But he hadn’t realized that she was going to be his then.
“I know, but...”
Zander slashed his hand through the air. “No buts. I am going to take care of her.”
“Because?”
“Because I want to.” What other explanation was needed? But Webb was still staring at him incredulously. “I won’t force her to do things she doesn’t want to do.”
“Right,” Webb said on a drawl, watching him in concern.
“Unless it impacts her health and safety.”
Webb shook his head. “What about consent?”
“What about it?”
“Do you not think you should ask her?”
What kind of a stupid idea was that? “But then she could say no. Don’t worry, she’ll see how good this is for her and that I only have her best interests at heart. Eventually.”
“This is just a lawsuit waiting to happen,” Webb muttered. “You know what? Never mind. You sort that out. I’ll go wait in the truck. Are you going to knock her out to get her out of here?”
Zander frowned. That idea didn’t sit right with him. But neither did he quite trust her enough to let her see where they lived. Charlene had never been brought into the bunker.
“Blindfold.”
“Really? You sure?”
“Yes.”
He walked to the bathroom door, barely remembering to knock.
“Yes?” she called through impatiently.
“It’s Zander. May I come in?”
“I get a say?” she asked.
“Of course. I will give you another three minutes to get ready before I come in. Your time starts now.” He looked at his phone to do the count off.
“You’re so generous,” she replied.
The door opened, but he kept his gaze on his phone. “You have another two minutes and forty-five seconds.”
“Luckily, I’m ready now.”
He lowered his hand and then stared at her. She didn’t look right. Too much black made her appear even more pale and highlighted the black smudges under her eyes.
He was a terrible guardian. But he could cut himself a bit of a break since he’d only become her guardian an hour or so ago.
But it seemed that she would need more rest. And food.
Then, as she stepped past him, his mouth dropped open in shock.
Oh. Fuck. No.
“Stop. Those pants aren’t going to work.”