Page 7 of Mine After Midnight

‘A very lucky guy. A beautiful girl saved me, and stayed until I woke up.’

A blush creeps up her neck and jumps across her cheeks as she smiles. ‘I’ve never met anyone who could turn a traumatic situation into something positive.’

I crack a smile, ignoring my body’s complaints as I do. ‘I’d take the beating again, if it meant I got to meet you.’

‘You don’t even know me.’

‘I hope that will change.’

Biting her lip, she tucks a piece of hair behind her ear, revealing small cherry earrings.

‘Who was he?’

I rest back into the lumpy pillows and gaze up at the white ceiling. The question slices through the fog in my head sharper than any pain in my ribs. I look back to her, and she’s watching me, her brows drawn together in a careful, worried way, like she already knows the answer isn’t simple. Like she’s afraid of pushing too far.

My mouth goes dry. My heart rate spikes on the monitor; the beeping quickens.

‘I don’t—’ I start, but my voice cracks.

‘Sorry,’ she says. ‘That was rude.’

‘No, you weren’t. It was my brother.’

The sound of her gasp fills the room. ‘Your brother?’

‘The one and only.’

‘That is an awful family dynamic you have …’ she trails off, looking concerned.

‘You’re telling me.’

‘I’m sorry.’ Her hand tightens in mine. ‘Truly.’

‘I’m used to it.’

‘Why was he trying to hurt you?’ she asks quietly.

I stare at the wall, jaw locked so tight it aches. The memory hits in flashes: the snapping branches, his breath at my back, the fury in his voice, the look in his eyes when he cornered me.

‘He gets angry.’

‘That wasn’t just angry,’ she says softly. ‘That was psychotic.’

‘What’s your name?’ I ask, directing the conversation elsewhere.

‘Bryn.’

‘Pretty name.’

Ducking her chin, she smiles down at our hands, her cheeks reddening even more. ‘And you?’

‘Asher, but everyone calls me Ash.’

‘It’s nice to meet you, Ash.’ She smiles. ‘Although I wish it was under different circumstances.’

He shrugs. ‘All great stories start with an adventure.’

Her smile widens. ‘What a good way to look at it.’