Page 79 of Playing with Fire

My open hands catch her as she falls into my embrace. My mind instantly turned away from the guys and I focused solely on her. My head span with a million unanswered questions.

Why is she so drunk?

Why did she leave?

Why couldn't she pick up the phone?

What the fuck happened?

"We're gonna go home, OK? Can you walk?" I ask her in a lighter tone.

Despite their large size her eyes were completely glazed over.

I found it extremely difficult not to ask her about what happened but since she could hardly respond she merely nodded.

She stopped walking after I had led her approximately ten steps. "Jaxon?" She turned around and faced me. The look she gives me makes me want to call off our bet immediately despite her being drunk.

"Yes?" I respond but my voice comes out very faintly."My feet–hurt." she hiccups.

I sigh before turning around to find her leap onto my back. I placed my hands beneath her legs to lift her up as I resumed walking. Her arms dangle over my shoulders in a loose manner that reveals her fatigue.

I proceed with my steps through the sand while my legs continue to strain under the effort. The moment her head comes to rest against my shoulder I find myself compelled to speak.

"Emerson."

She shifts to find a comfortable position while her lips touch my neck. She responded with a mumble to indicate she was awake.

"Don't do that again," I whisper. I say "Please" without caring that I used the word. It was important for her to understand that my words were sincere.

She started to say something but stopped speaking before she could finish her thought. She mumbled about them not being murderers, but that argument sounded so foolish even her sober self would feel embarrassed.

"That's not the point," I sigh.

"They were nice," she says through her sleep-laden voice. I lift her up and embrace her more firmly. It makes no difference theytold you they were nice Em. You still don't know them. You don't know them."

"But they were nice."

"But you still don't know them." I reason. Tell someone about your destination next time you travel or tell me at least.

She wraps her arms tighter around my shoulders while burying her face into my neck. God, what is she doing to me?

"Why...why would I tell you,” She murmurs.

I tilt my head sideways while clearing my throat. I'll always come to rescue you. Always."

I hope she knows that.

CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE

Iopened my eyes the next morning and felt decent. I retained memories of last night's events but sensed that something important was absent from my recollection. After tossing my blanket aside I began looking for my phone throughout the room.

I looked at my watch and realized it was already late. When I checked my messages, I noticed Kylie had sent me a text message.

Hoe #1: Your level of intoxication last night was high so we chose not to disturb you. There's

Advil in the kitchen cabinet. We've already reached the beach and you're welcome to join when you feel ready.

That was sent almost two hours ago. The fuzziness in my head was the only thing bothering me while I felt completely fine. I consumed some Advil to prevent any possible issues before I changed clothes to head to the beach.

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