Page 39 of Redeem
"I travel a bit for my dad’s business, so we'll see each other again. Promise," Stella says, reaching over and squeezing my hand.
There's a knock on the door. Serena curses, jumping up, and she rips open the door. "Couldn't you give us more time?" Giving Keegan and Emilio her back, she storms back into the room, blocking me from them.
Keegan laughs. "Sorry, Princess Peach, but we have to take our girl. It's time."
I crane my neck, looking around Serena. Keegan presses his lips together, and I nod. Fuck. I thought I would have more time. But best to get this plan into action sooner rather than later.
"I'll give you girls a minute to say goodbye. Meet you out front, pack a bag of whatever you need," Emilio says, walking straight back out the door.
Keegan lingers. "I'm sorry for taking your friend away," he says before turning and shutting the door behind him.
Tears run down my cheeks like a running tap. Stella shuffles over, wrapping me under her arm.
"I've never had friends like you both. I don't want to lose this," I say with a hiccup.
Serena spins around, kneeling on the floor and resting her elbows on the bed. "Hate to burst your bubble, but we—" She points between the three of us. "Are ride or die. Can't get rid of us.Ever."
I smile, and Stella wipes away my tear-stained cheeks.
"Now, what do you want in your little escape pack?" Serena asks as she heads to my closet, ripping open the doors. She starts rummaging through my clothes.
"Don't worry about it. I came here with practically nothing, and I'll leave with the same," I say, sliding off my bed.
I kneel down, reaching under my bed to lift out my special box from the boy I gave my heart to all those years ago.
A lone tear falls down my cheek cementing the reality that everything is going to change again. I begged the guys to be part of this, and now even I am second-guessing my choices. But, deep down, I know I want to see Emilio’s father dead... My own father dead. I know this is the only way. It’s hard, but it has to be done to be finally free.
Clutching the box against my chest, I stand up, whirling around and meeting Stella, who's got my backpack opened with a few clothes inside. I smile, putting the only thing I truly want to keep safe on top. She zips it up, and when I turn around, she lifts it onto my back.
More tears fall, and I don't think I've ever cried so much before. Pull yourself together.
"If you need anything at all, just call us. Promise?" Serena asks and I nod.
"This isn't really goodbye. It's see you later," Stella says, pulling me in for a hug.
Serena crushes into us, wrapping her long arms around us. "See you soon," Serena whispers.
“Soon,” I repeat.
Stepping away from my best friends is the hardest thing I've ever done. I don't turn back around, afraid I won't go.
Keegan meets me on the other side of my door, and I fall into his waiting arms. He holds me for seconds or minutes. I have no idea.
I pull back, wiping away my wet cheeks. "Let's end this."
The corner of Keegan's mouth lifts. "Fuck, I love you."
I don't hesitate as I reply, "I love you, too."
"Together," Keegan replies, interlacing our fingers.
“We do this together.”
CHAPTER28
ARROW
Ireload my gun, checking the bullets and pulling them back into place before sliding it into my holster. I double check my other gun strapped to my ankle for the millionth time while we wait for Emilio, Keegan, and Bella to come back. What's taking them so fucking long?
