Chapter 23

"Don't worry, I swear-I'll avoid Xander if I ever see him again! I'll change! Just please, don't-please!" Nora was on her knees, knocking her head on the floor like her life depended on it. Just then, Vanessa' phone rang. The second she answered, Xander's voice came barking through, "Vanessa, you still at the bar? You know what time it is?! Come downstairs-I'm waiting outside." His tone was totally unpleasant, but to Vanessa, every word sounded like a warm hug. He still cared. Even after how awful she'd acted, he was still worried about her. Vanessa sniffled and slurred like she was drunk, "Xander... I might've had too much... come get me upstairs, will you? Top floor... yeah..." Leander shot her a knowing smile from the side. This little trickster-he liked her style. Xander stormed in not long after, flinging open the interrogation room door. The moment he saw Nora bruised up on the floor, he blinked, then his eyes snapped to Vanessa-perfectly sober. Got it. Loud and clear. He turned,