Page 130 of Deliverance

“Bullshit! Get fucked, Bartlett!” she snarls, punching the gas just as I get a grip on her car.

I hold on for a second or two before I have no choice but to let go. My feet are still moving as I attempt to slow down before I bury my fingers into my hair.

“FUCK!” I shout into the quiet parking lot.

Heaving labored breaths because I fuckingneverdo cardio, I slowly head back to my room. When I get there, I find Bridgette dressed, looking panicked.

“Did you catch her? What did she say?” Bridgette asks.

I shake my head and her face fills with worry.

“Okay, what do we do? I mean, if he calls, I just won’t answer. If he comes, I won’t go with him. Asher decreed there would be no punishment for anyone who is queer. I’m queer, right? So, we fall under that. Right? Right?” Her voice is rising higher and higher, anxiety bleeding through her words, as she struggles for breath.

Taking a few steps towards her, I rest my hands on her arms as I hush her softly. Her panicked, wild blue eyes tug at my heart as I nod.

“We’re gonna be fine, baby. I’m going to call Sky. Maybe she can give us some advice as to how to handle all this, or the guys can. It’s going to be okay.”

“You really believe that?” she asks vulnerably.

Not sure, but I’m not going to tell her that.

“Of course. Besides, we couldn’t keep it hidden from him forever. You’re out from under his thumb. You never have to go back to that house again. I promised I would never let anyone hurt you again, least of all him. We will be okay.”

She sucks in a deep breath, letting it out as she nods shakily. I give her an encouraging smile before it slowly fades. I hope I’m right.

Chapter Forty Five

Bridgette

Maggie called Skyla immediately and told her everything. She was on speaker and I was honestly so surprised there wasn’t a moment or hint of judgment anywhere in her words. In fact, she actually seemed smug, like she expected as much. She told Maggie that there is no way Asher will allow my father to punish myself or Maggie. That if he even tries to touch us, to call the police or them directly.

That gave me a little sense of comfort.

I can’t help but walk with my head on a swivel. I’m waiting for Maryia to pop out from any corner again and attack me. Though, I gotta admit, I beat her ass. I doubt she would try to fuck with me anytime soon.

Kinda proud of myself, I won’t lie.

I’m heading to my car to drive over to our new condo for the summer. I’m going to sign the lease and get everything set up so that we can move in immediately, even if it won’t be for another few weeks.

My phone buzzes in my pocket, and I grab it to see who it is. The anxiety that ratchets inside me slowly eases when I see that it’s just Maggie.

Maggie: How’s my girl doing? I miss you.

I smile at that.

Me: I’m hanging in there. How is my girl doing?

Maggie: Your girl? I like the sound of that.

Maggie: Also, you didn’t say it back.

I snort, my smile still firmly in place as I shake my head.

Me: What are you? In first grade?

Her response comes in immediately.

Maggie: Yeah, but I read at a third grade level.