43. IVY
43
IVY
Trees whipped past my face as I sprinted through the woods, the scent of pine filling my nose. The chilly air stung my cheeks, but it was nothing compared to the icy tendrils of dread that strangled my chest.
Memories flickered through my mind—a different forest, a different escape. Back then, I thought Grayson was the threat, but now, he was my savior, risking his life to protect me.
This will be okay. Mom will be okay. Grayson will be okay. They have to be. I can’t lose them, not now, not like this. And not after I told Grayson that I never want to see him again after all this.
I dodged under a thick, low-hanging branch, which snagged my hair with a sharp tug on my scalp, but I barely registered the pain. Suddenly, the cell phone in my hand buzzed.
Red: Got her away safely. Observed no other men, but be careful. Meet us at location B.
I released a shuddering breath in relief.
Mom is okay. She’s safe. She and Red made it out of here alive. But what about Grayson? He’s still back there, facing that armed madman alone. I should be with him, fighting by his side, not running away like a coward.
In front of me, the slight outline of the forest’s edge materialized, the motel’s bulbs a lighthouse in the storm. With the keys and cell phone in hand, I burst from the tree line.
Every cell in my body wanted to turn back and race to Grayson, but I couldn’t be reckless. He was counting on me to follow his orders, freeing his focus to fight that assailant.
He will be okay.
Bam.
When the second gunshot ripped through the air, I dropped to the cold earth, instinctively covering my head.