Turner. Jonathan De Montfort

God, what happened to your face?’ she asked.

      ‘Martin. Again.’ He’d been speaking with Fi less and less as the bullying had become worse. Today had been the first day that he’d felt free enough even to smile at her, but now he didn’t want to show her his ugly, broken face.

      ‘I told that guy to stay away from you.’ She caressed his split lip with her thumb.

      He relaxed. It felt good to feel her touch. ‘Well, he didn’t.’

      ‘Is that why you’ve not been around as much lately?’

      He felt himself go bright red. ‘Sorry. Please don’t talk to him again.’

      ‘Don’t worry. I’m done with that guy after this. It looked like he came off worse, though.’ She grinned.

      ‘That was James. Look, can I make it up to you? I mean, not talking—’

      ‘Yes, you can.’ She nodded encouragingly. ‘Tea.’

      ‘You mean after school?’

      ‘You told me you live quite close.’ Her smile thawed the thick, icy layer of Martin’s intimidation.

      The rest of the day whizzed by. Hero struggled to focus, not out of fear but anticipation. But as he and Fi approached the gates at the end of the day, he was gripped by nerves. James is meeting me by the gates to walk me home. This could be awkward.

      James was already waiting and beaming. ‘Hey, bruv. Hey . . . Felicity, isn’t it?’

      Please stop smiling, James—and please, for God’s sake, don’t pull any comedy routines.

      She looked utterly charmed. ‘Yes, but call me Fi. You’re James, right?’

      ‘The one and only. It’s good to see you. You two look good together.’

      Relief flooded Hero’s limbs. Wow. Thanks, James—you really came through.

      During the short walk home, James kept silent for the most part. Hero and Fi exchanged glances and smiles in between looking at their feet. Hero’s heart was racing.

      ‘Here we are,’ James announced at the last corner. ‘You can make your way home from here, right?’

      ‘Sure,’ Hero replied.

      ‘Enjoy your homework, then.’ James sauntered back the way they’d come.

      Fi gazed steadfastly ahead. ‘Has he gone yet?’

      ‘I think so.’ Hero glided one hand around her waist.

      Her high cheekbones took on a pale redness, and her lips trembled slightly. He folded himself into her. The beautiful warmth of her soft lips was an electric charge that sent his heart twisting and racing even faster.

      She gasped, her lips still against his.

      He pulled back and took her hand in his. ‘Come on, then. Let’s have tea.’

      Once they were home, Hero felt as if he might have to cut his hand off to separate himself from her. He focused on making tea, as had become his usual homebound duty. The tea was drunk innocently enough, although it did get cold during their many long pauses.

      Fi looked at her watch. ‘Oh my God, is that the time? I’ve got to go.’

      The way her hair bounced as she stood up was so beautiful. He wouldn’t be able to wait to get to school to see her again. He walked her to the door. ‘Tea and kissing is so much better than tea and biscuits.’

      Her eyes widened.

      Oh shit. Had he just gone too far?

      She smirked and shook her head. ‘Don’t ever become a comedian, Hero.’

      But he didn’t think she really minded.

      Over the next few days, James came to school with Hero in the morning and accompanied him on his way back home before gym. Although Fi didn’t join them again on their homeward journey, the couple were now an official item at school, regarded with jealousy by their friends.

      The bell rang at the end of the school day, and Hero made his way towards the gates, where he knew James would be waiting. It was a cold winter’s afternoon, and the light was fading fast. James was there already, looking agitated.

      Hero felt a twinge. I never thanked him, did I? I should say something.

      He fell in beside his brother. ‘Hey, thanks for being there for me. Thanks for taking me home every day. It’s made a really big difference.’

      ‘No worries, mate,’ James said with a grin. ‘One day, I’m sure you’ll return the favour. Anyway, it’s the least I can do for my bruv.’

      ‘You’re not angry for having to look after me?’

      ‘Not at all. Why on earth would you think that?’

      ‘You just seem a bit pissed off, that’s all.’

      ‘It’s not you, buddy. There’s something in the air.’ James glanced over his shoulder. They’d reached the street where he’d saved Hero a few days before. ‘Something’s coming. Something’s wrong, bruv.’

      Hero became aware of the sound of several people running behind them.

      James pointed across the road. ‘Go now. Run home as fast as you can.’

      ‘What?’ He surveyed the area, his eyes darting backward and forward, looking for predators. They’re back—I knew it. They’ll never stop, just like James said.

      ‘Just do it. Now.’

      Hero dashed across the road and rounded the corner towards home. Then he stopped and crouched behind a garden wall, peeking over the top to spy on his brother.

      James had turned around to face three well-built men jogging towards him. He fixed his gaze on them, emotionless, looking directly into the eyes of the man at the front.

      The group stopped in the middle of the road, directly in front of him.

      ‘I heard you beat up my little brother last week,’ called the leader. The thug was holding a knife that glinted in the light from the street lamps. One of the others was carrying a wooden baseball bat and the other, a crowbar.

      ‘I assume you’re talking about that complete tit, Martin,’ James said. ‘He and three other brave lads thought it a great idea to beat up my little brother on a daily basis. Now, what big brother could stand by and let that happen? You must be so proud that Martin and all his mates have got such ginormous balls. What did you say your name was, anyway?’

      ‘I’m Warren,’ he said, ‘and you won’t be forgetting it. Now it’s your turn to find out what it feels like to be hurt by someone bigger than you.’

      James widened his stance. ‘I don’t think so.’

      James had that same look in his eyes that Hero remembered from the previous fight. Was he even blinking? He peered through the dusk, trying to see if James’s eyes had any colour.

      I don’t think they do. What the hell is going on?

      A knot formed in his stomach. He looked again, and James’s eyes looked normal again. But the knot stayed. His heart was racing, even though he was crouched low and still.

      Warren waved dismissively. ‘Fuck off, dickhead. Like you said, what big brother could let that go?’

      ‘I haven’t got time for this,’ James called back. ‘You’ve got weapons. Use ’em or piss off. This is your last chance to walk away.’

      ‘Shut up, mate. We’re gonna break you up so bad, you’re gonna wish you’d never seen my little brother.’ He glanced at the others. ‘Ryan, Jack—deal with this prick.’

      Hero was transfixed. Ryan raised his baseball bat and edged towards