Page 16 of Make Me, Break Me

My breath puffed harder with every step but I kept my stride long and even. It wouldn't do for the twins to see my suffering, and I knew they were watching. Fuck, they weren’t even here for her tonight. If they saw me struggling and were out for blood, Zin would pay for my debt.

She shouldn’t be hurt because of me. Hell, Nelson already boasted a few extra scars because I couldn’t keep my roommate safe.

“Nine minutes. Are you going to pass out on me?” My girl was all business.

“Nah. Keep talking. I like hearing your voice.”

I kept an eye on where one of the twins parked his ass against a shadowy building further up the block. I guessed his significant other was stationed on the other side. If I timed this wrong I'd pass them on foot, and that could be catastrophic. Or I’d pass them with her—and that could be worse.

Choosing the lesser of two evils, I power walked through my pain, shoving my fear aside and prepared for a blade in my back.

It never arrived. Zin chattered nervously on the phone all the way to me, keeping me distracted nicely as well. She pulled up as the twins stalked my footsteps, changing buildings and blocks with each I passed. I never looked back, but then I didn’t have to. They weren't hiding.

I never stopped, not until I slid into the car she pulled up to the curb and peeled away the moment I snapped“Go,”at her.

“You are filthy. He beat you good.” She eyed me sideways, and reached across to yank my seat belt over me, ignoring my wince. “Shut up. You deserve it,” she reproved me. “If you’re going to call me, make sure I'm there when it happens next time.”

“You want to see me get the shit beaten out of me?” I leaned my head back onto the passenger seat and closed my eyes, not needing an answer.

All I could think about was the night I thought I’d seen her in the crowd. Did I want her there? Fuck, yes, I did. Every damn time.

Even though it hurt like hell, I reached out with my mangled hand and grabbed hers, winding our fingers together tight, ignoring her exclamation.

After a moment, she grew quiet. Then?—

“I’d kiss you, but you’re covered in blood and filth.”

“And puke,” I added helpfully.

“Someone else’s?”

“My own, Zin. Tonight fucking hurt,” I admitted.

More silence. I could deal with that. She drove.

“Why?”

“Huh?” I blinked at street lights going past upside down. My stomach hated that. “Ugh.”

“Why do you fight him?”

Beau. She still thought I was fighting Beau Bennett. “Ah—it’s the rush. He’s an ass. It’s off campus.” A shitty lie, maybe plausible? I had no idea.

“Bullshit. Not buying it.” She stroked my hand, the not sore side.

“That feels nice.”

“Good.” She stopped the car. “We’re here, Dex. Get out. I’ll go find a parking spot.”

“Oh.” I found the ER sign with bleary eyes, and looked back at her. “Thanks for driving.” I wanted to kiss her, but she was right. I was filthy.

She clicked her tongue and gave me a little push towards the door. “I can’t stop here, Dex. Get out. I’ll come find you.”

I nodded and hauled my ass out the door. “Thanks, Zin.”

She huffed out a breath and drove away. For the first time in hours, I smiled. At least she’d be well away from beau’s psychotic tame twins here. I headed inside the hospital, and prepared for pain.

Zin dropped me home. She still refused to come in, but I got her as far as my door. Hell, I even claimed a kiss, though that might have been a painkiller-induced hallucination. The doc did megood, and I was dozy as fuck with whatever he managed to get me to keep down.

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