Chapter 24

I smothered that voice that wanted to hide and run. Not this time.

I usually walked to class on Thursday, but instead, I parked my car in the lot outside of class. Rowan was waiting outside his classroom for me. He suggested that we go to that bookstore again, which was really sweet and sounded like so much fun. But I told him that I had plans with Jessica that night. I tried to seem as normal as possible so he wouldn’t suspect that I was about to do something really stupid.

I knew it wasn’t the smartest thing to do. But I would have wanted someone to go out of their way for me. I texted Jessica that I was going to Rowan’s apartment after class and not to expect me. That would put Rowan right into Jessica’s crosshairs, but he’d be fine.

When Isabella limped into class, I noticed darker bruises around her throat whenever her scarf shifted out of position. That was enough to convince me that I was doing the right thing. Not the smartest thing, but the right one.