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I also get the impression she’s used to violence in her life. From the little bits of information she’s shared, I know she’s been a victim one too many times in her life. Well, that won’t be happening again under my watch. No fucking way.
Finally, my eyes meet Bella’s. She looks paler than when I left her, and guarded somehow. She has a frown on her face. Maybe she’s uncomfortable having Casey here, but I had no other choice.
“Well, he did enough damage if you ask me,” Casey says. “Luckily your self-defense kicked in. It could’ve been a whole lot worse.”
“And it will be, for him,” I mutter, shifting away from the island into the kitchen. “Casey, did you want a coffee or anything?”
She shakes her head. “I’d love to, hon, but I’ve gotta run. I’m still on the clock.”
“Got it.”
“Well, it was nice to meet you, Bella,” she says. “Remember what I said, okay?”
Bella nods as I frown, watching them.
What did she say?
Was it about me?
Why would I fucking care if it was about me?
“It was nice to meet you too,” Bella whispers. “Thank you for everything. I’m sure I’ll be fine, but I’ll take the antibiotics like how you told me.”
“Good.” Casey turns to look at me. “I’ll see myself out. See you later, Priest.”
“Thanks, Case.” I give her a chin lift.
“Anytime.” She takes her medical bag and leaves via the front door.
I lean my hands on the island and wait for Bella to turn to look at me. When she does, I say, “So, how did you like Casey?”
Her bottom lip trembles slightly. “I like her a lot.”
“Are you sure? You seem… off.”
She seems defiant when she says, “Why would I be off?”
I shrug. “Something she said or did?”
“Nope.”
I rack my brain. “Something I did?”
“Nothing’s wrong. I’m just tired and a little dizzy, that’s all.”
“Do you want to lie down for a while?”
She holds the ice pack to her face. “No, I’m honestly fine. And you have stuff to do, you don’t have to babysit me.”
No way am I letting her out of my sight. I get this feeling she might bolt for it the second I’m gone. Maybe Casey mentioned the MC… I didn’t tell Bella just yet only because I didn’t want her to feel scared. She’s an innocent girl and I can only imagine what that information may evoke for her. Maybe I am shielding her a lot, but that’s just the way I am. I will tell her when I feel she’s in a better place to handle news like that and I can explain it to her without her feeling afraid of what it means.
The last thing I want is for her to feel like I’m a heathen. Not that Cash would look favorably on me keeping it a secret, but it’s only short term. Until I know she’s ready.
“I thought we could go shopping.”
She stares at me. “Okay.”
I honestly thought I’d get backlash. She’s agreeing, but there’s something behind her eyes. “Where would you like to go?”
