Page 6 of Redeem
“Oh, I had thought you would keep him here now”—my father clears his throat—"that Adrian has gone.” I can see my father is confused, and it makes me curious why he thought Emilio would take over Adrian's position so soon. Hell, everyone knows it was Emilio who killed Adrian. Everyone but the people in the room that day. It’s not a secret, but no one talks about it. I’m still surprised Arrow hasn't told my father the truth of what really happened that day. He tells him everything...everything but this.
“No, the boy has less than six months before he’ll be returning home. I made a deal with the family he stays with in Boston, and I don't take back my word.” He growls the last part at my father, almost as if it's a warning.
“Oh, that is good news, as Isabella will be returning to Roxbury this week.”
My head swings to the side to see my father’s face. He doesn't look over at me as my mouth drops open. He told me I wasn't going back. And now...I look at Emilio, who is clenching his hand around his butter knife. That’s when I realize the truth—I’m only going back because Emilio is.
I look at Maximo, and he smiles at me in a way that has me shying away. It reminds me of the day he took us into his office and told me I was to marry Adrian.
Oh, fuck.
The rest of meal I remain silent, just watching and listening to my father talk about how proud he is of my brothers, and it takes everything within me not to leave. If I did, I’d be punished. I just need to get through today, then I’ll be back at Roxbury with the freedom I crave. The more time I spent away from here, the more I don’t want this to be part of my future. I don’t belong here; I never have.
“Run along, Isabella. You’ll have lots to get ready for school,” my father eventually says, patting the corner of his mouth with the napkin.
I smile back and leave, with Emilio right behind me. Stopping at the bottom of the stairs, I look back at him. “I’ll see you at school?” I ask, even though I already know the answer.
The corner of his mouth lifts. “Yeah, Izzy, I’ll see you there.”
My belly warms at the way he looks at me. I’ve always loved Emilio, ever since we were kids. He made me feel like I’m the only girl in the world, my Leo. Even though he was a dick to me when I came to Roxbury, I get it. I understand he was just trying to protect me in his own way.
The front door shuts, and I continue up the stairs. Footsteps follow behind me, and I don’t have to look to know who it is. I feel him, the way my stupid body lights up whenever he is near. I hate it. Especially now.
I don’t stop until I’m outside my bedroom door. Then I whirl around, coming face-to-face with Arrow.
“What do you want?” I snap, folding my arms over my chest, angry at how much I still feel for him. How my body lights up when he’s around and my heart aches for the man I thought he was.
He reaches out but pulls back, scratching his head. “I don’t want you to go back to Roxbury.” He sighs. “At least, not without me there to protect you.”
I scoff. “Adrian is dead. I don't need you now.”
He takes a step forward, and I take one back, slamming into my door. He stops right in front of me. “Look, if I could take back what I did, I would, but I can’t now. You know what your father has done for me. H e saved me. I would be dead otherwise.”
I can see the loyalty and love he has there for my father. The man who he thinks saved him. I shake my head, anger bubbling up through my veins, and I can't hold on to this secret anymore.
“He never saved you. He took them from you.” The words leave my mouth before I have a chance to stop them. I cover my mouth with my hand and Arrow frowns.
“He took who?”
I swallow hard, shaking my head. When I look up at him again, I can see he realizes who I'm talking about. Arrow presses his body against mine, his body warmth seeping deep into me, and I wish I didn't have to tell him the truth.
He swallows and looks me dead in the eye. “Tell me,” he growls through clenched teeth.
I can’t continue keeping this secret. It’s not fair to him. He deserves the answers he’s been craving, even if the truth changes how he feels about me. I never wanted to hurt him or make him hate me. This will do both.
“I owe you your secret. I’m sorry. My father and uncle killed your parents.”
All of the color drains from Arrow’s face, and he steps back with wide eyes. I reach for him, wanting to comfort him. After everything he’s done to me...it doesn't compare to how this will hurt him. Everything he’s known is crashing down around him.
He spins and disappears, running back down the stairs.
My heart breaks in two for Arrow as everything he thought he knew crumbles into a pile of ash.
CHAPTER6
ISABELLA / ADDIE
Nothing is more uncomfortable than moving into the dorms with a middle-age man. Okay, he’s notinmy room. He has a separate room from mine. Still, he’s always there to watch me, which is certainly creepy enough.
