AUDIO TOUR: Gideon by Lily Morton (Except & Giveaway)

Excerpt: 

I come awake slowly, becoming aware of beeping sounds and the low hum of voices. At first I wonder whether I’ve died, but when I inhale I smell the scent of antiseptic and relax. I’m fairly sure heaven won’t smell of Dettol. I stir, trying to open my eyes, and someone’s hand comes down on mine, the skin so hot it makes me aware of how cold I am and that my teeth are chattering.

“So c-cold,” I mutter.

“It’s okay,” the voice says. “You’re alright, Gid. I’m here.” 

I want to smile because that halting but warm voice belongs to my baby brother, Milo, but sleep beckons me again and I fall into its welcoming arms.

The next time I wake up it’s easier. My eyes flutter open and I wince against the brightness of the light. “Fuck,” I mutter, and a low chuckle sounds from somewhere near me.

“I see your vocabulary hasn’t been improved by your brush with death.”

“Niall!” Milo sounds horrified. “What the hell?”

My best friend and old hook-up chuckles. “Relax. I’ve read that people who have near-death experiences come out of it changed. I thought maybe his intellect would have improved and he’d be using fancy words.”

I shake my head and force my eyes open again. “Oh, my God! That bloody light is burning my retinas. Close the fucking blinds.” My voice sounds thick and unused.

Niall laughs. “No, don’t worry. His intellect is still at base level, as is his temper. Yes sir, I’ll get right on it for your majesty.”

There’s movement and then the room dims welcomingly.
I open my eyes fully to look at my companions and immediately frown. Milo looks worn at the edges, his clothes rumpled and his hair messy, while Niall has huge circles under his eyes. I notice Niall’s hand on my brother’s arm and want to roll my eyes. Since they got together and declared their love it’s been like being on the set of a romance by Barbara Cartland. 

“You both look fucking awful,” I say hoarsely. 

Niall laughs. “Oh my God, you came back with compassion. It’s like Simon Cowell has morphed into Mother Theresa.”

“I certainly didn’t come back with any patience for your shitty sense of humour.”