46

BRANDON

A few hours earlier

“Cassius, I need a favor. We are still in front. Come here and take Alayna.”

He and Oliver come in a flurry. I step out of the car and open the door on the passenger side.

Cassius rushes to her and gently shakes her shoulder. “Alayna? Alayna, can you hear me?” He caresses her flushed cheeks with his thumb, but she doesn’t respond. “What happened to her?”

I curse under my breath. The way he holds her is too familiar. I fucking want to tear his arms off, but I calm myself. “She fainted.”

“What did you do?”

“We never had a chance to talk. She was crying the whole time,” I say.

“God, I think she needs to give this a rest. You just couldn’t wait until she’s ready,” he snarls and looks at his brother. “You both know it’s not good for her.”

Oliver doesn’t answer, but he nods.

“Alayna?” He touches her face. “Oh, God. Are you okay?”

“Don’t wake her. She fell asleep.”

“Don’t tell me what to do because you can’t take care of her!” Cassius snaps. “I’m taking her from h