Page 38 of Xavier

“After I knew Xavier wasn’t the killer coming back to torch the place, I crawled out from under the booth, downed a couple of shots, and called Lieutenant.”

Lieutenant sighs. “You’ve been drinking?”

“I had a couple of shots to calm my nerves. You can’t blame me after everything I’ve been through.”

Lieutenant shakes his head. “I’m going to forget that you just said that. Smith, leave out the fact that she’s been drinking. They could try to throw it out in court for her not having a clear mind.”

“Can I go home now? I need to catch my dad up on all the exciting events of the day.”

“Yes, but please have your phone on in case we have any questions. I’ll check on you after the storm. Please be safe.”

“I’m always safe.”

I can picture him rolling his eyes as I head toward the front door.

It’s not my fault that danger and destruction seem to be attracted to me as of late.

Walking outside, my gaze immediately lands on my dad, and he’s talking to Xavier and Zach.

I stomp my way over to the three men, like I’m a petulant child. “You called my dad?”

Xavier’s gaze moves to me, lingering on my lips before meeting my gaze. “Someone needs to talk some sense into you, and I figured the only one that you would listen to is your father.”

“I’m a grown woman. I don’t need a babysitter, and I don’t need a man making decisions for me.”

Xavier smirks.

I hate that cocky smirk.

My mind screams in protest.

Okay, fine. I find that cocky smirk irresistible and sexy as hell.

Dad shakes his head. “Bri, you aren’t safe alone. You just witnessed a murder, and the suspects are still at large. You need to go somewhere safe, like a safe house, until this blows over.”

Do we even have a safe house?

“Not with the storm coming. The only place I’m going is home, so I can go to sleep and forget about this horrible day.”

Dad glances toward Xavier, who gives him a nod. He turns back to me and says, “Fine, but Xavier is staying in the guest room as an extra security.”

I don’t argue. Having Xavier nearby is the safer option, especially with the hurricane coming.

When the police send us on our way, Dad rides in my car and Xavier follows me home.

Dad shows Xavier to the spare bedroom, and I quickly change into lounge clothes and head downstairs to the game room.

I plop down on the couch and turn on the news for background noise. Even if I lay in bed, I know sleep won’t come.

Reaching into the secret arm compartment, I pull out my favorite snack, fudge stripe cookies.

A knock sounds on the door before Xavier pokes his head in. “You care for some company?”

It’s strange to hear him ask instead of demand.

“Sure, but there’s nothing exciting happening in here.”

He joins me on the couch, choosing the other end and leaving the middle seat free.

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