Page 89 of Shadows of You

He winced, and I had my answer. “Story’s been picked up by national news outlets.”

“My face will be everywhere,” Aspen whispered. “We’ll never be safe.”

My arms tightened around her. “You’re safe. We’re gonna keep you that way.”

“You can’t. You never know who’ll turn against you.”

Everything in me churned and twisted. I knew what that felt like. Too much. Looking over your shoulder, not trusting anyone.

I stroked a hand down her back. “The attention will fade. Media will move on.”

“They never move on,” Aspen mumbled.

Her speech was slightly slurred, and I knew the adrenaline crash was kicking in. I glanced at Lawson. “I need to get her home.”

He jerked his head in a nod. “You parked out front?”

“Yeah.”

“Give me your keys. I’ll move your truck around back. Fewer eyes.”

My teeth ground together, but I handed my key ring to my brother.

He was gone in a flash, leaving me alone with Aspen. I breathed in her smoky cinnamon scent. I let it calm the most feral parts of me. And then I stood, keeping her cradled in my arms.

“I can walk,” Aspen said sleepily.

I pressed a kiss to her temple. “Just let me take care of you. I need it.”

“Okay.” She turned her face into my neck, squeezing her eyes closed.

The moment I emerged from Lawson’s office, Nash was at my side, a worried look on his face. “What do you need?”

“Can you get the back door?”

“Sure.” He strode toward it. “Mads is freaking out.”

I bet everyone in town was losing their minds.

“Just tell her to give Aspen some time.”

Nash nodded as he opened the door. “Call or text if you need anything at all. We can bring food. Whatever.”

“Thanks, man.”

Nash met my eyes. “We’ve got your back. Both of you.”

That burn had returned. The one that reminded me just how much my family cared and how much I’d hidden from them.

I forced myself to ignore the regret coursing through me and strode toward my truck. Lawson opened the passenger door, and I lowered Aspen to the seat. She blinked up at me, almost as if she were drugged. I pulled the seat belt across her body, a hint of cinnamon tickling my nose.

Straightening, I carefully shut the door and turned to Lawson and Nash. “Text me updates?”

“Of course,” Lawson agreed.

I headed for the driver’s side of the vehicle and slid in. Aspen barely reacted. A muscle in my cheek ticked. I wanted to end every asshole who’d put her through this torture. Every person who had thrown her most painful moments in her face.

Starting the engine, I backed out of the parking spot and pulled out of the lot. It was then that I saw the reporters milling about at the end of the block. Lawson must’ve forbidden them from coming on department property, but they were still waiting for their pound of flesh.

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