. Then I looked around again. No personal items at all.
A feeling began to sink in. She had left? No fucking way! I went out the door and ran into someone.
“Oh, Lawd!” A voice exclaimed.
I braced the person by grabbing her arms.
“Mr. Redemption,” Bea Walker stared at my face. “What are you doing up before the roosters?”
