Page 107 of Kortlek

“Arlo.’’

I call out again, but he ignores me. He stitched me up perfectly, which isn’t surprising considering he acted as a doctor for a few months in the prison where Blair was sentenced. He perfected it, and he’s able to patch us all nicely without involving hospitals or real doctors.

“Arlo.’’

I try for the third time. His eye twitches in annoyance, but he doesn’t say a word. He wraps my palm with some bandages, securing it tightly so it doesn’t move. He inspects my palm a few more times before nodding to himself.

“Arlo.’’

I use the healthy hand and jab my finger in his cheek. I’ve forgotten how soft and squeezable his cheeks are. He grunts in response, and my lips twitch. I grip his right cheek between my thumb and index finger and give it a good squeeze.

His eyes immediately snap to mine, and he swats my hand away.

“What the fuck was that?” He rubs his cheek, the pale skin already starting to redden. “Are you seven years old?”

A wide grin of pure satisfaction appears on my face, and he groans. He lost the silence game, and now he is obligated to speak to me, whether he likes it or not, because I won’t stop pestering him until the issue between us is resolved, and he knows it.

I take a deep breath, getting more serious.

“I’m sorry, Arlo.’’

He gets off the floor, standing tall in front of me with a blank expression, his arms folded in front of his chest. The fact that he’s letting me speak and isn’t immediately shutting me down is a good sign. He’s at least willing to listen to me.

“Using Blair was a low blow and uncalled for. I’m sorry for acting like a brat.’’

“And?” He urges, voice flat.

“And I’m sorry for not listening to you and saying those awful things. You were just looking out for me, and I acted immaturely. I apologize for trying to push you out.’’

“And?”

I blink. “And what? That’s all I’ve got.’’

My eyes dart behind him, where Cove is still leaning against the wall. His face is buried in his hands, and his entire body is shaking in silent laughter. He’s doing his best not to interrupt Arlo and me, though he can’t seem to contain his laughter.

“And… you still haven’t begged for forgiveness,’’ Arlo says dryly.

My brows shoot up to my hairline. “Pardon?”

He nods. “Yes. I expect you to get on your knees and beg for your big brother’s forgiveness. You put your whole chest into saying all that shit; can’t you do the same to earn my forgiveness?”

Humiliation hits my chest, my cheeks getting flushed. Embarrassingly, I stare at him, trying to see if he’s joking or not. Evidently, he’s serious. He doesn’t smile, doesn’t change his stoic expression, and even his eyes are blank.

The motherfucker is really expecting me to get on my knees and beg.

“I... Well, let’s be reasonable here.’’

With a panicked expression, I look at Cove, pleading with my eyes for help. He’s struggling not to burst out into a fit of laughter, shrugging at my prediction. He won’t get involved, and I make a mental note to get back at him for this later.

“Reasonable? I’m being reasonable.’’

With a shaky breath, I get off the chair, straightening my back. I swallow down my pride, and close my eyes. I’m already feeling sick for having to do this, mentally bracing myself to never live this one down.

Just as I’m about to get on my knees, Arlo whacks the back of my head harshly.

With a yelp, I open my eyes, my hand going back to rub the sore spot.

“What the hell was that for?”

---