Her Five Brothers

Chapter 18 - Bruises

Aspen: TW

I launch myself out from the bed, throwing a clean pair of joggers on with Axel's jumper. I quickly brush my teeth before practically throwing myself down the stairs.

I find nobody in the kitchen and immediately rush to the living room where everyone is sat, serious expressions on their faces which changes when i enter.

"Princess!" Axel exclaims, "come here." He pats to the empty spot between him and Cameron, which i immediately jump into.

"Hey." I wave, scamming the room. Across from us three are Asher and Quinn with Lorenzo. Alexander and Elijah are both lounging around in armchairs but i don't see Ace.

"Hey, love"

"Bubs." Lorenzo waves.

"Lil Bianchi." Cameron and Quinton greet in sync.

My eyes flick between them both "Lil Bianchi. Really?" My eyebrows raised.

"Yes."

"But not something cooler?"

"No." They stated adamantly.

I shake my head with a small laugh. "Where's Ace?" I ask slightly nervous.

"Come to do damage control?" Lorenzo laughs, causing Asher to hit him over the head with Quinn's hand.

"RUDE!"

I turn to the oldest with a worried look and they send me reassuring looks. "He's not mad, sweetheart. Quite the opposite actually." Elijah expresses to me.

"What do you mean?" I ask curiously.

"He said that you threw a good punch." Cameron tells me, nudging my side so I look at him. "He was quite impressed."

"He was?" I blush.

"I was." A voice agrees from the doorway and I can already tell it is Ace. His voice is like no other, soft and sure. He knows what he says and he means every word.

I turn my head to face him only for my mouth to drop open in shock. The bridge of his nose had been taped where a slight cut rested while his right eye was purple and swollen.

I let out a gasp, my hands going straight to cover my mouth. I did that? Fucking hell.

"Hello, gorgeous." He greets with a nod, sitting down at Lorenzo's feet.

"God, Ace. I'm so sorry. I was aiming for Tiffany but i was panicking and-" I stop when i see the amused smile on his face. "What?"

"It's okay, Aspen. Like the boys said, i'm very impressed with the strength behind your hook. Your aim, on the other hand, needs a little work." Everyone laughs and I join.

"Maybe so." I shrug, a smile on my face, glad that he seemed pretty okay with being hit in the face. "So, do I go back to school tomorrow?" I say, praying that I don't have to.

Alexander sighs. "That's up to you. I'd prefer you to be in education and socialising with people with your own age but i do understand if you'd like the rest of the week off to recollect before you try again." He tells me, sounding perfectly reasonable.

"I guess that's reasonable, i should go back." I nod. There's no point in leaving for a week when that will only draw more attention to me. I'd rather just suck it up and try again.

"Good girl." Elijah grins. "Would you just come with me a second, sweetheart?" He asks and I nod, following him up to the third floor. This is a daily routine since they found out about the abuse, Elijah cleans my wounds and I give him a story about one of my scars. It's a good way to kill two birds with one stone.