clip. I listen to the others to make sure there’s nothing else that can upset Mila before I switch off her phone. I drop hers on the bedside table then take hold of my phone.
Pressing dial on the fucker’s number, I wait for him to answer. It goes to voicemail, and I grind the words out, “Don’t fucking phone her. Don’t even think of her. I’m going to make sure you fucking pay.”
Cutting the call, I take a deep breath before I bring up the number for Preston. He’s Mr. Chargill’s PA and just the person I need right now.
“Preston Culpepper speaking,” he answers.
“It’s Jase. I need a favor, please.”
“Oh… sure,” I hear something in the background, and then he asks, “What can I help with?”
“I need you to erase someone.”
“Everything?” he asks, not even questioning why I’m asking him to do this.
“His name is Justin Green. He was a student at Trinity until recently. I want everything erased. Social security, bank accounts, every single thing you can find on him.” Knowing how thorough Preston is, I quickly add, “Just not the police records. That’s all I want to remain, so he’s only known for what he did.”
There’s a moment's silence, then Preston asks, “Is he the one that attacked Mila West?”
“Yes.”
“Consider it done, Jase.”
“Thanks, Preston. Keep this between us.”
“My lips are sealed.”
Cutting the call, I drop my phone next to Mila’s. I let my eyes drift over her face, and a smile tugs at the corner of my mouth.
One way or another, I’m going to destroy Justin Green.
Chapter 17
MILA
I can’t believe I dozed off again. Staring at Jase’s sleeping face, I keep still, not wanting to wake him.
My thoughts return to earlier when he got angry. I’ve never seen him like that, and I find it weird, I wasn’t scared of him. I was more worried he’d do something that would get him into trouble.
My eyes drift over every inch of his face. He hasn’t shaved the last couple of days, and the stubble makes him look older.
I’ve seen a different side to Jase, not just the usual joker and player. It makes me wonder what else I don’t know about him.
He stirs, and his arm tightens around me.
Even in his sleep, he doesn’t let go of me.
With my eyes not leaving his face, my thoughts turn to the blow-up this afternoon, and I know I have to do something. I have to take back control of my life. The attack has affected my loved ones too much, and seeing how worried our friends were was a wake-up call.
As the sun begins to set, I allow myself to think about what’s happened the past week. The attack wrecked my life into something unrecognizable, but through it all, my feelings for Jase have never changed. If anything, I love him even more now.
Where I feel painfully aware of my surroundings and those around me, it’s different with Jase. I know he saw me at my worst, and I thought it would fill me with shame.
Maybe it’s because I saw how much the attack upset him that it didn’t?
That’s right, Mila. Count the blessings in your life and focus on them.
After today and the voicemail, I know I won’t be able to hide behind Jase much longer. I’ll need to give my statement. I’ll have to talk about the incident so things can proceed, and I can get closure when Justin is dealt with.
So Jase can get closure.
I’m careful as I pull free from Jase, but the movement still wakes him, and he mumbles, “Where are you going?”
“I’m just going to call my dad,” I whisper, and leaning closer to him, I press a kiss to his cheek. “Sleep some more.”
Spotting my phone next to the bed, I grab it before I get up and sneak out of the room.
I slip into my own room, and switching on the phone, I bring up Dad’s number.
“Mila, are you okay?” his worried voice comes over the line.
“I’m fine, Daddy. Can you let Officer Lane know I’m ready to give my statement?”
“Yes. I’ll call her right away and bring her to you.”
“Thanks, Daddy.”
“How are you feeling?”
“Much better. I got a lot of sleep today,” I answer to set Dad’s mind at ease.
“That’s good to hear. I’ll see you in ten minutes.”
“Okay.” I cut the call and suck in a deep breath until the pain in my chest from my cracked ribs reminds me to not push my luck. I still have a lot of