Sasha stepped into Xander’s house. At least she’d been here once before and was somewhat familiar with the layout. The pool was out back, and she could hear the sounds of men’s voices from outside. The band. When Xander had lived in LA, his family had taken turns coming to visit, and Dash had only recently been signed by his label. Sasha liked their music and had always gotten along with Dash Kingston, but she had no idea what kind of greeting she was in for tonight.

Exhaustion filled her as she pulled her bag with her toiletries and cosmetics into the main room and set it out of the way. She’d been on autopilot since agreeing to stay here and had only said yes because Xander had made such a valid point about his house being secluded. And she knew Bella would bark at the sound of intruders. Sasha didn’t know where she’d stay when they had to go back to the city for filming, but she was too tired to think about it tonight.

While she waited for Xander, she called her manager and made sure she was the one paying the Alpha Security bill. As she disconnected her call, she got the sense she was being watched.

She turned to find Dash Kingston standing in the arched entry between the family room and the kitchen. His hair was damp and both darker and longer than Xander’s. He wore bathing trunks and a tee shirt, and though he had the Kingston good looks, where Xander was well-built, Dash was leaner. But she recalled him working out and possessing tight abs his female fans loved. He just wasn’t bulked up like his brother. And it was Xander who made Sasha’s heart soar.

Just like Xander, Dash had perfected that pissed-off scowl. “At least you’re not after him for his money.” Apparently Dash had heard her side of the call with her manager.

She knew the depth of this family’s protective nature and did her best not to take his attitude personally. She’d always envied him having siblings who were so close.

“So that begs the question,” Dash continued, “why are you here?” He folded his strong arms across his chest.

She wouldn’t let him intimidate her. “You know why. I needed protection, and your brother insisted I’d be safer here than in the city. And it’s nice to see you, too, Dash.”

He studied her for a long moment, and she had no idea if she passed his inspection. “I liked you, Sasha, but you hurt my brother once. I hope you’re not here to do more damage.”

“Dash, back off,” Xander said on what sounded like a growl.

She hadn’t heard him come in.