Page 46 of Xavier

“Gun!” I yell a second before the blast of the gunshot sounds through the air.

I drop to the ground and crawl over toward Mom and Dad as screams fill the air.

It all seems to happen too fast. Ringing in my ears prevents me from hearing what’s actually going on.

I finally get over to Dad and he pulls us into his arms, shielding us from the potential danger.

I close my eyes and pray they shot no one. I don’t want to be a witness to another murder.

Strong arms wrap themselves around my upper arm and pull me away from Dad.

My gaze locks with Dad’s, but he doesn’t seem surprised or mad that I’m being taken from him.

In fact, he nods.

I try to fight my way free, but the grip tightens. It hurts and I know there’s going to be a bruise, but I continue to try to fight.

“Brianna, stop fighting. I’m only trying to keep you safe.” Xavier’s deep, sexy voice pushes past the ringing in my ear.

My brain finally registers who’s got a tight grip on my arm, and my body immediately relaxes in his arms.

He pulls me behind the row of bushes that line the building, giving us privacy and protection from the shooter.

“Shh, it’s okay.” Xavier whispers in my ear.

What is he talking about?

A puppy whimpers nearby and the sound breaks my heart. “I need to help the puppy. It’s probably lost and hungry from the storm.”

“Brianna, there isn’t a puppy around here.” His voice is soft and gentle, like he’s trying to break some sort of news to me.

Looking down at my body, I am surprised to see my hands and legs shaking.

Xavier runs his hand through my hair. It feels strange, like I’m having an out-of-body moment. “It’s okay. I got you. You’re safe here.”

It takes me several long moments to realize the whimpering is coming from me.

There is no puppy. I’m the one that sounds so scared. I close my eyes, not wanting to face reality.

Xavier’s soft whisper tickles my ear. “I need to check to see if you are alright. I need to make sure they did not hit you.”

He lifts each of my arms and checks my front and back before sighing. “You’re okay. You weren’t hit, but we need to check on everyone else.”

I shake my head. I don’t want to get up. I don’t want to see another lifeless body bleeding out in front of my eyes.

I can’t see another person hurt.

I just want to stay here in Xavier’s comforting arms and pretend nothing bad has happened this week.

Chapter Twelve

XAVIER

As soon as the sound of the gunshot hits my ears, my feet move.

They carry me toward the podium as I fight my way through the chaos of the scrambling crowd.

I need to make sure she’s alright.

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