Page 76 of Stick It
Another kick lands on my back, this one ripping a scream from my throat. In a final attempt to flee, I try to crawl across the parking lot on my hands and knees. I barely make it a foot before another shove sends me whirling onto my back. My head cracks against the asphalt. Pain bursts behind my eyes, before the world around me grows dark, and unconsciousness swallows me whole.
24
FINN
I tugmy hoodie over my head as I step out of the lecture hall, shooting a grin at a couple of classmates lingering by the door. “Later, guys.”
A few call back goodbyes, but I don’t slow, adjusting the strap of my bag as I head for the parking lot. This is one of my later classes, and with early morning practices six days a week, while everyone else is making plans to go out for drinks afterward, I’m always heading straight home.
The night air is cool against my skin, waking me up a little as I head for the parking lot. I’m already thinking about whatever leftovers Ethan has left in the fridge that I can scarf down before grabbing a shower and jumping into bed when movement catches my eye.
I lift my head toward the parking lot, noticing the outline of three guys against the overhead streetlights. Hoods are pulled low over their faces as they kick at something on the ground.
No, not something.Someone.
My stomach tightens. “Hey!” I call, my voice sharp as I pick up my pace.
The guys freeze, turning my way, but I still can’t make outtheir faces. I’m too focused on the unmoving figure on the ground. Was this a mugging? I’m outright running now. Nudging each other, the three men take off, disappearing between the parked cars. I don’t bother to chase them. My heartbeat pounds in my ears as I sprint the last few steps toward the crumpled figure on the ground.
It’s only once I’m standing over the still form that I register who it is.
“Dylan—” Her name rips from my throat as I drop to my knees.Fuck.
Her face is half shadowed, blood drying at her temple, her arms curled around her ribs. My hands hover over her body, wanting to help but unsure where to touch her. Terrified I’ll only hurt her further. Before I can figure out my next move, she shifts slightly, a groan slipping past her lips.
“You’re okay.” It’s a poor attempt to reassure her since my voice is frantic even to my own ears. What do I do? Call an ambulance? I lift my head, scanning the vicinity for…something. Where the fuck is everyone?
“Finn.” The thick rasp of her voice has me snapping my focus back to her.
“Dylan. Shit. I’ve got you, okay? I’ve got you.” My hand clutches hers as relief surges through me, but it’s short-lived when she doesn’t respond, simply groaning as her eyelids flutter.
“Jesus, okay, okay.” I suck in a deep breath, forcing myself to calm down, to think. “I’m calling for help,” I tell her as I dig my phone out of my pocket. “Just hold on?—”
Heavy footsteps pound against the pavement. I drop the phone, jumping to my feet and preparing to fight—to protect her—if those assholes have returned.
“Get the hell away from her!” I’m shoved aside, nearly losing my footing as Griffin falls to his knees beside her. By the time I recover, he’s crouched over her still form, his body practicallycurled around her as he brushes strands of hair off her face.
Her eyelids flutter but don’t open.
“Who did this?” Griffin’s voice is lethal, his eyes burning as he lifts his head to glare at me.
I scrub a hand over my face, my pulse still racing. “I dunno, man. I was heading to my car when I saw these guys jumping someone. I didn’t realize it was Dyl until I got here.” I notice him scan our surroundings. “They ran off when they saw me coming.”
His jaw clenches at my words, fingers flexing around Dylan’s wrist like he can anchor her to him. Forcing an exhale through his nose, he then leans forward so he can press his forehead against hers, his shoulders rising and falling like he’s barely holding himself together.
Fuck,I’mbarely holding myself together.
“We need to get her to a hospital,” I say, already reaching for my phone again.
“No,” Dylan croaks, her voice hoarse but firm. Those eyelids flutter again, and I hold my breath, hoping to catch a glimpse of those entrancing eyes of hers, before she gives up and keeps them closed. “No hospital.”
“Dylan,” I argue. Griffin growls low in his throat, clearly in agreement with me that she needs to get checked out by a medical professional. What if she’s hurt? She could have broken a bone or sprained something. What if she hit her head? God only knows what those assholes did to her before I showed up.
“No.” This time she does manage to wrench her eyes open, but her stare isn’t the typical sparking one I’m used to seeing directed my way. Her eyes are dull and unfocused. I fucking hate it. “No hospitals.” The crazy woman tries to push herself upright, even though it’s clear the simple movement causes her pain.
“Stop that,” Griffin snaps at her. “You’ve probably got broken ribs.”
“Not broken,” she croaks, pain lacing every word as she sags back against the ground. “Just bruised, I think.”
