Exodus (The Ravenhood)

“Sit down. Now.”

“I’m fine.”

“If you pass out and crack your head, I will leave you to die.”

“No, you won’t, that’s not who you are.” He grips my hand and glances at me, his smile faint.

“Sit the hell down.”

He does as I do my best to towel him off.

It takes every bit of strength I have not to press my lips to his skin as I do.

That’s affection, and maybe it’s his helplessness that has me wanting to do something so intimate.

I bat that notion away Louisville Slugger style. I’ve shown him enough kindness by tending to him.

I will not be the fool again.

He watches my every move as I pat the water from his body before ordering him to sit on the edge of my bed.

“You think fucking me was smart, considering?”

“I think fucking you was worth the added headache you’re giving me.”

I roll my eyes as he tries to pull me into his lap.

“Tobias, you’re seconds away from passing out. Stop, you’re white as a sheet.”

He shrugs. “Better than having one draped over me.”

“That’s debatable.”

I don’t miss his grin. “Maybe you don’t hate me so much anymore.”

“Not debatable.”

I collect his clothes from my floor and see the collar of his shirt is covered in blood, along with the back of his suit jacket.

“How long have you been freely bleeding? You’ve lost a lot.”

He nods toward his clothes. “Burn them.”

“I’m afraid my incinerator is on the fritz.” I bite my lips to stifle my laugh.

He rolls his eyes. “Bag them. I’ll take them with me.”

I lift the clothes in jest. “So, this is all covered in incriminating DNA, all I need to take you down, huh?”

Nothing about that amuses him.

“I’m joking.”

He’s not.

“You already have all you need to take me down.”

We stare off, his newest confession throwing me until he winces.