~Chapter 8~
T rying to use the bathroom when your entire body feels like it’s been run over by a truck- or thrown off a motorcycle- is ridiculously difficult. My whole body shakes, and everything radiates pain. I hiss out when the back of my thighs hit the cold porcelain, tensing momentarily before releasing a deep breath and slumping forward.
After I do my business, which feels darn near orgasmic for some reason, I clean myself, flush, then use the counter to lift myself. I don’t know what is more awkward, the cast on my dominant hand or the giant leg cast. It all feels heavy and weird and makes me shutter with discomfort.
When I finally make it upright, sort of, I shimmy my panties up my thighs and over my rear. It’s excruciating and, honestly, super annoying that it takes so long.
I continue using the counter to bear most of my weight as I edge along the vanity, stopping when I’m positioned in front of the simple mirror. I take a moment to catalog the bruising and cuts all around my neck, chest, and down my arms.
It’s unsightly at best. I’m unsightly at best.
My body begins to quake more violently and I can feel my eyes beginning to droop. Pushing through, I reach out a trembling hand to turn on the water so I can wash my hands. “Forkin’ nut balls,” I mutter, realizing that I basically only have the tops of four fingers on my right hand to help me wash.
“You ok in there, Baby Girl?” I jump with a yelp, having forgotten Even was out there.
“I’m fine! And don’t call me that.” I lash out. For one: He startled me. And two: I don’t want his sweet words. He betrayed me, lied to me, tricked me.
He may be helping me right now, but I’m not falling for his crap again.
Even doesn’t respond as I continue trying to clean my hand, and fingers, before rinsing. Leaning over, I grab the navy towel hanging on the cloth ring and dry off.
A deep voice causes goosebumps to scatter across my arms. I’m unsure who it belongs to, but I know it’s not Even. He also sounds far away enough that I can’t make out all the words. “...doing out here?”
“She had to go to the bathroom.” Now, that was Even.
“...babysitter. Remember the deal… only until she heals.” Something familiar prickles at the edge of my memory, and I think it may be Alpha. Or whatever his real name is.
One thing’s for sure: he is not happy about me being here. Yeah, well, that makes two of us, buddy.
Even’s response seems quieter, but I can still hear the blatant disgust in his tone. “Don’t fucking start. You care just as much as we do. Don’t take out your feelings from the past on her.”
That’s it. I’m done.
I fling the door open, tears rising in my eyes as pain bursts through my body from the movement. “I’m not happy about being here either, Alpha. I didn’t ask to be here. You don’t want me here. So, here’s a novel idea: take me home!” My voice rises with each passing word, and I know my deep scowl mirrors his.
He looks like he’s about to burst into flames, even as his eyes scrutinize my body. I try crossing my arms to appear like the fighter I pretend to be, but the awkward way I hold my cast just makes me look stupid. I know this, and judging by the glint in his eyes, he does, too.
“Listen,” He snarls, stepping closer to where Even and I are standing, “You are here because you need help getting better. You, little girl -” he spits the term like it’s a curse word. Maybe it is. “Were all alone . You can’t recover on your own. So deal with it. Just don’t come crying to me if you need anything. You have the other three tripping over their dicks for you, and I want no part in it.”
The pure venom in his words causes a flush of bright, red anger to burn across my body. I tense my jaw before taking a deep breath. “Fine. By. Me,” I harshly grit before stepping into the hall.
My heart rate is sky-high, and I hear a high-pitched ringing in my ears. But I push through.
I’m not going to be asking any of these jerks for help.
Too bad my body wasn’t on board. But, the moment I shove past his huge frame, having to slide sideways against the wall, my world tilts.
Then, I’m enveloped by darkness.