Page 55 of Tainted Rose

“He’s sleeping, I think. He’s been in his room all day.”

I bite down on my lip. “Is he okay?”

“I hope so, honey.” Her voice hitches. “I don’t know if I should tell you this or not.”

My heart pounds, and I close my eyes. I don’t know how much more I can handle.

“My loyalty lies with Sebastian. You have to know that.” She clears her throat, and I wait for her to go on, but several seconds go by in silence.

I cringe in frustration. “What happened, June?”

“I’m only telling you because you’re his daughter. And I love Xander to pieces, too. They had words this morning. It was ugly. I’m worried.”

“I understand that. I’m pretty wound up about everything myself. Can I come after work? I, uh … was going to ask anyway. My aunt and uncle won’t be back for a few days, and I’m a little uncomfortable staying at home by myself.”

“I don’t see why Isabella would mind. But Sebastian is here.”

“Okay.” Now I’m not sure what to do. “Maybe you could have Xander call me later? I get off work at nine.”

“I’ll do that. And, Scarlett? Be careful.”

My eyes bug out in surprise as the line goes dead in my ear. What the hell?

I feel all out of whack until Xander calls me right as I get off work. I blow out a sigh of relief when I see his name light up my phone. Swiping to answer, I breathe out, “Hi.”

“Hey. June said you called earlier and are worried about staying at your house. What the fuck is going on?”

“Um. So, don’t freak.”

“That’s a hell of a way to get me not to …”

I cut him off. “I know, I know. But June mentioned your argument with Sebastian and there’s the whole issue of your concussion. I don’t want you upset over this.”

“Red.”

“Someone was at my house. They left a note—a threat of sorts, I think.”

A few seconds tick by. “What?” His voice is deadly low and soft.

I swallow. “Look, I’d like to come see you and tell you everything. It’s okay if I can’t stay. I don’t want to make things harder for you.”

“First, I don’t give a flying fuck whether Sebastian wants you here or not.”

“Okay.” I swallow hard.

“Second, I can’t believe you didn’t make June wake me up.”

I chew on my lip. “I’m sorry. I’m—” My eyes slam shut.

“You’re what?” Xander’s voice is husky and rough on the other end of the phone.

“I’m not used to depending on anyone but myself.” Dammit. Now I’m all choked up.

With a deep sigh, he rasps, “Scarlett, my stomach is twisted in fucking knots. Please come. I’ll smooth the way. I’ll tell Mom you are coming. Sebastian can either tell her why he’s pissed, or he can cork it for a bit. Either way, you aren’t staying in that house alone. Not if you’re worried something isn’t right.”

It hadn’t hit me until he said that how scared I actually am. Someone was at my house—a person who, if I’m not mistaken, has been taunting me and messing with me this whole time. And Xander’s already upset about it, and I haven’t even told him what the note said yet.

He clears his throat. “Scarlett? You still there?”

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