Toryn was still trying to convince Isadora to stay home when they walked into Shenanigans. He followed her straight back to the office as if he owned the damned place.
“Good morning, Lana,” she greeted as she stashed her purse in her locker.
“Don’t let her work, she’s still sore,” Toryn demanded stubbornly.
A wicked grin spread on Lana’s lips. “And why is that?”
Grabbing Isa’s shirt he lifted it to reveal the worst of the bruises.
Lana let out a gasp, all humor gone. “What the fuck happened to you?”
Glaring at Toryn, Isa smoothed her shirt back down. “Remember the hot blond at the end of the counter a couple nights ago?”
“Yeah, the one you ditched at last call?” She looked confused.
“He showed up at the club last night and didn’t take the hint. Then he followed me to the Jitter House, still didn’t get the hint. Finally he barged into my fucking home and tried to…” She looked away, taking a deep calming breath that did shit to calm her down.
Toryn’s rage was barely contained. “He tried to rape her. You should see the marks on her thighs.”
That shocked Lana. Her steely gray eyes nearly fell out of her head. “Shit, really?”
“I’m fine. The asshole is in jail,” she snarled and shot a dirty look Toryn’s way.
Lana looked miserable, her face scrunched up. “I’m sorry, Isa. Maybe I shouldn’t have told him where to find you. He seemed so upset that he scared you off, said he would try to win you over the right way. I didn’t tell him where you lived though, only about the club.”
“Forget about it,” Isa gritted out. “I’m fine to work. Besides, if I’m here, I can put off going down to the police station to find out what I need to do to keep him there.”
“It’s up to you,” she nodded toward Toryn, “but you know he’s only trying to make sure you’re all right. He has a point. That bruise looks like it hurts.”
It hurt worse before Toryn touched her side that last time, but he’d done something and now it was only tender. Not that she was going to admit he somehow helped heal the damage. Lana would never believe her.
“I know. He’s a good friend and I am happy to have him.” Isa squeezed his hand. “I’d still rather work.”
“I tried,” he muttered, resigned. Toryn kissed her forehead as he pulled her in for a gentle hug. “Call if you need anything.” He left without further argument.
“I will,” she promised.
As soon as the door shut, Lana started in, “He’s worried about you, Isa. Don’t be a bitch.”
She rolled her eyes because she hadn’t been that bad. “I know. He warned me about Evan.”
“Fuck, if you two would just hook up, you wouldn’t have to deal with these assholes coming on to you all the time.”
“Go to hell. He doesn’t want me.” She turned to go out the door but Lana grabbed her wrist.
“You are both too damned stubborn to see what’s right in front of you. He’s my friend too, but he doesn’t show up like that for me, and he sure as hell doesn’t stay over when something bad happens.”
Isa paused, frowning. Then reality settled in, and she snapped back. “He’s a big boy. If he wants me so damned bad, he’s had plenty of opportunity to say something. Besides, you know me, I go after what I want.”
“Toryn being the exception, and I think it’s because you’re afraid you really are in love for once.” Lana nailed that on the head. Except she was terrified because she was head over heels in love with him.
Isa clenched her teeth. “Today is not the day for this. I’m still on edge from being attacked in my own home. Please, if you really are my friend, drop the shit.”
“All right, you win.” She threw her hands up. “Get to work.”