Page 101 of Xavier

Glancing around, I see a cordless phone sitting on the coffee table. I didn’t even know people still had landlines, but I’m grateful that Jordan does, since my cell phone is back at home.

Grabbing the phone, I dial Dad’s number.

It rings and rings and rings.

Finally, he answers.

“Hello?”

“Dad, it’s Bri.”

“Bri? Why are you calling? What’s going on?” His voice is full of concern, but he’s more worried that I’m calling rather than why I’m calling.

This only fuels the anger that’s building inside of me. Fuck this.

“Don’t let him do this.”

“Don’t let who do what?” Either Dad is oblivious to what is going on, or he is dragging this out in hopes I give up.

“Don’t let Xavier do whatever it is he’s about to do. Don’t let him go into this with a half-cocked plan. Please, Daddy. Don’t let him go on this crazy ass mission trying to be a superhero or some shit.”

Dad blows out a breath. “Xavier is the best of the best. He’s great at his job.”

“It’s not his job anymore.”

“That doesn’t mean he isn’t good at what he does. Besides, this is his job. I hired him to protect you.”

My mouth goes dry as I process what Dad just said.

Dad hired Xavier to protect me?

He’s been paid to hang out with me? To fuck me?

Has this been part of the plan the whole time?

“You know what? Fine. Have it your way. I’m done. Let me know when this is over so I can pack my shit and move out.”

I end the call and storm back to the bedroom.

If they want to put their lives in danger to prove they are manly and strong, then so be it. I’m not a puppet they can control anymore.

I kick my sandals off and lay back on the bed.

It’s like I’m back in the safe house all over again. There’s nothing to do except wait for this to be over, and lay in bed because I’d rather be laying here alone than having fake conversations.

A gentle knock sounds on the door, and I know it’s Xavier. I’m so mad right now. I don’t speak for fear of saying something I might regret later.

He needs to keep a clear head going into this blindly. He doesn’t need my angry words repeating in his mind.

I squeeze my eyes shut as the door creaks open.

“I’m heading out and wanted to say goodbye.”

I don’t say anything. I clench my jaw and pray the tears forming in my eyes don’t fall.

“I’ll be back in one to two days when this is all over.”

I still stay silent even though I can hear the pain in his voice. He doesn’t want to leave, but he’s got some manly, egotistical bullshit to prove.

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