Page 9 of Can't Stop Watching

"So what if he helped?" I mutter to the empty room. "Doesn't mean jack shit. He's probably just one of those white knight types. Bet he's expecting a gold star and a blow job for his trouble."

Even as I say it, I know it's bullshit. The look in Dane's eyes wasn't expectant or self-congratulatory. It was... protective. Fierce. Like he'd seen something that pissed him off on a fundamental level and wasn't about to let it slide.

I groan, burying my face in a throw pillow. "Stop it, Lila. You're building castles in the air based on one good deed. Next thing you know, you'll be planning your wedding and naming your firstborn."

But the traitorous little voice in my head won't shut up. It keeps replaying how effortlessly Dane took down those meatheads. How he checked on me. He helped unleashed the bad memories, but only because it put in perspective how a stranger jumped in to help me while my friends abandoned me.

"Fuck me sideways," I grumble into the pillow. "I'm actually grateful. What fresh hell is this?"

I sit up, running a hand through my messy hair. Okay, fine. I'll admit it. Having someone in my corner for once... it didn't suck.

"Thanks, Dane," I whisper to the empty apartment, and this time I really mean it. "Wherever you are, you weirdly intense, stupidly handsome bastard. Don't let it go to your head."

I pause, then add with a snort, "And don't think this means I'm gonna start trusting people or some shit. I've still got my standards."

But as I drag myself to bed, I can't quite shake the warm feeling in my chest. It's unfamiliar, almost forgotten.

It feels a lot like hope in humanity.

I grab my phone. Three missed calls from Tessa. Shit. I hit redial.

"Where the hell have you been?" Tessa's voice is sharp with worry. She's a night owl like me.

"Sorry, I?—"

"You better have a good explanation for ghosting me after texting 'SOS' and then radio silence."

I texted her right after Dane left the bar, right after the rushing memories nearly crippled me. Wincing, I say, "There was... an incident at the bar. I'm fine, I swear."

"Bullshit. You don't sound fine."

I take a deep breath, steeling myself. "Okay, fine. You want the highlight reel? Some drunk frat boy decided my ass was public property. When I told him to back off, he grabbed my wrist and wouldn't let go."

"Jesus, Lila," Tessa breathes. "Are you okay? Did you call the cops?"

I snort. "Yeah, 'cause that worked so well last time." The bitterness in my voice surprises even me. New Orleans cops are so crooked. "Sorry, I just... no, I didn't call the cops. But get this… some guy stepped in."

"Wait, what?" Tessa's voice perks up with interest. "Spill. Now."

"I just met him tonight. He tried to hit on me earlier. His name's Dane. Ex-Marine, built like a brick wall, and apparently has a thing for playing hero to damsels in distress." I roll my eyes, even though Tessa can't see me. "He told the guy to back off, and when Frat Boy and his buddies decided to get cute about it... well, let's just say Dane redecorated their faces."

"Holy shit," Tessa whispers. "That's... kinda hot, actually."

I laugh, but it's hollow. "Yeah, it was impressive. And terrifying. And... I don't know, Tess. It brought up a lot of stuff. Made aware our self-defense classes might have been useless, considering the way I froze."

There's a pause on the other end of the line. When Tessa speaks again, her voice is gentle. "You mean about Mr. Colton?"

My throat tightens. "Yeah."

"Oh, honey," Tessa sighs. "I'm coming over."

"No, you don't have to?—"

"Shut up, I'm already pulling on sweats. I'll grab takeout 'cause I bet you've been surviving on coffee and air. Slumber party it is! It's Saturday, so we can sleep 'til noon, stuff our faces with greasy breakfast, then tackle that beast of a project for Ryland's class. Remember, we're supposed to 'revolutionize investigative journalism' or whatever? Yeah, that'll be a breeze." I roll my eyes, but I'm smiling. "Maybe we can crack the mystery of why our professor thinks we have unlimited time and resources while we're at it."

I manage a watery chuckle. "You're the best, you know that?"

"I know. Now, tell me more about this Dane guy while I drive. Is he cute?"