Page 31 of Runaway Girl
On impulse, I raised the football in my hand, cocked back and let that bitch sail through the air. I was aiming to hit the concrete anywhere near her, where she would look back at me with a layer of surprise and slight annoyance.
But of course, my aim was shot to shit, and the ball came down fast on the back of her head. The impact hit hard which had Alicia fall face-first into the ground.
No. No. No. No.
I ran over frantically.What the fuck have I done? Oh my gosh, please be alive!
When I reached her, she was already upright, but when I turned her towards me, my breath caught in my throat.
A line of blood dribbled from her brow, where a killer bruise was beginning to form. “Oh my god, Ali, are you okay? I can’t believe—shit!"
“Are you the one who chucked that stupid fucking football? What’s wrong with you, Ethan?What the fuck is wrong with you!?”
“I was just trying to get your attention, not give you a concussion.”
Alicia whimpered, which had my hands stroking her face and hair with tenderness. “I’m taking you to the hospital.”
“No.”
“Ali, love. You must get checked out by medical staff. I’ll—”
“I said no.”
I huffed, frustrated and scared. I knew that tone all too well. If I pushed, she would pull away.
“Please,” I said. “At least let me call your sister. You can’t be on your own tonight.”
“Do not call Lex. I’m telling you right now, if you interrupt their night and cockblock my sister, I will personally chop your dick off.”
“Can’t have that.”
I gently traced her hairline, wishing I did have that stupid fucking time machine. “God, Ali.I’m sorry.Please, let me take you home to my place.”
Her eyes narrowed, but I could see a certain haze in them as if she was trying hard to focus.
“I swear, I’m not going to take advantage of you, Alicia. But I’m not letting you drive in this state, nor am I leaving you alone.” She paused, thinking over my request, and her stillness made me barrel on. “If you refuse to be seen by a medical professional, please let me take care of you.”
Alicia whacked my hand away from her face. “Fine. But you’re making me waffles in the morning. With extra cream and that syrup I like.”
“Whatever you want.” I hovered close as we walked to my car.
Fuck. My first opportunity to make it up to the girl, and I manage to injure her instead. I’m a moron.
I opened the passenger door and made a show of guiding her into the seat. She looked up at me with dubious eyes. “If you try anything on me, Mr Harris, I promise to follow through with that threat.”
My hands automatically moved to cover my dick. I knew what she was capable of, and had no doubts about her expertise.
“All above board, Ali. Promise,” I said, two fingers subconsciously crossing over before I finished speaking.
Chapter 19
ALICIA
Ethan carried me from the garage into his room, his touch cautious and gentle—the complete opposite of the person I knew.
“Put me down. I’m not an invalid,” I snapped, trying and failing to wiggle out of his arms.
“Can you just let me be your knight in shining armour for once?”
