Page 186 of Dare To Fall

“It’s okay. Everything is okay. The police have Evan. It’s over, Ari. It’s over.”

My head spins, relief finally flooding through my veins.

“Ari?” Eli’s voice sounds far away. “Ari? Baby, please stay awake.”

I want to obey, but it’s like fighting against the tide.

Darkness rushes in, and I hear no more.

***

Consciousness returns, and with it, the feel of a finger stroking my cheek. Sighing, I nuzzle against it sleepily.

“Kitten? Let me see those beautiful blue eyes.”

Eyelids lifting, I focus on Eli. He’s leaning forward on a plastic chair, dark circles under his eyes and his hair looks like he’s been dragging his hands through it. I’m in a narrow bed with a white sheet covering me, in a room I don’t recognize.

He lifts my hand and presses his mouth to the bruises ringing my wrist in a kiss. “Hey.”

He looks pale and exhausted.

“Hey, yourself.” My voice is croaky, and it hurts to swallow. “Where?”

“The hospital.” One corner of his mouth tilts up. “You passed out after Garrett and I found you.”

“I’m sorry.”

“You are never doing anything without telling me ever again. Do you hear me?”

I nod. “Yes.”

He threads his fingers through mine. “He could have killed you.”

A wave of tiredness washes over me. “I know.”

“I could have lost you too.” His voice breaks.

I fight against the drowsiness, but my eyes close. “Eli.”

“It’s okay, Ari.” Gentle lips brush over mine. “The doctor said you’d be out of it for a while. My dad and your mom are on their way.”

I struggle to hold onto what he’s saying. “Don’t leave me.”

“I’m right here. I’m not going anywhere. You’re mine, and I’m never letting you go.”

His promise stays with me as I drift into a dreamless sleep.

Chapter 123

Eli

The next few days pass in a blur of activity. Detective Parker comes to the hospital a couple of times, checking on Ari as well as asking me questions. He tells me that they’ve taken Lacy, Brad, Jace, Kevin, and Bret in for further questioning because Evan mentioned having them take part in his twisted plans and texts to Arabella. He adds that Evan is looking at murder charges, as well as intent to kill both me and Arabella.

Other than that, he won’t share what will happen to them, only that they are looking at charges for aiding a felon, and potentially blackmail as well.

Churchill Bradley Academy’s Principal comes by to visit two days into her hospital stay. He tells us that all senior-year students have graduated, and there is no need to return to school. He explains that they’re closing for the foreseeable future, while they examine what could have been done to prevent what we experienced.

I could give them a list, but I hold my tongue.

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