Page 2 of Revenge Saints

Roman.

I drop it, and it hits the floor with a thud. A squeak escapes my lips as my head snaps up, my gaze darting to every shadow that lurks along the trees. Knox said these radios didn’t have a long range. Does that mean Roman is nearby?

“I trust you’re returning to the base like a good girl,” Roman snarls with amusement and menace, and my stomach turns upside down.

I don’t answer.

“Asssppeenn,” he sings my name, a twisted melody that sends a violent shiver down my spine. My hands shake as I pick the radioup so tight my knuckles turn white. I keep searching the trees; it’s getting dark, and I don’t have a single light to guide me.

“Fine,” he says. “I’ll make sure to let Dante know the reason he’s getting a bullet to the skull.”

“No!” My thumb smashes the button. “I’m here; please don’t hurt him.”

“Where are you?” Roman’s words slither through the speaker.

I swallow hard, scanning the darkening woods. I don’t know where I am, just somewhere too far from Dante. “Close,” I lie.

“Good girl,” he purrs. “My men will come help you get here faster, princess.”

The way he says it freezes my blood.

“I have so many plans for you.” He chuckles darkly, and it makes my stomach twist.

“You’re disgusting,” I snarl, no longer able to hide my hatred.

Roman tsks. “Oh, princess, don’t be like that. I promise I’ll be gentle.”

“Go to hell,” I yell to the damn radio.

“Been there, done that,” he grunts.

I push myself to my feet; my pulse quickens; I need to move.

The river is behind me, a dark ribbon of water whispering against the rocks, which means if I keep moving forward, I’ll eventually reach the base. But the question is, do I want to? March straight into Roman’s hands without a plan?

No. That’s not an option, but going back to the river… going back means Knox, Max, and Ryker will find me. And if they do, there’s no way in hell they’ll let me make my own choice; they’ll force theirs on me.

Screw that. I was alone for years; I can do it again until I figure this out.

I pivot, darting into the other side of the woods, away from the river, away from the base. My boots dig into the mud as the sky darkens, rain begins to patter softly against the leaves above me. Roman won’t kill Dante. I’m sure of it… I think… I hope.

Don’t think about it, Aspen. Keep moving.

Glancing behind me, I spot my footsteps in the dirt. Ryker will track me in a heartbeat. I look around and see a branch with thick leaves still clinging to it. Perfect!

I drag it behind me, sweeping the ground to erase my trail. It slows me down, but I have to stay hidden at least until morning.

The rain is falling even more now; of course it is! I’m just waiting for a fucking lightning bolt to strike and get this over with.

I don’t know how long I’ve been walking; I’m tired, cold, and wet. My eyes are looking for anything where I can hide from the rain for a while.

Wait, what is that dark thing…?

A cave… Well, it’s more like a hole in a rock, but it will do.

Thank God.

I kneel on the wet dirt and crawl into the narrow opening. It’s tight, with barely enough room to fit through the entrance, but inside, I can at least sit straight.