Chapters (20)
Xander ran a hand over his face, wanting to get Sasha home, where he knew she’d be safe.
“Where the hell is the bodyguard who’s supposed to be on Cassidy?” Jared glanced around, eyes narrowed.
“She said she had someone new today,” Sasha said.
He nodded. “So Dan said.” He looked over to the car where a man stood off to the side. “Looks like that’s him. Don’t go anywhere without me from now on.”
Xander waited, standing by Sasha as they examined Cassidy, and though she insisted she didn’t need the hospital, Axel disagreed.
“I’m okay. I swear,” Cassidy said, her arms wrapped tightly around herself.
To Xander’s shock, Dash knelt down, meeting her gaze. “You’re going to get checked out and make sure that’s true,” Xander’s brother said through gritted teeth.
“What’s with Dash?” Sasha asked, turning her tear-stained face up to face him, and Xander’s heart squeezed tight in his chest.
He reached up and swiped a stray tear from her cheek. “I don’t know. Seems like he was struck by lightning when he saw Cassidy,” Xander said, attempting a laugh, but the entire situation was stressful and not funny.
They’d begun to attract an audience and he wanted her out of the spotlight. Cassidy had agreed to go to the hospital, and Axel hopped into the back of the ambulance along with her and Dash strode up to them, his expression tight.
“What the fuck are the police doing about this asshole?” he asked.
“I heard them say they’d take her statement at the hospital,” Sasha said. “And I want to be there.”
Dash nodded. “Me, too. Let’s go.”
“Wait.” Xander grabbed his brother’s arm. “What’s your interest in Cassidy?”
His brother narrowed his gaze. “Why do you care?”
“Because she’s Sasha’s best friend and I know you.” He pointed, hitting his brother’s chest with his finger.
“Hey.” Dash grabbed his finger. “You’re my brother. Where’s the faith?”
Sasha looked back and forth between them, her impatience showing on her expressive face.
“Did you wake up alone this morning?” Xander asked.
“Well, no, but–”
Xander put a hand on his shoulder. “But that’s why. I don’t want Cassidy hurt. And you have that determined look on your face. So unless and until you get your head in the game and know what you want, you need to leave her alone.”
“And as Cassidy’s best friend, I agree. If you hurt her in any way, I’ll kill you, Dash.” She looked at Xander. “Can we go now?”
He watched the wheels turn in his brother’s head, and finally Dash came to a conclusion. “Fine. But I’m still checking on her at the hospital.”
Xander nodded. Though he’d rather take her home, he respected and understood her need to make certain her friend was okay.