Page 86 of Tamed By You

I don't know how long it takes, or how long she's been convulsing, but her body finally stops, and she goes limp and heavy in my lap.

“Cass.” I shake her, but she doesn't move. Her arm flops off my lap, hanging lifelessly beside her. With shaky fingers, I press them to her pulse point, but I feel nothing.

“Cassidy.” Her name leaves my lips on a bloody curdling scream.

“Ali.” I sag in relief when I see Brad.

“I don’t think she’s breathing. Please help her.” Panic laces my voice. He lifts her, cradling her in his arms, her body like a rag doll. He runs to the back exit, away from the other guests, and through the fire doors. I follow him into the back alley and watch on as he lays her on the ground.

He presses his ear to her chest, but she doesn't move at all. “Call 911,” he barks.

Watching as he covers her mouth with his, he blows into her mouth and then starts pumping. His large, tattooed hands cover her small chest. while I have what can only be described as an out-of-body experience.

I freeze, watching as her lifeless body lies on the damp concrete of a New York alley. The smell of urine and trash fills the air and bile rises into my mouth, but I don’t move, can't move. I am frozen in place as I watch the life leave Cassidy’s body.

Brad gives another rescue breath and yells, “Ali, call 911 now.”

With shaky hands, I dial the number and give the operator the address.

“Come on, come on, sweetheart, you’re not dying on me today,” he pants in between pumping her chest.

I sink to the floor, my eyes wide, blood running cold. “Cassidy, wake up…breathe,” I wail, taking her lifeless hand in mine.

I don't know how much time passes, but suddenly Cassidy takes in a sharp breath, and I sag in relief.

Brad collapses against the wall, bracing his head in his hands, his breathing ragged. Cassidy's eyes flutter open, and she groans.

“Help’s coming, Cass, you're gonna be okay,” I soothe, stroking a hand over her forehead, her skin damp and clammy under my touch. Blue flashing lights shine down the alley and I wave them down.

Brad doesn't move. He leans against the wall, looking down at Cassidy. Guilt hits me in the gut that I put him in this position.

“I need to go with her.” I say to Brad clutching Cassidy’s hand.

“No, no you’re not, I need to take you home.”

“But- “

“Don’t fight me. Ali,” he says Sternly.

“Okay.” I nod not wanting to argue with him. “But I need to call Brooke.”

While the paramedics take Cassidy to the hospital, I call Brooke and tell her what happened. When I hang up, Brad and I are left, sitting in the alley, the sounds of sirens in the distance filling the silence between us. He reaches into his pocket and pulls out a cigarette packet and a lighter, placing the white stick in his mouth, his dark facial features glowing by the flicker of the flameas he lights it. He sucks down a hard drag and blows out a cloud of smoke.

I scoot closer to him, placing my hand on his tensed forearm. I swallow hard, my throat tight. “I’m sorry.”

“What did you take,” he asks.

“N-Nothing,” I stammer, my heart beating erratically.

“Don’t lie to me.” He hisses, tossing his cigarette he turns to face me, the stench of nicotine invading my nostrils and the urge to vomit resurfaces.

“I didn’t take anything,” I murmur, shaking my head, hating the way his whiskey-colored eyes are looking at me. Like he can’t stand the sight of me. I stare down at the ground, needing to break our eye contact,

“Look me in the eye and tell me you didn’t take anything.” He says, his tone a little softer this time. I reluctantly lift my head and look at him, and I feel myself wilt under his glare.

“Look at you. Your pupils are dilated, I know what drugs do to a person, trust me. So don’t bullshit me, Ali,” His tone thick with emotion.

I don’t answer. I don’t say anything, because what could I say? He knows. I can’t deny it. I feel like he hates me, but no one could hate me more than I hate myself right now.

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