Beyond exhausted after hours at the hospital, Sasha dragged her body into Xander’s apartment. Bella came barreling out to meet them, and Sasha knelt down to give her attention after such a long stretch of her being alone. Then she rose and kicked off her heels, leaving them by the door. Her feet were killing her. The shoes were meant to wear for an hour or two, not to pace a hospital emergency room.

Xander grabbed Bella’s leash from a hook by the door. “Back in a few minutes. Lock up until I return.”

Since their emotions were raw from Cassidy’s attack, she promised she would, no argument or jokes about Jared being right outside.

After they’d left, Sasha leaned against the wall and let out a groan. Thank goodness Cassidy was fine, no damage from the Taser or her fall, for which Sasha was relieved. Still guilt-ridden but relieved because her best friend wouldn’t have been in a position to be attacked if the stalker hadn’t thought she was Sasha.

She walked to the kitchen and pulled out a bottle of cold water from the refrigerator. She took a long drink before heading to the bedroom, sitting down on the bed and leaning back against the pillows. She closed her eyes for a few minutes and was shocked to realize she’d dozed off, only waking up when Xander returned and she heard the beeps of him setting the alarm.

She pushed herself to a sitting position and met his gaze as he walked into the room. “Hey.”

“Hi. Bella was fast and she didn’t seem to need a long walk.”

She smiled. “She’s such a good girl.”

He laughed. “For a dog who failed her service test, yes, she is. She’s a great companion.”

She chuckled, then sobered, remembering the events of tonight. “I’m glad Cassidy and Axel are staying at Dash’s place in the city tonight. She shouldn’t be alone in a hotel room. But thanks for offering up your spare room.” It had been extremely sweet of him.

“I knew you’d want her close.” He shrugged as if the gesture was no big deal.

Which was exactly why it was one. He cared about what she wanted. Needed.

“Tired?” he asked.

She nodded. “I fell asleep while you were out.” Before she could blink, he’d walked over to the bed and scooped her into his arms.

He walked her straight to the bathroom, lowered her to her feet, and pressed a kiss on her cheek. “Go shower off the feel of the hospital. You’ll sleep better if you do.” He turned and started toward the door.

“You’re not joining me?”

He turned back to face her, his eyes darkening at the prospect, but he shook his head. “Not a good idea if you want to get any sleep,” he said in a gruff tone that turned her on anyway.