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“So, are you good with grabbing dinner with me? Something low-key?” she offers, eyes searching mine.

I open my mouth to agree, ready to say anything that’ll keep her here, when an admin assistant steps out from behind the door.

“Miss Reynolds? You just got an urgent message,” she calls, holding a folded note.

Casey frowns and takes it. As she reads, the color drains from her face.

My spine snaps straight. “What is it?”

She doesn’t answer at first. Just stares at the words on the page like they’re written in blood.

“Casey?” My voice is hoarse now, low and sharp. My Dragon stirs, coiling with tension beneath my skin.

She looks up at me, eyes wide and scared.

“It’s from the prosecutor. They moved up the trial. I have to testify in three days.”

The breath punches from my lungs.

I don’t know what she is talking about, but she is scared. And I don’t like that.

Shit.

“I don’t understand,” she whispers as I lead her to my truck and tuck her inside.

“Talk to me, Petals,” I plead as I take the driver’s seat.

“The past was supposed to stay buried for a little longer. We were supposed to have more time. What if he finds me?”

Anger rages through me at whoever is hunting my mate. But I slap a leash on it and wait for her to continue.

“You’re safe, Casey. I got you,” I tell her.

And I do. She is so fucking safe with me. Maybe she doesn’t understand that. But I plan on showing her.

One thing I know, I won’t lose her. Not to some fucking nameless asshole. Never.

And Gods forbid some fucker tries to take her from me. Cause if they do?

I’m not sure anyone will survive it.

CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO-CASEY

I like to think I’m an independent woman who can stand on her own two feet.

Hell, I’ve had to be.

But let’s face it—I can’t even go two days without having to run or be rescued

Here I go again.

After I got the message from the prosecuting attorney about the D’Angelo trial’s new date—moved up with barely any notice—I almost lost it.

But Zeke is here, and he grounds me.

Like an anchor.

It’s too fast and too much, but I feel better with him. Safe. Protected.