Not My Hero - Michelle Heard Page 0,41
I wanted you to fight back.”
“You haven’t given me any since the text message,” she whispers.
It feels as if we’re in our own little bubble. I like it.
“I got the impression they bothered you.” She’s about to say something, but I quickly add, “I understand why, though. I was hard on you, and I’m sorry. I didn’t know how bad things were and got frustrated because –” My words cut off when I think of Brady, and there’s a familiar pang of sorrow.
“Because?”
“You reminded me of my brother, Brady.”
Realization flits over her face. “I’m sorry.”
I shake my head and let out a soft chuckle, “It turns out you’re much stronger than I gave you credit for.”
She lets out a huff. “I’m not strong at all.”
I wish Brie could see herself through my eyes. She’d know how special she is.
“You are. The shit you had to survive…” I shake my head, and lifting my other hand, I wrap my fingers around the back of her neck.
Damn, her skin is soft.
“Not many people would be able to handle that. My brother couldn’t, and he didn’t have to deal with half the abuse you got.”
There’s a sad smile wavering around her mouth. “What was he like?”
The corner of my mouth lifts slightly. “Brady was sensitive and kind. He was the opposite of me.”
“You’re kind,” she states, her tone firmer than it usually is.
“I wasn’t always,” I admit. “Before Brady’s death, I didn’t have time for anyone. I focused all my energy on keeping him safe.”
Brie nods, and then she whispers, “Kinda like you’re doing with me now.”
I let out a burst of air. “Yeah, I guess I’m a one person at a time guy.”
Brie’s eyes dart to the table before she brings them back to me. She hesitates but then says, “I’m glad I’m that person.”
Our gazes lock, and an intense feeling fills the bubble we’re caught in. It makes anticipation tighten my chest until my heart is slamming against my ribs.
I wish I could kiss her.
The bell rings, making the bubble pop, and we both pull back at the same time.
Stupid damn bell.
We gather out books and take the trays back before walking out of the cafeteria.
Chapter 15
BRIE
Mrs. Lawson made meatloaf for dinner, and I have to admit it’s way better than the cafeteria’s.
We had cake for dessert again, and I wish I could ask Mrs. Lawson to teach me how to make one, but I don’t have the guts.
Instead, I gather the plates and pile the cutlery on top. Carrying the dishes to the sink, a knife slips off and clatters on the floor.
Oh, crap!
My heart sinks to my stomach, and my hands begin to tremble with anxiety. It makes the other cutlery rattle on the plates, and when a fork falls, my mouth goes bone dry with fear.
NoNoNoNo.
‘Now, look what you made me do. You retarded bitch. I swear, the next time a glass breaks in this house, I’ll feed you the damn pieces.’
“Brie.”
‘I should’ve drowned you at birth. Now, I’m stuck with you. You’re pathetic.’
“Brie.”
When someone takes the rattling plates from my hands, I begin to cower backward. My eyes fly wildly around the kitchen while my breaths explode over my lips.
“I’m sorry,” I whimper. “I didn’t mean to.”
Suddenly arms wrap around me, and my body freezes with terror. It feels like something tears a gaping hole right through my chest, and I cry, “No!”
“It’s okay, sweetheart,” Mrs. Lawson murmurs right by my ear. “It’s okay.”
An agonizing sob escapes, and I manage to yank free from the hold she has on me. Terrified, I stumble backward. My breaths come too fast, and soon, it’s hard to get any air in.
I can’t focus on anything until Colton moves in front of me. He holds a hand up between us. “Brie, it’s okay. You’re safe.”
I gasp for air and can’t stop the sob from escaping my lips.
Colton slowly moves closer, and it takes a moment for the realization to reach me that he won’t hurt me.
When Colton takes hold of my shoulder, I bring my hands up and cover my face. The breaths I suck in are painful. Colton wraps his arms around me and gently presses me to his chest.
“It’s okay. You’re safe,” he repeats.
“I’m… sorry,” I stammer through the tears, not quite sure what I’m apologizing for. I just know I have to.
Colton pulls back and framing my face with his hands, he presses a kiss to my forehead and uses his thumbs to wipe my tears away. “It