Unexpected | ??

48- Battle Of The Testosterone

"What do you mean? I'm fine."

He flashed me an incredulous look. "No, you're not. At lunch, when someone dropped their textbook, you flinched so hard."

I frowned. Had I done that? I didn't realize. "So? Loud noises make me flinch."

"Not that bad Bella. Your hand immediately went to your wound. You were scared for a split second. It's okay to have PTSD."

I raised my brows at his crazy accusations. I didn't have any trauma. Sure, I got shot, but it wasn't the end of the world. I survived.

He sighed, then bent down and lifted his jeans to reveal his calf. "Look, I got shot before too, okay? I know what it's like."

I gasped as I noticed the scar. "What happened?"

He gave me a flat look before lowering the pant. "Don's gang, the same one who showed up that night. They're merciless when it comes to open fire. They don't need to be provoked to shoot."

They're the reason Dean went back to Chicago too. How could he be so stupid and endanger his life?

"Look, I'm fine because I was expecting it. I haven't told anyone this, but I was terrified for days. I'd have reoccurring nightmares for weeks. I acted cool but deep down I was scared that next time, I wouldn't be so lucky," he continued.

I guiltily looked away. "But that's different. This was a once in a lifetime moment." There's no way I could relate to his fear. I was sure I wouldn't get shot again. 

He returned his hand on my knee. "It doesn't matter, Bella. You're scared and it's okay to be scared. How often does one get shot? It's all my fault anyway. I was dumb enough to call you there in the first place."

"Yeah," I agreed. He narrowed his eyes as if he didn't expect me to agree so quickly. "But I also found out a lot of the answers I needed, so I guess it's okay. Sure, I got shot and I'll have this ugly scar for the rest of my life, but it's pretty badass," I quickly added.

He chuckled and shook his head. "You're crazy. Don't worry, I'm not planning on getting you involved in anything else. So, how're you feeling?"

"Weird," I admitted. "I guess I have some PTSD, but I wouldn't call it major. Honestly, I didn't even realize I was shot until later. It was a weird night."

"Oh, was that before or after you basically molested Dean?" he teased, earning a glare. "That was funny."

"Yes, the wooziness after getting shot is so funny," I snapped. His smile dropped and guilt took over. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean that."

"You should... Hold on, I'm getting a call," he said while pulling out his phone. I saw Dean's name flash on the screen and was suddenly very interested. "Hey, Dean, what's up?"

I didn't even try to hide my eavesdropping.

"Oh, we canceled. You said you weren't free so we'll do it another time..." He glanced over at me and smirked. "I'm actually with some company right now."

I tensed.

"Oh, not that it's any of your business, but just a certain blond," he continued and I internally smacked myself. He was digging his own grave. "Haha, very funny. You know I don't like guys. Sorry to burst your bubble though, I'm sure there are plenty of handsome bachelors for you."

I let out a laugh, imagining Dean's face right now.

"Whaaaaat? Arabella? Maybe..." he smirked and winked at me. Then his smile dropped. "How'd you know? Did she snitch? Why do you care? The last I know, you were with Skyl-" He stopped his sentence and glanced over at me again, with no hints of playfulness this time.