Xander's Chance

">Jessi twisted, unable to see the picture.

">"Omigod, that's so hot!" Ashley exclaimed. "Jessi, you look so pretty!"

">Xander ignored Jessi's glare. "It'll be the front cover of Gents Only next month."

">"Jessi, you'll be famous!"

If we survive the week.

">Jessi stared out the window. She'd managed to avoid the sense of urgency and pressure Jonny no doubt wanted her to experience. Tonight, however, the two worlds she wanted to keep apart smashed together. Xander's introduction to her cousin made the reality of her situation starker. What if he took revenge on her for what she planned to do? What if he tried to hurt her sweet cousin, like Jonny promised to do?

">What happened tomorrow, if she failed to do what Jonny wanted? The penalty for failure was escalating. What would Jonny do to her, once he found his goons dead? She touched her cheek, beyond baffled by the confrontation. Disturbed, she ignored the chatter between Ashley and Xander as they drove back to his place. He parked under the building.

">Jessi said nothing as they entered the elevator. The silence was tense, but she didn't care. She was debating if she had the money to take the kids and just leave, flee Jonny and Xander. They emerged onto the ground level. She pulled her keys free from her purse and walked out.

">"C'mon, Ashley," she ordered, avoiding Xander.

">Ashley hesitated then softly told the vampire goodnight before trailing.

">Jessi wanted to cry. Distressed by her night and overwhelmed by the idea Xander had a softer side, she thought of nothing more than getting home and crawling into bed. Hopefully, she made it before the tears started.

*****

">She didn't want to, but Jessi showed up precisely at eight the next morning. She hadn't slept well and hoped Xander decided to go out this morning and leave the house to her to search. She let herself in and ascended the stairs.

">Shirtless, he was on the porch with his legs propped up, no doubt waiting for his coffee. Her gaze lingered. She'd spent the night tossing and turning, trying to figure out what to do. He breached her comfort zone in a way that left her shaken, scared.

">He saved her life, and she was going to repay him by robbing him blind, because she had no other choice.

">She started the coffee then went to his room to escort out whoever he found. His bed was empty. She frowned, seeking signs he'd had someone over. It didn't look like it. No misplaced clothing, and only the blankets on one side of the bed were turned down. The other side was still made. Maybe he was serious about penciling her in for his Tuesday night entertainment.