Page 47 of Lightning Angel
“I won’t.” He gave her an innocent smile.
Alexa shook her head in disbelief. “You’re—You were—It was… Are you the son Dr. Knight bought my car for?”
“The one and only,” Tristan said with a grin.
Alexa released a breathy laugh. “For a moment… Ialmost thought he sold it to someone else entirely. But of course, he knew how much the car meant to me and promised it was in safe hands—yourhands,” she said, slowly progressing everything. Then her eyes widened. “Is that how you know me?”
“Yes and no,” Tristan answered, pushing himself from the car and gesturing inside. “For an explanation, why not get going?”
Alexa looked into the car with her disbelieving eyes. Shehadhoped to see it again, but not this soon, definitely not with Tristan. Her eyes began to water and she beamed at him. “Sure.”
Perhaps she was being a little sentimental, but she didn’t care. She hoped Tristan wouldn’t mind, too.
Tristan’s face softened at the sight of her unshed tears. He opened his mouth to say something, but was interrupted by a familiar voice.
“Alexa!”
Alexa started and turned to see Brandon walking down the sidewalk toward them in a casual outfit, his eyes bouncing between the two of them. His face was unsurprisingly bruised. He approached Alexa and eyed Tristan from head to toe before turning his attention to her. “Who is this?”
Alexa stepped away from him to Tristan’s side and narrowed her eyes at him. “Like you care.”
“Of course, I care.” Brandon narrowed his eyes back, a silent warning in them to play along.
Alexa scoffed inwardly. “Oh, sorry, wrong choice of words. I actually meant to say,it’s none of your business.”
Brandon stole a glance at Tristan before fixing Alexa in his firm gaze. “Cassie left me as your temporaryguardian, so of course it is my business.” He gestured a hand to Tristan. “Who is this guy and where are you going with him?”
“He’s my friend, but like I said, my business is none of yours. What are you doing here anyway?”
Brandon spared Tristan a glare before retorting to her, “Looking after you like I promised, which means you’re not going anywhere with him.”
Alexa stole a glance at Tristan and saw him piercing Brandon with his fiery stare, undeterred by Brandon’s insults.
“You don’t tell me what I do, and you’re not and you willneverbe my guardian!” Alexa seethed, despite her heart pounding wildly inside her. “Come on, Tristan. Let’s go.”
She turned on her heels, but stopped as soon as she heard Tristan take a haste step forward. She pivoted back to the scenario and caught her breath.
Tristan stood between her and Brandon, his hand seizing Brandon’s wrist in a death grip.
“I’m certain she doesn’t want you to stop her or touch her, let alone be near her.”
“Oh, what doyouknow about her?” Brandon asked with a scoff, a challenge in his voice.
“Other than the fact that she hates you to the core?” Tristan arched an eyebrow, challenging him back. “Oh, better thanyoudo, trust me.”
On the surface, he appeared unfazed, his voice carrying a casual tone, but Alexa could discern the storm beneath the calm exterior. Tristan’s composure made him appear enigmatic, even intimidating.
“Please, I’ve known her for years now and never oncehave I ever seenyouaround her. Who are you anyway?” Brandon tried to yank his wrist free of Tristan’s grasp.
“You heard her; I’m a friend.” Tristan took a step forward and sized him up, his eyes betraying a flicker of intensity. “And if I ever see you around her again, trying to bother her, you’ll never be able to sleep a wink at night.”
Alexa recoiled inwardly at the steel in his voice. Nevertheless, she appreciated his gallantry, hiding a small smile.
“Are you threatening me?” Brandon snorted, still trying to free his wrist, irritation flashing in his eyes as Tristan’s strength proved at each attempt.
“Yes,” he answered calmly. “And I always stick to my word. You’d better not test it.”
He released Brandon’s wrist and turned to Alexa, the steel in his gaze softening. “Let’s go.” He led her to the passenger seat and opened the door. Not sparing another glance at Brandon, Alexa got inside.