Burkhardt and I glance at each other. I'm still a little shaken up from what just happened with Sidra, I can't come up with anything. Burkhardt notices and sighs, dragging his eyes to Jackson. "She found Roback in the woods," he starts, and I can't help but think should I trust him on this or not. "It must've been more traumatic than we thought because she has nightmares now." 
                          
"I can wake her up from a nightmare," Jackson snarls. "Why the hell did you two kick me out?!"
                          
"Because she can't find Roback," Burkhardt continues to answer. Jackson's desperate yet threatening eyes land on me, and I bow my head. Desperate to get to Sidra and threatening to kill us to get out of the way. I'm not scared of him. We both know I can break his arm then beat him with it, but like me, when it comes to Sidra, we'll fight for the end. He loves her, not the same way I do and not as neatly as much, but it's still enough to have some respect for him. 
                          
"That whole trip was a mistake," Jackson mutters, his voice less strained. I lift my head and look at both of them. "I knew she was mad at me. I should've done something." His deep voice is now filled with regret and guilt, not for what happened to me but for what happened to Sidra. I honestly can't be mad at him. 
                          
"She's strong," I remind him. 
                          
"It usually takes a bit to fall back to sleep," Burkhardt lies to Jackson. "You should make her some tea."
                          
"Yeah," he nods, running his hand down his face. He walks away with his shoulders dropped, and I can see-anyone with working eyes can clearly see he's already beating himself up for this. I might respect him for the love he has for my Sidra, but he still abandoned her, he still hurt her. I might not be so impulsive to hurt him but I won't feel sorry for him. 
                          
Once Jackson has disappeared down the hall, Burkhardt turns to me. I just now noticed the blood from his lips is gone, but they are turning red and a little bit blue. "I was never going to stab you in the back."
                          
"Can we talk about this later?" I groan, reaching for the doorknob. "Sidra needs me."
                          
"I know!" He rushes out to stop me. "Believe me, I know. I never wanted any of this to happen. I never meant to hurt you or make Sidra feel uncomfortable." I grimace. "But if you don't want me to help anyone-"
                          
"Are you blackmailing me?" I snarl, stepping closer. 
                          
"No, I-" he shuts his eyes. Taking a moment to collect himself, he inhales deeply then exhales, opening his eyes again. "I mean if you want me to leave you and Sidra alone, I'll understand. I'll be her bodyguard again and nothing but her bodyguard."
                          
As much as I hate to admit, I just started seeing him as a friend-which made this whole situation much harder-and we do need someone to help cover us. I'm sure if we asked, he'll do it, but how can I trust him? How do I know he won't think of Sidra and me having sex? He made it seem like he was weirded out by the topic before but it could've been jealousy. "Do you actually have feelings for her or is it just sexual?" I ask, the words roll off my tongue like acid. 
                          
"I think the alcohol just turned nothing into something."
                          
I roll my eyes. "Pick one, you dumbass."
                          
"Neither, okay?"
                          
I gritted my teeth. Another thing I hate to admit; this isn't my decision to make. I open the door then whisper in a deadly tone, "if she doesn't want you around, you're done."
                          
"When did she tell you?"
                          
"Before we left to the city," I answer then we step into the room. Sidra hasn't moved but I know she's still awake. She wouldn't risk going back to sleep without me, not after a nightmare. "Sidra?"