AllFreeNovel
Share Us
What if I’m not the only one he needs?
It’s not weeks this time. It’s only hours before I hear my window inching up and Alden spills through it. “Shh,” I caution. It’s after midnight and while my parents are probably asleep, they aren’t deaf.
“Sorry,” he whispers. The odd nature of his voice makes me reach over and flip on my lamp.
Oh my god. “What happened?” I leap out of bed while he sits on the edge of it.
“I’m fine. Heard you got a visit from Oliver today.”
That’s his concern? Is he kidding me right now? One of his eyes is swollen shut. His top lip is bleeding and bruises bloom on his cheekbones.
“Did you get jumped? Is anything broken?” He winces when I touch his cheek.
“No, it was only a little fight.”
“Den…”
He grins at the nickname I only use for him when we’re alone. “It’s not a big deal.”
“Stay here.” It was more than a little fight. The weariness in his voice and the slump of his shoulders tell me that.
On silent feet, I gather a few supplies from the bathroom, and a bottle of water from the kitchen. Mom and Dad’s bedroom light is out, thank goodness. The house is quiet.
Alden lies back on my bed, his legs hanging over the side, feet planted on the floor. His position raises his shirt an inch or so above his waistband and another bluish purple spot peeks out.
He grins down at me while I raise his shirt up to see the bruises on his ribs. “If you wanted me naked all you had to do was ask.”
“Shut up. I think you need a doctor.”
He sits up. “No, nothing is broken. Just bruised.”
I sit beside him on the bed and bring a warm wet cloth to his lip to clean off the small amount of blood. It doesn’t look like it needs stitches, at least. “Who did you fight?”
“Some guy from Posey High. I won.” The pride in his voice makes me bite back a smile.
“If this is winning, I’d hate to see him.” He looks at me while I gently wipe his face with the cloth. “Can you see okay? Your eye looks awful.”
“Mmm hmm. My lip hurts worse, to be honest.” The uninjured side of his mouth goes up in a half smile. “Kiss it and make it better?”
“You’re crazy.” I punctuate my accusation with a soft quick kiss on his poor lips. “Now, take these.”
He accepts the two painkillers and a bottle of water, then washes them down.
“What did the guy do to piss you off?” Alden has never had a temper.
“Nothing. It was arranged.”
Arranged? My jaw drops. I’ve heard about a couple of underground fight clubs that take place on the weekends. Tori has been pestering me to go to one of the fights but neither of us is sure where they’re held. “You did this for money?”
“And glory. Don’t forget glory.” He’s joking while I’m growing angry, and he finally notices. “Hey.” He takes my hand. “It was a one time thing I wanted to try. I’m not going to make a habit of fighting. Don’t worry.” He winces when he shifts his weight. I can yell at him for being stupid later.
“Get in bed. I’ll be right back.”
After returning with a soft ice pack for his eye, I lock my bedroom door, then crawl under the covers with him. He’s taken off his jeans, leaving only his boxers and shirt on. If my parents catch us this time, we’re really in trouble. I don’t care.
Instead of lying on his chest like I usually do, he cuddles up to me and rests his head on my breast. He holds the ice pack to his eye.
“How did you know Oliver was here earlier?” I ask, rubbing his back lightly.
