Chapter 69

Scarlett froze. She felt awkward under the strange stares of so many people. She looked toward Xavier and said gently, "Mr. Stroud, why don't you let Dr. Gaztrict lie here with you and keep you company?" Caleb was speechless. What did she mean? Did she want him to lie next to Mr. Stroud? Caleb screamed internally, "Ms. Quinn, please don't drag me down with you!" Who would dare lie next to Mr. Stroud? Was she trying to get him killed? Only someone as bold as her could even think of such a thing. Xavier stared intently at Scarlett. His voice was firm and domineering yet tinged with childish insistence. "I won't let you leave! Stay. Keep me company." Scarlett went silent. Caleb's hand trembled as he nervously adjusted his gold-rimmed glasses, his eyes filled with disbelief. Had Xavier's brain been damaged from the explosion? Was the man who avoided women like the plague relying on Scarlett? Could this be another post-traumatic stress response, like the one he'd suffered after that