Page 123 of Gunner

While there was something dark about him, he struck me as more of a coward. The way he backed down quickly to Bane, suggested he was someone who would stab you in the back the moment you turned around, rather than face you head on.

He was the one to keep an eye on for sure.

Chapter Thirty-Four

Haizley

“Oh my God, Haizley! What happened?”

Sitting at the bar with Bane, I hadn’t noticed Aspen come in from outside. She had begun getting up early and eating breakfast before most of the men woke. I had some concerns about avoidance, but she assured me she was an early morning person, and her waking early was a step closer to who she was before she was attacked.

“I’m ok. I promise.”

“But what happened?” she asked again.

“We’ll talk about it in your session, ok?” Reaching out, I placed a hand on her arm. “Are you ok having it a little earlier this morning?”

“Yes.” She nodded, her eyes never leaving the black circles on either side of my nose.

“Ok, let’s go up to your room.”

Turning to Bane, he offered before I could ask, “I’ll let Gunner know where you are.”

“Thanks.”

Aspen and I walked upstairs to her room. I was thankful none of the other women were around. I wasn’t sure who should be told the truth and who shouldn’t.

Entering her room, I sat in the chair in the corner, and Aspen climbed on the bed with Diesel by her side.

“I have something to tell you. You’re going to want to blame yourself, but I need you to understand this was not your fault. You bear no responsibility for what happened to me. Ok?”

Her breaths became shallow and fast. Diesel’s ears perked up, and I moved to the bed, taking her hands in mine.

“Aspen, look at me.” Her hand dug into the dog’s fur, and he scooted closer, trying to climb in her lap. I really needed to talk to Banshee about where these dogs came from.

“Aspen,” I said firmly.

The dog barked at me, and I laid my hand on his head. Hoping to calm him. I certainly didn’t need him thinking I was a threat.

“Aspen, honey, I need your attention.”

“It was Greg, wasn’t it?” Her voice was shaky, and I rubbed her hand between mine.

“Yes.”

Her tears spilled over, and my heart broke for her. I knew guilt would be the first thing she took on. She hadn’t completely let go of the guilt she felt from being drugged.

“Aspen, I am ok. Greg is dead.”

Her head snapped up, and she looked at me. “What?”

“Greg is dead. He broke into my home and attacked me.”

“Did he—”

“No.” I shook my head so she understood. “I killed him before he could. Aspen, I am telling you this because I want you to have closure. I want you to know you don’t have to be afraid of Greg anymore. He can’t hurt you again.”

“So, I can go home?”

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