“Hey, Dad,” Jase said, and I could hear the effort it took to put any enthusiasm into it.
My dad came straight for me next, wrapping me in a tight hug. “Dylan. We figured you’d want to stay in Vegas as long as you could and wouldn’t be here until tomorrow.”
I swallowed. “Change of plans.”
He pulled back to study my face. Whatever he saw there made his smile falter. His gaze shifted to Jase, then back to me.
Chase must’ve noticed it too, because his brows drew together. “Okay. I was expecting a bit of excitement about you both getting traded to the Seawolves, but you two look like someone stole Christmas.”
“Yeah,” my dad added. “What’s going on?”
Jase exhaled. “We’re fine.”
Chase didn’t hesitate. “No, you’re not.”
I glanced at Jase. He met my gaze, and we shared one of those silent conversations we’d perfected as kids.
I nodded once, letting him know I was cool with whatever he wanted to share.
“Can we go inside?” Jase asked.
Chase’s expression shifted instantly. “Yeah, of course.”
Dad closed the door behind us, and we dropped our bags by the entry before moving into the living room. Chase didn’t sit. He stayed standing, arms crossed, as if bracing for impact.
Once we were settled, Jase rubbed his hand over the back of his neck. “You know we were in Vegas with Faye.”
Dad nodded. “Yeah. Did something happen? Did you break up?”
“No,” I said immediately. “We didn’t break up.”
“But something did happen,” Jase added. “She was attacked by a guy she knows.”
The room went still.
Dad’s face hardened. “Is she all right?”
“She’s okay,” I said quickly. “She fought back, hit the asshole with a lamp, and got out.”
Chase let out a breath. “Oh, thank God.”
Dad nodded, but his jaw stayed tight. “We heard on the news this morning that a senator’s son was arrested in Vegas.”
My stomach twisted. “That was him.”
Both of them swore under their breaths.
“And that’s why you came here early,” Chase stated, not a question.
Jase nodded. “The Secret Service moved her to D.C. They wanted her somewhere more controlled for the time being.”
Chase dragged a hand down his face. “That makes sense, but definitely sucks for you all.”
My dad shook his head. “I hate that all three of you went through that, but I’m glad you’re here and safe.”
Chase looked at us again, really looked this time. “So what do you guys need now? Food, showers, or a nap?”
Jase and I exchanged a glance, then he nodded.
