Page 45 of Still Bruised
As soon as Anton was inside again, the elevator doors opened. He slipped inside and smacked the lobby button, thankful it was empty. He dressed as quickly as possible, tugging on his last shoe when the doors opened again. He couldn’t stay inside that building. The roaring of his mind was getting louder and louder. The sounds of the street outside would drown some of it out.
As soon as the hot, humid air hit him in the face, he realized there was no way he could wait. He needed to be home.
Safe.
Away from all the bad memories and dark places Foster took him back to.
He ran across the street and kept on, jogging until he reached the subway station. Jude realized he was still wearing the damned mask. He dragged it off and tossed it in a trash can near the subway entrance.
After paying his fare, he scrambled down the stairs and nearly fell before he reached the bottom. He eyed the electronic displays, checking the time against it.
Less than five minutes and he’d be hurtling toward home.
Searching around, he feared Foster and Cary might come after him because of that punch. They might even call the law on him. He watched the stairs, ready to run if he had to. He might be able to take one on, but not the both of them.
The only person who appeared was Anton.
Fuck.
Anton glared at him as he neared. “I told you to wait for me.”
“I told you not to leave. No reason to ruin your night, too.”
Anton’s expression softened. “There’s no way I’m leaving you alone tonight.” He winced. “You’re sure it was Foster? I thought he was married and out in California?”
“Yes,it was Foster.” He growled with frustration. “Thanks to those masks and that red light, I didn’t know it was him.” He paused, closing his eyes. “Not until it was too late.”
Anton’s eyes widened.“No.”
Jude’s eyes closed. He couldn’t witness the dread in Anton’s eyes any more than he could handle it within himself.
“Youdidn’tfuck Foster…”
“Ididn’tknow it was him,” Jude hissed. “Your boyfriend wanted mystery? Well, I got horror instead.”
Anton pressed his palms together and brought his fingers to his mouth for a moment. “Okay… well…it happened.You can’t go back and change it now, so you pick up, and you move on. It was a mistake. We all make ‘em. Don’t let this take you down, Jude.”
It was too late.
Jude caressed the scars on his wrists, right fucking back there again.
Anton stepped closer and took Jude’s face in both hands. “Look at me. Youdon’tlet this take you down. Do you hear me?”
Jude let go of his wrists and lifted his hands to Anton’s. Anton searched his face, the worry there enough to make Jude want to vomit.
“I’m not that kid anymore.” He gently pulled Anton’s hands away. “I’ll be okay. You don’t have to leave because of me.”
Anton chuckled, the sound hollow. “You’re not getting rid of me that easy, asshole.”
The next subway roared into the station, and the doors slid open. Anton urged him on. He was too tired to fight it anymore. He dropped onto the nearest seat and crumpled. Anton sat beside him, pressing a leg firmly against Jude’s. He bit back the tide of emotion rising and prayed they’d get home soon.
8
Foster lifted his hand to Cary’s outstretched one. He hauled himself up, one hand to his aching cheek, just under his eye. The guy packed a wallop, but what the fuck had he done to deserve it? Foster spun, looking for him, but there was no trace.
“What the hell was that?” Cary asked. “Or rather, who?”
“The guy I was just with,” Foster said.
