Book 2 -29-

[Making Plans I]

ZAIDEN

“Cassidy, what’s the matter?” I said, rushing to her side. My voice echoed in the room a little louder than I intended. “I came as quickly as I got your message.”

My voice drew her attention. From her curled-up position on the couch, Cassidy peered up at me with bloodshot eyes. Given her disheveled state, red and swollen nose, and tear-stained face, I’d say she’d been crying for some time.

The moment her eyes met mine, her cries grew louder and more intense. Somehow, seeing me caused a release, a rush of despair that overcame her.

“Is this why you called me here?” I asked, glaring at her trembling form.

She shook her head, dry-heaving, and sniffling. No words left her trembling lips.

“Look, unless you’re going to tell me why you asked me here or what triggered this meltdown, I need to get back to what I was doing.” My lips pressed into a tight line, whereas my heart did backflips at the sight of her. My fury toward her for summoning me here, only to watc