Total pages in book: 67
Estimated words: 62811 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 314(@200wpm)___ 251(@250wpm)___ 209(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 62811 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 314(@200wpm)___ 251(@250wpm)___ 209(@300wpm)
The police and paramedics pushed their way through, taking over, and Jared ran over from where he’d parked the car a few feet away.
“Our guy is escalating,” he said.
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.
Chapter Nine
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.