Page 83 of Vain

She grabs the remote off the table and does as he asks. “What am I looking for?”

“CNN.”

She flicks it over as I look from Aiden to the screen, trying to figure out what’s happening. I gasp when I see the wreck of my car as it’s being hooked up to a tow truck.

“This was taken earlier. Matilda Carson was rushed tothehospital after being chased off the road and shot at. Reports coming in suggest that Matilda has attracted yet another stalker. As many of you will remember, Andrew Summers was convicted six months ago for stalking and causing grievous harm to Matilda and fellow crew members while she was filming.”

I feel vomit swim in my gut. I hear Aiden tell Banner he’ll call him back, but it’s as if I’m underwater. I take in the police station behind her and sit up sharply, tuning into what she’s saying.

“I can confirm, thanks to an anonymous tip, that police are questioning Matilda’s former head of security, Daniel Cox. Daniel was fired from Matilda’s employment,and I hear this isn’t the first time he’s had anissue with his female clients.”

Matilda is said to be recovering in the hospital, but with rumors of a second stalker after her, the question is, just how high a price must we pay for fame?”

Reese flicks it off before looking at us. “Guess I won’t get to kick his ass after all,” she grumbles.

“You might get away with it, but I’d easily be the prime suspect.” Aiden sighs sadly.

“I’m just glad they have it. Maybe I can finally move on with my fucking life.”

The problem is, I don’t feel nearly as confident in the justice system. Judging from Reese and Aiden’s silence, neither do they.

“Looks like you get to fly home after all.”

“You know what, I think I’m gonna hang around for a little while. I can catch a flight out in the morning. I have cake to finish, after all. It needs coffee, though.”

I know she’s staying because the press will likely descend on the hospital en masse if they haven’t already.

“The cafeteria is closed, but I’ll head to the 24-hour coffee place around the corner,” Aiden offers, looking at me. “I need to call Banner back, but I also want to call Greyson and Marley. I’d rather they hear all this from me.”

I blow out a shaky breath and nod, knowing he’s right.

“I promise I won’t be long, and I’ll bring you back a hot chocolate.”

“Okay. Just be careful.”

“I will, I promise. I bought some clean underwear and PJs if you want to get changed while I’m gone.”

“God, yes please.”

He leans over and slides his hand into my hair before kissing my forehead. “I love you. I won’t be long.”

“I love you too.”

He holds me for a little longer before pulling back. I realize as he heads for the door that I’m actually okay. Yes, I’m still a little shocked over today’s events, but I’m not freaking out. I’m not sure if that’s to come or if I am just getting used to this shitshow.

“You good?”

“I think so. I’m not really sure, but I’m alive and mostly uninjured. Aiden’s okay and he loves me. Even with all this shit, I still feel like I’m winning, you know?”

She grins. “Good. Now get your movie star ass in the bathroom and get washed up and changed. Leave the door open a crack in case you need me. Don’t worry about me seeing anything, one of my best friends is a porn star. Trust me when I say I’ve seen so much pussy and ass I’m immune to it.”

“I’m not really sure what to do with that, but okay.”

She cackles as I gingerly climb off the bed and head to the bathroom. I grab the door handle and pause, staring at it. I take a deep breath and will myself to let it go but it’s like an itch at theback of my brain that needs scratching. Fuck it. I turn the handle three times and head inside. Rome wasn’t built in a day, but at least I’m heading in the right direction.

Chapter Thirty-Three

AIDEN