Page 135 of His to Burn

“We shouldn’t waste the water?—”

Lourdes cut Asia off, her expression fierce as she pushed the paper towel toward Asia. “Hold this against your face. It’ll help with the swelling.”

I still couldn’t look her in the eye, but I risked a quick glance at Asia’s face.

Her eye appeared to have tripled in size, and a series of bruises marred one half of her face.

My gut twisted with rage, and I forced myself to look away.

I walked towards Miles, who looked at me, eyes wide, and then scurried away.

Smart kid. Even he noticed I balanced on the edge of something that might snap.

“Get camp packed up. We’re out of here in five. They may not be alone,” I said to everyone and no one in particular.

No one spoke, but they did as I instructed, and four minutes later, we were on our way.

Asia was next to Bridget, with Lourdes andMiles flanking her. Elliot and Caitlin were at the front of the line, and, like always, I brought up the rear.

I was glad for that. I still wasn’t ready to see that look in their eyes. Even still, I felt the distance in a way I hadn’t before.

Welcomed it.

At least until Asia stumbled.

“Hold on,” I said.

The group stopped, and I walked up to Asia.

Forced myself to look at her face.

Her eye was even more swollen, the skin taut and painful-looking.

“You all right?” I asked.

I was impressed by how calm I managed to sound.

Because I wasn’t.

I squeezed my hand into a fist at my side, needing to channel the energy that demanded I kill something.

Reminded myself that the people who had done this were now a feast for the vultures. But fuck if I didn’t wish I could go back in time and kill them again.

That wasn’t an option, so I focused on her.

“I’m fine,” she said.

She tried to smile, but grimaced.

“Stand still,” I said.

I gripped her face as gently as I could, studying her eyes, especially the swollen one.

Her pupils were dilated. “Did you lose consciousness?”

“I don’t know…I don’t think so,” she said.

I let out a curse, and then looked around.