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“What areyoudoing in Vegas?” I ask him. “Not that I’m not grateful. Did Hudson call you and ask you to come?” I make a mental note to kill Autumn for telling our brother. She promised not to say anything when I used my one telephone call on her.

“No,” he says, his tone clipped. He crosses his arms over his stupidly broad chest. “I was in L.A., working. Autumn called me and asked for my help.” His eyes lock on mine. I feel a weird pulse in my thighs. “So here I am. And your brother has no idea you’re even in Vegas, let alone in jail.”

I let out a relieved sigh. “You didn’t need to rush. I could have waited until morning.” And L.A. isn’t exactly a short distance from here.

“In a cell in Vegas?” He shakes his head, his gaze holding mine. “I don’t think so.” There’s a twitch in his jaw. It’s almost fascinating with its rhythm. I moisten my dry lips with my tongue and for a second, his eyes dip to my mouth.

“Come on,” he says, clearing his throat. “Let’s go.”

“Back to the cell?” I ask him.

“No. We’re leaving. I got you released.”

I blink. “I’m sorry?”

“They dropped the charges. You won’t have a record. You’re free to go.” He checks his expensive watch like he’s bored.

For just a stupid flicker of a second, I feel like I can breathe again. Gratitude rushes through me. Followed by suspicion, because it shouldn’t be this easy.

Yes, I’m innocent, but I sure as hell look guilty.

“Wait… what? There are no charges?” My voice rises. “How did you manage that?”

“You don’t want to know.” He knocks on the door and it’s opened from the other side. I stand quickly, almost running after him.

“Of course I want to know,” I hit back at him. “But I also know you won’t tell me.”

He sighs, like I’ve completely exhausted him. And as we step into the corridor he grabs my arm, as though he thinks I’m a flight risk. His fingers are hot against my skin, his grip strong. It feels weirdly like he owns me.

The door at the end of the booking area unlocks and we step through, into the almost silent lobby. My personal effects are already waiting in a clear plastic bag on the desk – such as they are. My backpack, shoe laces, and an old battered iPhone that is always losing power. And – oh joy – my menstrual cup.Wonderful.

West glances over my shoulder as I discreetly shove it into my bag.

“Want me to explain how it works?” I deadpan, already walking toward the door to hide the flush across my face. I’m not sure, but I think I hear him chuckle.

“Wait!” I say, remembering Miss Sequins. “There was a girl in here. What happened to her?”

West looks at me like he wants to kill me.

“Seriously, she was so upset. She slashed her fiance’s tires.” And I really need to know that she’s okay. We kind of bonded over being criminals. And there’s a code, isn’t there?

“I’ll ask.” He sighs, then walks back over to the desk and murmurs something. Then he’s back by my side, his fingers closing around my wrist like a bracelet. “She’s fine. Got bail. Her friends picked her up.”

It’s weird how happy it makes me that she’s with friends. “That’s good.” I give him a bright smile and he scowls.

“Come on,” he mutters, pulling me toward the door. “Let’s get out of here.”

The cool air hits my skin as we step into the Las Vegas night. And of course, there’s a limo waiting for us right outside, on a yellow line.

“Is that for me?” I ask him. “Because I’m not really a limo girl.”

He rolls his eyes. “Get in, Eden.”

I shake my head. “This is stupid. You don’t have to babysit me.” But I still do as he tells me, trying to look grumpy, even though I’m insanely grateful to him for springing my ass from jail.

WEST

She falls fast asleep within ten minutes of leaving the police station.