Page 29 of Only If You Dare

Chapter Ten

Desiree

Santana threw her arms around my neck, and the bag that hung from her wrist knocked against my back.

“I’m so glad you’re okay,” she said pulling back to look at me. “What were you thinking going to that house? Are you insane, I specifically said, don’t go home.”

“I had to. Jasper was there. I needed to make sure he was okay.”

“All your text said was your house had been broken into, and you were staying here. Was Jasper alright, where is he?”

I squeezed my temples. Santana went to speak again when something else caught her attention. I turned to follow her gaze and fumbled as I spoke.

“I’m sorry, Santana this is Julian. Julian, Santana,” I said introducing them officially.

“Hi,” Santana held her hand out for a shake and Julian accepted it.

“How are you,” he asked Santana.

“As good as can be expected I suppose.”

Julian reached out and caressed my shoulders. “Are you alright?”

Santana looked from him to me, and she caught on to my somber expression.

“Oh nooo,” she said. “Don’t tell me the bastard harmed Jasper!”

“I’m afraid so,” Julian offered.

“Oh honey,” Santana pulled me in for a hug, and I silently cried on her shoulder.

“It was so cruel,” I sniffed out. “Drowned him in a bathtub of water.”

Santana gasped. “Nooo!”

“What type of sick psycho does something so disgusting?” My tears created a puddle on her shirt that soaked into her sleeve.

“I’m so sorry, Desiree. I really am,” Santana said.

I straightened up and tried to pull myself together.

“What’s done is done. I’ll give him a little burial and move out.”

“I don’t blame you for a second,” Santana said. “If it makes you feel any better I brought food.”

I gave her a small smile. “Thanks.”

“I’ll fix us some plates.” Santana glanced to Julian. “Would you like a plate Julian?”

“No ma’am, I’m good. You ladies enjoy.”

“Ma’am,” she said. “I will not be reduced to some old lady.”

“Oh my God…” I said shaking my head at her.

“What?” Santana replied.

Julian chuckled. “An old lady you are not. So no worries there.”

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