Evermore

Chapter Ten

Aurelia 

I could still hear his angry shouts echoing in my ears. 

I kept my head down as I walked to the gas station where there was a convenience store. My fingers came away sticky and red when I touched my forehead, and I knew I had to do something before it got worse. 

As I entered the store, the fluorescent lights were harsh, making me wince. I headed straight to the aisle where there was gauze and antiseptic. 

I glanced at the shelves and then at the cashier who was asleep at the counter. I knew I shouldn't steal, but I didn't have another choice. 

My hands were shaking as I slipped the products into the pocket of my hoodie. 

"What are you doing?" A voice behind me made me freeze. My heart pounded in my chest like a drum. Slowly, I turned around with dread pooling. 

A man in his mid-twenties stood there, towering over me. He was wearing cargo pants with a black Henley. Wavy brown hair. Dark eyes. Defined jawline. There was no mistaking that it was Cade, the doctor from the hospital earlier. Fuck, he had caught me. 

"N-none of your business," I shot back, trying to sound tough. 

He stepped closer, eyes narrowing on the gash on my forehead. "You're bleeding pretty badly." 

"It's fine. Leave me alone." 

"Would you like some help?" 

"I don't need your help. Just stay out of it," I snapped. 

"Stealing isn't going to solve your problem," he said calmly. "You're hurt, so let me take a look." 

"Why do you care? I'm alright." 

"I'm a doctor. As far as I'm concerned, that wound needs to be properly cleaned." 

"W-why should I trust you?" 

"Because you don't have many options right now," he said gently. "And because I want to help." 

"Fine," I muttered. "Just this once." 

Maybe this was the help I desperately needed.