Page 30 of Resist Me

“I distinctly remember you saying it was dumb to share information with your mortal enemy.”

He frowned. “It’s also dumb to bring them their bag and save them from the rain.”

“I haven’t saved you. You’re still in the rain.” Tapping my fingers against the strap I was clutching, I studied him. He still didn’t look well- not just physically, but also in spirit. “Do you need saving?”

When he met my eyes, I was surprised by the anger there. “I don’t need your help, Porter.”

His use of my last name made me grit my teeth. I dropped the bag at his feet and took a step back.

“Fine. Have fun sleeping in the rain if that’s what you’re into these days.”

I spun on my heel and started walking down the path again. Even though I wanted to say more, it wouldn’t do any good. What was the point anyway? We weren’t going to become friends just because wesang karaoke and had some beers together. I sure as hell didn’t want to deal with his unfounded resentment toward me.

Behind me, there was a sharp hiss followed by a swear. Without even making a conscious decision to stop, I stood in place. I was an idiot for turning around, but when I saw the pain on West’s face, I returned to the bench.

“What the hell is wrong with you?” I demanded.

His head cocked. “You kinda sound like my dad.”

“You’re infuriating.”

“If you tell me I’m a worthless piece of shit, it’ll be like he’s right in front of me. Better yet, throw a punch.”

Swiping a hand down my face, I willed myself to walk away. At the same time, his words made my gut twist uncomfortably. “Have you seen a doctor?”

He got to his feet. “I don’t need one.”

When I grabbed his side, he cried out and latched onto my wrist to pull my hand away.

“It’s been over a week,” I pointed out. “You could have a broken rib.”

“It’s not broken.”

“Regardless, you should get it checked out.”

“My dad will be pissed if I go to the doctor, okay?”

“Why?”

“He just will. He’ll see the claim pop up, then he’ll call me and it’ll turn into a whole thing. I just can’t deal with that.”

“He pays for your insurance but doesn’t want you to use it. That seems dumb.”

“I don’t know, man. Maybe it’s some misguided sense of obligation. Let’s just drop it.”

His despondency made my stomach shrivel up. It didn’t match the person I’d known for nearly six months. There was no shit-eating grin or cries for attention. He looked like he could crumble and disappear in the wind.

“No doctor,” I agreed. “At least let me take you home. You look like the dead.”

“I can’t sleep there,” he muttered.

“Uh, okay. Does your mattress suck?”

He huffed, then launched into an explanation with a speed I had difficulty keeping up with. “There was a roach on my ceiling and it fell on my face. I haven’t slept in a few days, the manager won’t send pest control, and Sen and Kai work super late tonight. I don’t want to be there by myself.”

He looked down at his feet after he finished. The whole thing sounded like a nightmare except for the part about being alone. It seemed insane to resort to sleeping on a bench in the courtyard, but he’d obviously reached a point of desperation.

“You can crash with me.”

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