Page 199 of Show Me

Chapter One Hundred Four

Xavier

The Next Day

I’m halfway across the job site when my phone starts vibrating in my pocket. I almost ignore it. We’re behind schedule, one of the guys is asking me about measurements, and my head is already pounding from the disaster of a day. And the day only started five minutes ago.

Then I see Jake’s name. My gut tightens. I answer fast, “Hey.”

“Where are you?”

I stop in mid-step. Construction site sounds disappear as all I hear is the thumping of blood in my ears. “At work.”

“You need to get to the hospital.”

Every muscle in my body locks as the ground lurches up toward me. “Why?”

There’s the briefest pause. Then…. “Ruby was attacked last tonight.”

The world narrows instantly. “What?”

“She’s conscious,” Jake says. “But she’s got a head injury.”

I can’t process the words. Head injury. Attacked. Ruby. “Where?”

“At her house. Someone hit her from behind.”

A dangerous heat spreads through my chest so fast it makes me dizzy. “Which hospital?”

Jake tells me.

“I’m on my way.” I’m already moving before the call fully ends.

One of the crew yells something as I cross the lot toward my truck. I ignore him. The drive is a blur of clenched fists and red lights. Someone hit her. Put their hands on her.

Because of those damn notes. Because of the messages telling her to stay away from me.

Because whoever’s been stalking her decided scaring her wasn’t enough anymore.

The steering wheel creaks under my grip. I should’ve pushed harder last night. Should’ve stayed. Should’ve ignored every stubborn thing she said and made sure she wasn’t alone.

But instead, I left her there.

The thought twists hard in my chest. The hospital waiting room smells like antiseptic and burnt coffee when I walk through the doors.

Jake is leaning against the wall near the front doors. His eyes lift. “You got here fast.”

“Where is she?”

He tips his head toward the hallway. “Room 9.”

I start walking.

Jake catches my arm before I get two steps. “She’s got a concussion.”

The words hit like a brick to the chest. “She gonna be okay?”

“Yeah,” he says. But his expression stays tight. “She’s pretty shaken up.”