Page 126 of Crossing Lines

I nod and he awkwardly leaves after that. Collapsing onto the couch, I stare at the ceiling in stunned disbelief, questioning if what just happened really happened. I’m still staring at the ceiling when Evren comes home.

“Nate called,” he says. “I came as soon as I could. Was it okay? Did they hurt you?”

“All good.” I explain everything that just happened.

“That’s a very generous offer from them,” he says.

“But?”

“No buts, it’s generous. Did you take it?”

“Yeah, and maybe that was stupid of me to do, and maybe they’re out to hurt me, but it felt right.”

“Well, if they do try to fuck you over, they’ll have to go through me first.”

“Knowing that,” I say, “helped give me the confidence to accept. But I also wanted to make sure you’d get your sponsorship money.”

“You didn’t have to do that for me. I would’ve found a way.”

“I know, and it wasn’t the only reason why I agreed, but it was part of it. I love you, and that means I’ll always have your back and have your best interests in mind.”

“Forever and always,pariltim.” He kisses me softly and repeats, “Forever and always.”

Chapter 33

Nina

The secluded lake Elodie and Hunter chose for their post-elopement party is stunning.

It’s a perfect summer night for the intimate party with only a few of their closest friends. Stella, Aria, Elodie, and I stand under the willow trees, next to the tables she decorated with wildflowers and candles. It’s late into the party, and her mom and the other guests have left already. All that remains is us girls and Evren, Hunter, Jake, and Zeki, standing near the long, wooden dock illuminated with lanterns.

“How long do you think,” Aria says, nodding over to the guys, “until someone gets pushed into the lake?”

“Twenty minutes, tops,” Stella says.

“I bet someone will jump in for the hell of it,” I say, “in ten.”

“At least we got the pictures,” Elodie says.

I refill everyone’s champagne glasses, but Elodie’s is still full.

“Are you okay?” I ask.

“My stomach is feeling off. I think it’s the nerves.”

“You sure it’s nerves,” I joke, “and not because you’re pregnant?”

“What?!” Stella whisper-shouts.

“I don’t know,” Elodie whispers, looking lost. “Maybe?”

“Shit,” I say, “I was joking. Do you really think you’re pregnant?”

“I have a test in my purse,” Aria says. “If you want to take one now.”

“Why the hell do you have a test in your purse?” I ask.

“I like to be prepared,” Aria says easily and pats her bag.

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