Page 136 of Atone

My hands press over her wound, but it won’t stop leaking. Dad chuckles, and I’m itching to grab the knife and end him. To make him feel a fraction of what he’s put me through. But I can’t do that without leaving Mila’s side.

If she’s my weakness, then fine, I accept it.

I fight the monster inside me for her.

I’ll let him live for her.

“This isn’t over, Alex. See what happens when I’m not around to protect you. Or better yet, your sister now that she’s right where he wants her.” Dad takes a step back. “Have fun with your new toy.”

He disappears through the door that leads to the basement, and I wish I could chase after him, but I can’t if I want Mila to live.

“Mila, hold on.” I put pressure on the wound as she blinks faster. “Please hold on, angel.”

“Alex.” My name chokes from her lips. “I’m sorry.”

“Don’t be sorry. Not for him. Not for me.” Blood seeps through my fingers.

“You’re not all bad, Alex. You’re not what he says you are.”

“It’s okay, Mila. Just focus and stay with me.”

The door to the kitchen swings open, and Maddox stumbles in. “What the fuck?”

“Call an ambulance,” I shout at him.

He freezes like he thinks he’s hallucinating that I just spoke, and I guess that’s my fault. Right now, all that matters is Mila. I’ll speak for her. I’ll scream for her. I’ll rip open my ribs and bleed myself dry for her.

“Now.”

“Right.” He shakes his head, pulling out his phone and dialing.

I turn back to Mila as her eyes start to close.

“Mila.” I press the wound harder. “Stay with me.”

Her head rolls on my lap. Blood soaks through my pant leg as it gushes out of her.

Blood has never bothered me because I’ve spilled more than my fair share. But hers needs to stay where it belongs. In her veins. Pumping life into her heart.

I’ve never needed anyone to live like I need her to pull through this.

“Mila, look at me.” I tilt her chin up. “Stay with me. Don’t leave me.”

Her eyes flutter. A hazy sheen coats them as she blinks. “I love you, Alex.”

The words barely make it out as her body slackens.

43

FLATLINE

ALEX

Dad is goneby the time Sigma House swarms. Maddox and Asher pull me off Mila’s limp body so the paramedics can get to her. My bloodied fist finds Maddox’s face as he shoves me back another step. And even if I know they’re doing it for her own good, it tears me in half to be ripped away.

Paramedics hover on either side of her. One checks her vitals while the other assesses the wound.

She’s still bleeding. Pale as a fallen angel lying in the middle of the fraternity built from sin. The only good left on this earth, and she’s trying to float away from it.