Page 98 of Marks of Rebellion

"Flower."

I jump and put my hand over my heart.

"Sorry."

"You just startled—" I cover my mouth in horror. Hunter's in a towel, and bruises cover his face and torso as well.

He doesn't move.

"Oh my God." My eyes well. I've experienced beatings before. It has to be painful.

Minutes pass, and the more time that goes by without him saying anything, the more my heart bleeds. I want to go to him, but I remind myself that he made it clear he no longer wants to be with me. And that was my fault.

When my tears fall, I spin and pull clothes out of his bag. "I'm not snooping. I'm only taking clothes."

"I didn't think you were."

I wipe my face and turn right into him.

"I'm sorry about last night, Flower."

I assume he's talking about the fight. "You don't have to apologize. It's my fault Ryker punched you."

"No. That was my fault."

"I played my role. I'm sorry."

He tilts my chin up. "You had no role in it. It's not your fault."

I reach for his face but pull my hand back down. "How much pain are you in?"

"I'm fine. I can handle it."

I can handle it.

It's what I used to say after Carlos hurt me and he would apologize.

"It's not fine," I blurt out.

Hunter opens his mouth then closes it.

I inhale deeply as my insides quiver. "You gave up a lot to help me and... I appreciate all you've done—more than you'll ever know." I swallow the knot in my throat. "Do you think Tinker would let me borrow his computer?"

"Why?"

The hole in my stomach grows. "I need to use it to transfer money."

"For what?" he growls, and I jump. He sighs. "I'm sorry. What for?"

"I need cash. I thought I could try and transfer money from my bank into a Honduran one under the name of my passport when it comes so I can access it."

"You can't do that. They will track you."

"I'll do it quickly. I have plenty of funds to survive. I just need to cash my accounts out."

"You can't. Carlos will find you. But you don't need to worry about this. I'll take care of you."

"You've done more than enough. I'm forever grateful."