Page 56 of Follow the Rhythm
Jess’s head dropped hard back onto my chest. I gave Grace a meaningful look. “I need to get her home.”
“Yeah, okay, good call. Goodnight, tiny friend,” Grace crooned in Jess’s ear. “Kieran is gonna make sure you get to bed.”
“Can you walk?” I asked her.
“Of course,” she snapped. I helped her down from the ledge, and she stumbled, but stayed upright.
“Be safe,” I said to Grace. “And text me when you get back to your room. I don’t want to have to come looking for you.”
“Yes, Dad,” she said and grinned at me.
There was a line of cabs outside the club, and I directed Jess into one. She slumped in the seat next to me.
“This is such bullshit. I can’t ever just get in a random cab by myself,” she groused.
“It’s incredibly unfair.”
“Everything is unfair,” she said, with the solemnity of the truly pissed.
The hotel was close by, which was a relief because Jess was fading quickly. She had her forehead pressed against the cab window for most of the ride. I had to help her into the lobby.
“Which room are you in, love?” I asked when we got in the lift, praying she’d remember. She was leaning heavily against my side.
She did. We got to her room, and I unlocked the door for her since her arms didn’t seem to work anymore.
“Are you alright?” I asked when she didn’t move to go inside.
“I’m fine, just sleepy,” she said, but still didn’t let go of my arm.
“Come on, then,” I sighed and scooped her up.
Her room was smaller than mine, which annoyed me. I’d be having a word with Charlie about making sure she had the best room possible next time we had a stop. It had the same minibar, though. I deposited her on the bed and grabbed a water bottle from the fridge.
I helped her take a few sips. She looked at me blearily. I didn’t want to leave her alone in this state, but I doubted she’d let me stay.
“Let’s get to bed,” I said, then rushed to clarify. “I mean, get you into bed.”
“Right.” She collapsed back onto a pillow. I didnotlook at her legs, where that cursed dress was riding up. She kicked off her shoes, and I pulled the blanket over her.
“Where’s your phone?” I asked. She pointed to the little bag that had been abandoned on the floor. I plugged it in on the nightstand. “I’ll leave the water here for you.”
Her hand wrapped around my wrist. “Would you stay? Please? I don’t want to be alone.”
“Of course. I’ll sleep on the couch,” I said, relief flooding through me.
Jess cracked an eye open. “You don’t have to do that. I trust you.”
My heart clenched with tenderness.She trusted me. My inner Alpha roared in triumph, even as I fought to keep myself calm.
I hesitated for just a moment, then switched off the lights and walked around the bed to lie beside her. It was only a queen bed, but Jess was so tiny that I had plenty of room, even with my feet dangling off the end. I stayed on top of the covers.
“Thanks,” she murmured, still turned away from me. “Make sure I don’t die by choking on my puke.”
“You’re not going to die,” I said, amused. “Now hush and go to sleep.”
I waited in the darkness. It occurred to me that I was listening to her breathe like I did every night on the tour bus, and her scent was intoxicating. Even with an undercurrent of alcohol, it was lovely, sharp, and fresh.
Her breaths grew slower and deeper until I knew she was asleep. I closed my eyes, but knew I wouldn’t sleep for a long time. My heart was still beating as if I’d just finished a run.
