Page 102 of Stepbrothers' Darling


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“I hardly remember. The police came, and I was taken away in an ambulance. When I woke up, I was in the hospital. They said I was in shock, that I had injuries from the crash and from his attack. They—they told me they were unfortunately all dead. I thought it had been a dream at first, a really bad fucking nightmare. For a split second, as I stared at those white walls, my friends and boyfriend were alive before reality came crashing down around me. The police assured me he was in custody and would never hurt me again... but I was so alone. No family, no friends. Just the police as I sat in the hospital bed, heartbroken, and the next day when I woke…” I shake my head, powering through, needing them to know.

“The day after I woke up in the hospital...there were the same flowers next to my bed with a promise. ‘See you soon.’”

“Fuck,” Asher snarls.

“I haven’t been the same since. My mum blamed me, and there was a lot of bad press and attention about the schoolgirl who ruined the teacher’s life, who got her friends and boyfriend killed. Well, I couldn’t escape it. I could barely breathe. I-I tried to kill myself in the darkest moments. I was so alone, so tired and scared, I climbed up onto a bridge. I remember standing there as the rain drenched me, staring at the water below and wondering if anyone would even care. At least I could be free of their stares, of their judgement, and be with my friends again, but I couldn’t do it. It felt weak, like the easy way out. If they had seen me—my friends, Lucas—they would have yanked me down and told me to keep fighting. I didn’t want to. I was so exhausted and lonely, so fucking tired of fighting my own head, but I managed to climb back down.” I suck in a wobbly breath.

Cyrus’s hand squeezes mine. “We almost lost you before we even found you,” he whispers.

“I’m so fucking weak. I tried to be better, to forget, but the only way I could was through drugs and alcohol. The only time I felt alive was with the high of pleasure. So I did it over and over, and Meredith eventually got sick of me embarrassing her. She moved us repeatedly, but it was always the same story. I got high, drunk, and fucked anything to forget, to feel strong. It was never enough... and then I came here and met you.” I lift my head and meet their eyes, seeing my tears reflected in theirs. “I didn’t want to hide anymore, to forget. I wanted to feel. To feel you and Faye. She reminded me what it felt like to be supported, to be loved, and to have family again. I was so tired of fighting alone.”

“You never have to again,” Bray promises.

“I know that now.” I smile, and I do. “That’s me, all the fucked up scarred pieces and all.”

“And you’re perfect,” Asher says instantly, kissing me. “What happened to you, Blair... it was fucking terrible. I’m so sorry it happened, and that you’ve been dealing with this alone for so long.”

“None of it was your fault,” Bray tells me, his eyes catching mine to ensure I understand him. “It’s his fault. Don’t you dare carry that weight. You did nothing wrong, Blair, and if I have to, I’ll tell you that every single day for the rest of our lives.”

“So—so you’re not going anywhere?” I whisper, my fear forcing me to ask.

“Never,” Cyrus snarls, grabbing my throat and dragging me close. “Not ever, do you hear me? We’re family. You are Crew. We are for life, baby girl, so get used to it. No matter what happens, no matter your past, no matter what anyone else fucking thinks—it’s us, always, until the end. He will never hurt you again, do you understand me? Not ever. You are ours to protect, to love, to keep. He can’t touch you anymore.”

I believe him, so I melt into his arms as he holds me close and kisses my head.

“Ours,” they repeat as the others join Cyrus and me.

“No one will ever hurt you again, Blair. You are home.”

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