Page 113 of Wicked Ends
He shrugged. “Don’t I look okay?”
I shook my head. “No. You don’t. What’s happened?”
“My brother is in the hospital. He got on the wrong side of some dangerous people.”
My hand flew to my mouth. “Is he okay? I’m so sorry!”
“Are you?”
My heart pounded at his question. There was something really wrong here.
“Yes, of course, I am.”
Marcus nodded, a bitter smile twisting his lips. “Of course you are. You always worry about me… if I’m hurt, if I’m okay. Did you know you’re the only person who does that?”
I reached out to touch him; I couldn’t help myself. He was upset and shutting me out, and I hated to see him suffering. The pain in my ribs and all the hidden cuts and bruises Dale had inflicted on me paled in comparison to how awful it felt to see Marcus upset.
“More people care about you than you know… your friends, you brother. People care, Marcus. Don’t write them off.”
He raised an eyebrow. “Is that right? I think you’re confusing caring with being interested in what they can get from me… what I can do for them.”
It was nearly time to get to the next class, and Marcus straightened up.
“But speaking of deep and dark confessions… is there anything you want to tell me, birthday girl?” He seemed to loom over me. He was watching me closely now.
I wet my lips, feeling on the spot and exposed. Marcus would freak out when he saw me without clothes, but the last thing I wanted was for him to see the damage my brother had done and rush off to avenge it. Dale had a gun and wasn’t afraid to use it.
“No, nothing. Why? Should I have something to tell you about?” I asked lightly.
A muscle ticked in Marcus’ strong jaw, and I had a feeling he was holding words inside with all his might. But then he shrugged and gave me a lazy smirk.
“I guess not. See you later, Professor.” He started to stroll away.
“Are you coming to class presentations tomorrow?” I pushed. “You need it to pass.”
“Is that right? Well, I wouldn’t want to drag down your class average, would I?” He walked backward and shot me a smile that seemed slightly too casual. He had to be more upset than he seemed about his brother.
I wished I could talk to him alone.
“Marcus,” I attempted to follow him, but the corridor had filled with more students, now rushing to their classes before they began.
“Don’t worry, I’ll be there, Professor.” Then he was gone, walking in the other direction.
Marcus
I hatedthe smell of hospitals. They reminded me of sports injuries and getting my ass chewed out by Coach. Also, the few times my brother had been injured enough to require actual medical care and not a home-stitching job, as was the Harbor Hounds’ usual MO.
I entered the ward where Cole was staying, immediately assaulted by the sound of raised voices.
I got to the private room Cole was in as Gage stormed out.
“What’s going on?” I demanded.
Gage shoved a hand through his hair. “That fucking doctor says they don’t have any idea when he’s going to wake up, when that’s his fucking job!”
The words sank into me like a gut punch.
“He didn’t wake up yet?” I asked.
