Dammit, Sasha thought. She grasped Cassidy’s elbow and walked her to the door, opened it, set the security latch so Cassidy could get back in, and let the door swing almost shut behind them.

“What are you doing?” she asked her friend in a harsh whisper. “That man is going to rip your heart out.”

“Shh!” Cassidy’s eyes opened wide. “And no, he won’t. I’m not invested that way. It’s just fun for now.”

Sasha folded her arms across her chest and narrowed her gaze. “Your brother wouldn’t think so.”

“Axel is not going to find out unless someone tells him. Besides, I’m a grown woman. He can’t dictate who I sleep with.”

Sasha’s mouth parted. “I knew it! You already did it!”

A red flush rose to Cassidy’s cheeks. “Not yet but I intend to.” She nudged Sasha lightly with her shoulder. “Come on. I’m on the rebound and I need this. Besides, when will I get a chance with a man as hot as Dash Kingston ever again?”

“You should look in the mirror, Cass. You’re beautiful. Any guy would be lucky to have you. And I’ve seen how you look at him. You’re smitten already.”

“Don’t be ridiculous.” She waved her hand, dismissing the possibility. “I know what I’m doing. Now let’s get you into bed so you can rest. Something tells me you’re going to need energy to deal with your Kingston brother.”

She smirked and put a hand on Sasha’s shoulder. “It’s not over, Sasha. You just need to get Xander to open up.”

She frowned, unsure about everything. “We’ll see. Right now, I’m still furious at him for leaving me at the hospital and upset he didn’t fight for us.”

Cassidy’s expression grew soft with understanding. “So don’t make it easy for him. But one way or another, I have faith you two will work out.”

Sasha wasn’t as sure.

***

Xander woke up hungover, his mouth tasting like cotton, his head pounding, and his dog licking his face. A glance at the clock told him he’d missed walking her at a reasonable time. No wonder she was antsy.

“Sorry, girl,” he said as he dragged his ass out of bed. Even his voice sounded like he’d eaten rocks. God knows how much tequila he’d had to drink last night when he’d drowned his sorrows so he didn’t have to think about how badly he’d fucked up with Sasha.