CHAPTER TWELVE
"I'll consider your request, Lauren."
Her face lit up, like someone just told her she won the lottery.
"Did... did I hear you wrong? Am I..." She was stuttering, pushing herself up on her knees.
"You heard right." Alex shrugged, and kept his voice even.
"Thank you." The words rushed out of her. "Thank you so much, Alex."
He nodded. "You can rest here for a bit if you need to. I'm going upstairs. I need to get some sleep."
"No, it's fine." She was already getting to her feet, brushing off her knees. "I should go. Emma probably needs me right now. She doesn't have anyone left."
She bowed deep, her head nearly touching the floor.
"Take care, Lauren."
Alex turned and headed upstairs. Xavier followed close behind.
Lauren was escorted out.
Back in his bedroom, Alex
