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I blink my eyes open, my head no longer pounding. It takes them a moment to adjust to the light. I look over to see Xavier once again sitting next to the bed. His hand holds mine. Scott is here too. He’s sleeping on a sofa across the room. We’re in one of the guest rooms at Xavier’s. Everything starts flooding back to me. Scott’s words about what Xavier had done, the car crash, Scott’s lifeless body, and the men who had tried to take me.
I try to pull my hand from Xavier’s to touch my head, but his hold only tightens. His head lifts, his dark eyes meeting mine. He looks tired, and worry etches the corners of his eyes.
“Laura.” He’s on his feet. “How do you feel?” He cups my face in his giant hands.
“Sleepy?”
He leans down and presses his mouth to mine gently. I should push him away, but I’m weak when it comes to him. It might be our last kiss for all I know. When he releases my mouth from his, he rests his forehead against mine. The anguish on his face has a knot forming in my throat.
He’s in love with me. I’m not sure what to do with that information, but I know in my heart he is. If I was merely a plaything, I don’t think he’d be this torn up about me being hurt. Right now, he looks like he’d follow me into death.
“Are you both okay?” I ask. “How did you get me out of the trunk?” The last thing I remember before being in this bed was that trunk. As scared as I’d been, I knew Xavier was going to come for me. He’ll never stop coming for me.
“Yeah, your boyfriend lost his shit and took a bullet to his thigh.” Scott says, making me gasp. I try to sit up, but Xavier doesn't let me.
“You were shot?”
“Precious. Don’t get up until the doctor clears you.” He doesn't answer my question.
“Answer me,” I snip. I shouldn't care if he’s been shot. He had it coming. But I care all the same.
“I’m fine. It was a graze. I only needed a few stitches.” Xavier shoots my brother a glare. Scott looks unfazed by it. “You worried about me?” He drops his gaze back down to mine.
“I don’t know what I am when it comes to you.” I shake my head. “Scott.” I hold my hand out to my brother. He comes over and takes it. “Are you okay? You scared the crap out of me. I couldn't get you to wake up.” My eyes once again burn with tears.
“A few bumps is all.” Scott looks over at Xavier. “I want a minute with my sister.”
“I’m not leaving.”
“Xavier. I want to talk to my brother alone.”
His jaw flexes, but he steps back.
“You’ve got five minutes.” He stalks from the room. He almost looks as if he’s pouting.
It’s kind of cute.
“He’s intense.” Scott lets out a long breath.
“You don’t seem scared of him.” I drop my head back, already feeling tired. I have no idea how long I’ve been out.
“You were right. He’s not going to hurt me because of you.” He shakes his head and comes around to the chair Xavier had been sitting in. “Can’t kill me either because that would upset you.” He lets out a low chuckle. “I still can’t believe my little sister is one of the most powerful people in Vegas.”
“What?”
“You’ve got that man wrapped around your finger. I don’t think there’s a thing he wouldn't do for you if you asked.”
“Except set me free.” I lick my dry lips.
Scott nods. I don’t tell him that whenever Xavier says he’ll never let me go, I get this thrill. He did everything he could to have me, and I’m still not sure what to do with that.
My head starts to throb again. I’m in love with him and fighting an inner battle of what is right and wrong.
“I don’t think you want to be set free.” Scott stands. My eyes start to feel heavy again.
“Time’s up.” Xavier comes back into the room.
“That was two minutes.” Scott fights a smile. Are these two friends now or something? “I’m going to go clean myself up before Xavier throws me out of here.” He leans down and kisses my forehead. “Love you.”
