Page 14 of Cruel Titan

“That’s not surprising being that you told her not to make a trip to Antarctica for it like the other nurse does.” Lindsey looks to me. “His bedside manner hasn’t improved at all.”

Yep. That sounds like the usual Detective Dick.

Davis watches as Lindsey walks out of the room before looking to me. “You need to be careful.”

His sudden serious tone and concerned expression send a jolt of fear through me. “What?”

“Someone tried to kill me, and I know it was because of the case,” his voice is low and determined as he glances at the door several times.

Gasping, my hand covers my mouth as the realization dawns on me. “You remember, don’t you?”

His lack of response and the scowl on his face answer my question.

“But why did you lie to Lindsey? She said you don’t remember anything.”

“I don’t want her involved. Everyone that touches this case, or has anything related, will more than likely end up dead. As far as everyone knows, I don’t remember anything, and it has to stay that way until I can get out of this bed. I’m no use to you or anyone else if I can’t protect you.”

“What happened? Who was it?”

“Quinn. I need you to promise me that you won’t make a move or even look in the wrong direction until I’m out of this bed and able to protect you.”

“Just tell me who it was. Please. I don’t know who I can trust.”

“You trust me. I know you do because you told me. At least, I think you did because I don’t think I was dreaming.” His hand rubs over his face, almost like he’s still trying to wake up, only he seems wide awake.

“Yes. I did say that. That night, I went to find you because I found photographs in Asher’s room. I went to the café, and they said you were in an accident … but I knew it was anything but accidental.”

“Quinn. Promise me.”

“Please, tell me who I can trust.”

“Trust me.”

“Who did this to you?”

Letting out a frustrated breath, he finally gives me a tidbit of information. “It wasn’t your boyfriend, but he’s in way over his head, too, and I don’t know how deep this really goes. Someone tried to stop me as soon as I got too close to the truth. Lay low. Keep your head down. Don’t do anything stupid. You need to just trust me on this. Got it?”

Lindsey breezes through the doorway, an oversize white plastic mug in her hand. “Here’s your Antarctic ice!”

I can tell Davis wants to say something else, but he doesn’t since Lindsey has returned. If her just knowing about it puts her in danger, then Davis knows a lot more than he’s telling me. Waiting until Davis is better is one thing, but not knowing who’s lurking around the corner, watching to see what or who is on to them, freaks me out. “I’d better head home.”

“Don’t be a stranger.” Lindsey says, pulling me into yet another warm hug as my eyes dart to Davis, concern and dread on his face.

“I’m actually going to be a little busier than normal. I’m working after school, and I have detention over the weekend, so it might be a little while before I can come back to visit.”

“Ah, I hate to hear that, but I totally get it. You shouldn’t be in this smelly hospital anyways.” Lindsey releases me, looking over to Davis. “I can’t tell you what a blessing Quinn was during all of this.”

Blessing doesn’t feel like the right word, and I’m sure Davis would agree, especially with the glower on his face. “Bye.”

“Stay in touch and try to stay out of trouble.” His tone is lighthearted—I’m guessing to not alert Lindsey to the underlying meaning—but I can hear the warning beneath.

“I’ll try my best.” I hurry out of the room, unsure if I really can stay out of trouble. It seems to be around every corner, whether I invite it or not.

12

Asher

The Audi I’ve been waiting for pulls into the school parking lot right on time for Saturday detention. I don’t make a move to exit my car, instead I watch as she steps out of hers, making a point not to acknowledge my presence. It would be the best thing for her if I could return the favor, but that doesn’t seem to be the case. I crave her presence. Sitting at the party last night, the only place I’d wanted to be was with my face buried between her thighs, and even worse, feeling her soft naked body tucked against me afterwards. I’d considered going after an easy screw, but I knew it wouldn’t satisfy me. It’s her I crave, her I need, even if I hate it and she hates me. There has to be a way to get past this shit.