Page 43 of Vicious Little Darling

The next twenty-four hours pass in a blur, and other than calling to update the police of my new address, I don’t hear anything more about the man who attacked me in my apartment. Xander spends most of his time by himself—or out. But he’s nice enough to make dinner for us the first night.

It’s homey, even though it’s over-the-top luxurious. I have the best fucking sleep of my life the first night, passing out so hard that my alarm blares for an hour before I finally rouse myself. I call in to the bookstore, to take another day off—which thankfully, Rich agrees to without asking any questions. I spend the day in my room and then get ready for work at the bar.

I still haven’t told Josh about any of it.My eyes drift to my bandaged hand, and worry creeps into my chest. A knock on my door breaks into my thoughts and I call, “Come in,” turning around to see Xander in his usual black T-shirt and jeans.

“You don’t have to go to work tonight,” he comments, gauging my black skinny jeans and white tank top. “Just say you don’t feel well.”

I shake my head. “Josh will have so many questions. He knows I need the money.”

“Tell him the truth then. You’re living with me.”

I raise my brows at that suggestion. “No way. Can you imagine what he’d think about that? We barely know each other, and I can’t see himnotthrowing some massive fucking fit about it. I wouldn’t even move in with him after a decade of knowing him.”

Xander purses his lips. “Okay. That’s fine. I told you we didn’t have to tell him—and we don’t. But it seems non-sensible for you not to catch a ride to work with me. How will we explain that?”

I hesitate, my mind drifting back to Skull-face, following me in the shadows. A pang of disappointment hits me in the strangest way, and I’m not sure how I feel about it. I should be relieved to have a ride, but something inside of me feels like it’s not over between the two of us…Maybe I should see a therapist.

“I’ll just tell him I picked you up,” Xander huffs when I don’t say anything. “I don’t want you walking with some psycho on the loose.”

“Yeah, me neither,” I lie, avoiding his gaze. I grab my purse and sling it around my body. “I’m ready when you are.”

He nods, and I follow him out of the apartment, once again drooling over him from behind. He made it clear the arrangement was as friends, and as much as I want to say that I can handle that, there’ssomethingabout Xander that makes me want so much more.

And it would be the perfect way to forget about Skull-face.

We head down to the bottom floor silently and take the exit to the parking garage on the back side. When he hits his key fob, the lights flash on a Mercedes. I push away the surprise—which is something I shouldn’t feel at this point—and climb into the passenger seat beside him. He starts the engine, and then backs out of his spot.

“Did you inherit this, too?” I ask, my tone joking.

He chuckles. “Something like that.”

“Why even work then? It appears you’re set for life.” I try not to sound like I’m jealous, but I can’t help it… Iam.Maybe a little.

“Well, I mean, moneydoesrun out,” he eyes me. “And I don’t like just sitting around all day. It gets boring. Plus, I’m not exactly the most social guy, so if I’m not working, I’d just stay by myself all the time.”

“Me, too,” I admit, catching his gaze.

“Then I guess we can just be hermits together.” He shoots me a wink that makes my heart flutter, and I’m once again left mulling over that wholefriendsthing.

I giggle, and he adjusts the radio to a rock station, turning it up as we fly across the city, weaving through the traffic. I peer out the window, halfway wondering why Ididn’ttake the help from Josh. For some reason, I’ve always kept him at arm’s length when it comes to that kind of closeness… butwhy?

Xander parks behind the bar and jumps out, quickly moving around to open my door. I thank him as I step out, and we head toward the entrance. He gestures for me to go ahead as he holds the door open.

“Perfect timing,” Josh snaps as we walk in, glaring at both of us.

“Um…” My voice trails off. “What’s wrong? We’re ten minutes early for the shift.” My eyes bounce from Josh to Major, who’s standing at the back, staring at his phone screen in one hand and holding the broom in the other.

“I didn’t know you were taking rides now,” Josh says, his eyes boring into mine.

“It was just a ride,” Xander cuts in. “Nothing more. Don’t worry.” He pats Josh’s shoulder as he passes by him, heading for the back. Major perks up at the sight of Xander, and follows him to the back room, leaving Josh and I alone.

“What’s your deal?” I immediately throw at him. “So what, he gave me a ride?”

“I haven’t fucking heard from you since your last shift, when you darted off on his motorcycle with him—and now you’re showing up in his car? Is there something you need to tell me, Em?”

I frown, surprised by the outburst. “No… He gave me a ride. That’s it.”

“You never letmegive you a ride,” Josh grunts, shaking his head. “But I guess I don’t look like a guy straight out ofInkedmagazine, either.” With that, he leaves me, and goes towards the back room. He passes Xander on his way, and bumps his shoulder into his. My gut sinks at the confusion on Xander’s face.

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