Page 135 of Nevada

“Hey.” Star reaches out as Tilly gives me a tentative smile and perches on the side of Star’s bed. “How are you feeling?”

“I’m fine,” she says. “Never been better. I’ll be good when I can get out of this hospital bed.”

Tilly rolls her eyes. “Now who’s telling who to rest?”

“You’ve suffered so much,” Star starts. “This kind of violence isn’t good for you.”

“You don’t have to explain.” Tilly smooths her sister’s hair. “And I’m okay, my eyes are wide open. I’ve led a sheltered life, but bad things happen, Star. They happen to good people all the time.”

I know Star worries about her sister spiraling. And I hope that isn’t the case. She was doing good, but I’ve never seen her look so pale ever since she got the news Star had been shot. And I feel so horribly guilty. It’s because of me that she’s in here, because I couldn’t keep it in my pants back then.

“Don’t.” Star shakes her head.

I glance at her. “What?”

“Don’t overthink it.”

She can read my mind, and for Tilly’s sake I don’t say anything. The less she knows about crazy stalkers, the better. We’re supposed to be providing a safe environment for her, not having her sister get shot for her troubles. Pain grips at my heart. I could’ve lost her. I could’ve lost my baby, and that makes me want to wrap my hands around Louise’s throat and squeeze, resuscitate her just to kill her again, even that wouldn’t feel like enough.

“I’ll go get us some coffee.” I need to make myself useful.

“Find out when I can go home!” Star yells after me.

I step out and bump into Cash. His eyes scan me. “You look like shit.”

I run a hand over my face. “Go figure.”

“She okay?”

I nod. “She’s gonna be fine. Already bitchin’ and complainin’.”

He chuckles. “Sure she doesn’t wanna patch in? Heard she took out some fuckface at Bane’s warehouse.”

“You heard right. She’s tough.”

He grips my shoulder. “This is the life. She knows that.”

“Doesn’t make me feel any better about it.”

“Gonna claim her at the table?”

“You know it.” With getting Tilly settled, we haven’t gotten around to doing it.

“Then she knows the risks. A woman like Star is born to be in this club. She’s good for you.”

“Know it.” My phone buzzes in my back pocket. Dad. “Better take this, it’s my dad.”

He nods as I take off down the hall. No doubt he’s calling because Mom told him about what happened. “Dad.” I don’t know if my voice sounds as flat as it feels, but I don’t hold back. I’m tired of doing that with him.

“Asher. Your mom told me what happened, are you okay?”

“I’m fine. It’s my girl, she got shot, but she’s okay.”

“Jesus Christ, son.” I wait for it. I wait for him to tell me the club is dangerous and the people in it are bad news. “I want to see you. I don’t see you enough.”

I open my mouth then close it again. “Okay.”

“I’m flying up first thing tomorrow. It’d be great to catch up.”

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