I ease my grip just enough to let him elaborate.The parking lot’s security light casts harsh shadows across his sweating face.
“What are you talking about?”I demand.
“I’m the hospital administrator,” he gasps, tugging at my wrist.“We had a patient die during a routine procedure.Family’s loaded, threatening to sue.All Xavier had to do was check a different box on the form to confirm heart failure instead of surgical complication.”
My lip curls.“And he refused.”
“That goddamn Boy Scout is going to cost the hospital millions,” the man spits, finding his courage now.“Do you have any idea what that kind of lawsuit will do to our reputation?To our insurance premiums?The hospital will be ruined.”
I slam him harder against the car, enjoying the dull thud his head makes against the metal.“So you followed him here to threaten him?”
“I tried reasoning with him first,” he says, wincing at the pressure on his throat.“Offered him a promotion, better hours.When that didn’t work…”
“You threatened him,” I finish, the familiar protective rage burning through my veins.No one messes with what’s mine.
“Just trying to make him understand what’s at stake,” the administrator chokes out.
I lean in closer, studying his face, the expensive haircut, the manicured nails digging into my forearm.This is a man used to getting his way, to people falling in line.
“Let me make something very clear,” I whisper, my mouth near his ear.“If you ever approach Xavier again at the hospital, in a parking lot, anywhere, I will find you, and this conversation will seem like a pleasant memory compared to what happens next.”
Fear flickers in his eyes.Good.He is starting to understand.
“Who—who are you?”he stammers.
I smile then, the kind of smile that doesn’t reach the eyes.“I’m your worst fucking nightmare.”
I release him suddenly, watching with satisfaction as he crumples against the car, gasping for air.He massages his throat, eyes wild and darting around the empty parking lot.
“You’re insane,” he stutters.
“Maybe.”I shrug, stepping back.“But I’m also very dedicated.Remember that.”
I walk away, listening for the sound of him scrambling into his car.The engine starts, tires squealing as he peels out of the lot.Pathetic.
Pulling out my phone, I send a text to my contact at the hospital, a janitor who owes me a favor.I need to know more about this patient’s death, this family threatening to sue.If Xavier is in trouble, I need all the information.
As I walk to my own car, a warm satisfaction spreads through my chest.Xavier might not know it, but I’ve been solving his problems from the shadows for years.It is what I do best, eliminating threats before they can touch him.
Tonight, I will follow him home as usual, make sure he’s safe.Tomorrow, I’ll start digging into this hospital administrator, and find some leverage to ensure he stays away permanently.
After all, protecting what’s mine is a full-time job.
CHAPTERONE
Xavier
Weeks Later
Twelve hours in the ER always leaves me feeling like my bones are made of wet sand.I lean against the curb, still in my scrubs, jacket unzipped, trying not to yawn.The second Samantha steps out with her friends, though, I can’t help the smile that pulls at my mouth.“Ladies.”I bow dramatically.
She rolls her eyes at my little bow, but I catch the fondness behind it.I’d do anything for her.Always have.
I’m about to tell her to get in the car so I can collapse into bed, when I hear my name, said with surprise.
Cassandra.Haven’t seen her in ages.She looks the same, maybe a little more ink on her arms, but she has the same sense of confidence in her stride as when she was sixteen.The other girls follow behind her, and I marvel at how nothing seems to change.I grew up with them, even if they’re younger than me, and it’s like a little parade of nostalgia toward the bar entrance.
Then behind them the door is thrown open hard and I know instantly who they are.The school bullies who loved to make fun of me because I’m gay, who never let a day go by without some kind of torment.
