Xander's Chance

Definitely not a dream.

With another curt nod, Jessi opened the door and went into Ashley's room. Her cousin was dressed and pale, seated on the edge of her bed. The normally upbeat girl with raven-colored hair and gray eyes appeared tired and worn down. The idea that someone hurt Ashley to get to her made Jessi feel guiltier. Whatever was going on, she'd never let anyone hurt her cousins.

Plastering on a smile, Jessi crossed to her and hugged her hard enough that Ashley objected.

"Sorry," she murmured. "Let's go home."

"Are you shaking?" Ashley asked.

"Just worried about you."

"Omigod. I'm fine."

Jessi was relieved to hear the girl's exasperated sigh. Ashley was okay, and Jessi would do anything to keep her that way, even if it meant robbing some stranger named Xander.