Page 38 of Bleed for Me

Alex.

My boyfriend, who I loved, has always been there for me. The one who still came to visit me even after all of the horrible things I’d done. He might not have met my sexual needs, or caused my thighs to clench, but he was perfect in every other way. He was the only one who was still here for me despite everything.

Anger pulsed through my veins, overriding any desire I felt moments ago. My hands latched onto both of theirs and I dug my fingernails against their skin as forcefully as possible. Seven released a hiss, but it didn’t sound like it was one made of pain. It sounded as if helikedit. Archer on the other hand, just tightened his grip around my neck, causing black spots to dot my vision. My lips parted on a silent gasp.

I didn’t intend on killing her, but I did.

My heart thundered against my ribcage as I was met with that reminder. He choked a girl to death because he got too worked up. He could do that to me right now so easily, especially with his hand already around my throat. My head grew lighter with each passing second.

Alex stood, pure fury exuding from him. I’d never seen him so angry before and it didn’t suit him at all. He was sweet, down to earth, wore button down shirts and slacks most of the time. He enjoyed bible studying, going to church, and helping out in the community whenever he could.

“What are you going to do?” Archer taunted, amusement laced in his tone as if he were getting off on this. Hell, he probably was.

I hadn’t known Archer long, but he’d seemed so…charming at first. Knew what to say to get my heart pumping, knew where to touch me that sent chills careening through my body. I knew there was a monster lurking beneath the surface of his skin, and now, it had come out to play.

My eyes fluttered, darkness growing nearer and nearer. I couldn’t even make out Alex’s muffled response. Then, as fast as it had happened, Archer released me. I sucked in a sharp breath, tears stinging my eyes. Casually, he plucked another fry from the box he’d stolen moments earlier and stuck it in his mouth.

“We’re getting you out of here,” Alex said with determination. “I’ll request a transfer if that’s what it takes.” His hands were balled at his sides, his eyes narrowed into slits as he glanced between the two boys sitting on either side of me.

My hand drifted to my throat, my heart hammering against my chest wildly. When his eyes settled on me, they softened.

“I love you, Rosie. But I have to go. I can’t sit here and watch this. I’ll make some calls and see what I can do.”

“I love you, too,” I whispered.

Archer stiffened at my side, but I chose to ignore it. He meant nothing to me. My body reacted to him because he was different—dangerous. That’s why my heart rate increased anytime he was near, andthat’swhat I chose to believe. I was simply afraid of him. That was it.

I wanted to beg Alex not to leave, but it would be a futile attempt. He had determination written all over his face and he was pissed. If the roles were reversed, I’d probably be upset, too.

I shifted in my seat, attempting to rise so I could at least say my goodbyes properly, but Archer’s fingers tightened on my thigh in warning. Alex turned his back, striding out of the room and my heart sank.

“Are you happy now?” I demanded, glaring over at Archer, knowing he was behind this little stunt.

“Not even close.” He grinned.

Tears stained my cheeks and pillow as I clutched it against my face, muffling my sobs. Today was supposed to be a good one. Instead, I was met with the reminder that Daisy truly was gone, as if I ever really needed one to begin with, and my visitation was ruined by Archer and Seven. Ihatedthem for that.

Who the hell did they think they were? They didn’t own me. They had no right to interfere like that. Swiping my hand across my face, I attempted to get rid of the evidence of my tears, but it was pointless since more were streaming down my face moments later.

I just want to go home.

There was nothing for me here. Yes, I committed a heinous act, and yes, I regretted that to my core. It was an accident. I never would have intentionally hurt Daisy, and I didn’t even remember hurting myself.

The white room was blinding, making me squint as I stared at the nearest wall. My chest felt heavy as these emotions burrowed through me. I sucked in a breath when my skin started to prickle, traveling all over my body and making me lightheaded.

She’s dead because of you.

Alex is better off without you.

Your mom didn’t come see you because she’s embarrassed by you. She blames you.

My breath hitched. Thesevoicesgrew louder and louder within my mind until they merged together, taunting me. “No,” I sobbed, my voice cracking. “I didn’t mean to hurt Daisy. It was an accident.”

It doesn’t matter. She’s still dead because of you. She’ll never smile again. Never eat again. Never hug Beary again,

I didn’t think it was even possible, but my heart dropped even lower in my stomach. I sniffled, swiping my hand across my eyes when I saw a flash of white near my bedroom door that made me pause. Sitting up, I glanced near the corner of my room, my breath stalling in my throat.

Daisy stood there dressed in all white, her head tilted to the side. Her night gown pooled around her ankles as she held…Beary in the crook of her arm. My eyes darted to the corner of my bed where the stuffed animal still lay.

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