Page 178 of Little Sunshine

Standing close, he just raised his chin and waited for his reprimand.

But I wasn’t done playing the protective hero. Twisting to look at Ash, I explained, “Veronica showed up to ask for money, and I told Elliot I had it handled because I thought I did. I didn’t think she’d hit me. Which hurt less than your spanks, so it’s not even a big deal.” I glanced toward Elliot quickly before returning my focus to Ash. “Anyway, what I’m saying is it’s not Elliot’s fault.”

“He didn’t guard you. It’s his literal job. Right in the title and everything.” His words may have been light and flippant, but the way he glared at Elliot was far from playful.

I put my hands on his chest so he would look down at me. “But I needed to do that. Now I have closure.”

Ash jerked his head, and Elliot hightailed it away, leaving the two of us alone.

Well, as alone as we could be in a crowded hall.

His hand cupped my warm cheek gently, and his expression turned so thunderous, I thought he would change his mind and have Veronica hauled back so he could yell at her some more. “Tell me what happened.”

I quickly filled him in on the little she’d said that I could remember.

“Did she say what the trouble was?” he asked.

“No, just that Vegas wasn’t safe for her.” I glared up at him. “You paid fifty thousand dollars for her?”

He shook his head, and I was about to call him out for lying to me again until he said, “I paid fifty thousand dollars for you.”

“That’s so much… I can’t… Why didn’t you tell me?”

“Swear to God, I wasn’t trying to keep it a secret all this time. I was going to tell you, but then Veronica was quiet, we’ve been busy, and it slipped my mind.”

“You forgot you paid fifty… You know what. Never mind.”

His bunched muscles relaxed, and his gaze softened as he studied me. “You okay?”

“Is Maximo going to be mad I banned someone from his resorts?”

“Fuck no. If the cameras picked that up and he sees it, there’s a good chance he’ll put you in charge of banning people from now on.” He lifted my chin and didn’t let me joke my way out of anything. “Are you okay?”

“I should’ve cut her off years ago, but a voice in my head always reminded me she was the only family I had. That if I didn’t have her, I didn’t have anyone. That’s not true anymore. I have you.”

“And you always will. I’m not going anywhere.”

“Even with a restraining order?” I teased.

“Even then.”

“And that’s why I’m not even slightly sad.” I inhaled deeply, looking at the spot where she’d been. “Drama’s done. She’s dead to me. Old news. It’s time for a cheeseburger.”

Who could that be?

I moved through the house toward the source of the loud banging with my cell in my hand. I wasn’t dialing 911 as a precaution.

I called Ash. Except the phone just rang. He didn’t answer. A ball of worry took root in my chest.

When I reached the front door, I peeked outside to see two cops.

That’s why he didn’t answer. He’s been hurt.

Or worse.

I was tempted to throw the door open, but I knew better. “What do you want?”

“Police, ma’am. We have some questions for you.”

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