Chapter 19
Tori's POV:
"Tori? Is that you in there?"
Morgan's concerned voice called again through the door.
"Morgan!" I nearly sobbed with relief. "Yes, it's me. I—" I stopped, my teeth chattering too hard to continue.
"Hold on, I'll get you out."
I heard her fumbling with something, then a metallic scraping sound.
A moment later, the lock clicked and the door swung open.
"Oh my goddess!" she gasped, taking in my soaked dress, dripping hair, and shivering form. "What happened to you? Who did this?"
I tried to answer, but my lips were trembling too badly.
The restaurant's air conditioning had turned my wet clothes into an ice pack against my skin.
"Never mind, we need to get you warm first." Morgan's voice hardened with determination. She disappeared briefly, returning with a tablecloth she'd snatched from an empty dining section. "Here, wrap yourself in this."
She draped the makeshift blanket around my shoulders, her touch gentle but efficient.
"Let's get you out of here. We can go through the side door to avoid everyone."
I nodded gratefully, pulling the tablecloth tighter around me as Morgan guided me toward a service exit. The night air hit me like another bucket of ice water, intensifying my shivering.
"Just a little further," Morgan encouraged, her arm supporting me as we hurried toward the parking lot.
We had barely reached the sidewalk when headlights illuminated our path, and a sleek black car pulled up alongside us.
The window rolled down to reveal Jack Green, Lucas's assistant, behind the wheel.
"Morgan? Is everything alright?" he asked, his gaze shifting to my huddled form.
Morgan's face brightened. "Perfect timing! Jack, we need a ride to the estate."
Before I could process what was happening, Morgan was ushering me toward the back door that Jack had opened.
I hesitated when I saw who was sitting in the front passenger seat.
Lucas Grayson's piercing eyes found mine in the reflection of the side mirror, narrowing at the sight of my bedraggled appearance.
I froze, mortification washing over me.
"It's okay," Morgan whispered. "He's heading home anyway."
Too cold and exhausted to argue, I slid into the backseat with Morgan, clutching the blanket tightly around me.
I kept my gaze fixed on my lap, but I could feel Lucas's eyes on me from the front seat. Curiosity got the better of me, and I glanced up, catching his reflection in the rearview mirror.
The anger in his eyes made me look away immediately.
Was he upset that I was dripping all over his expensive car?
I shifted to minimize contact with the leather upholstery, trying not to get anything wet.
Lucas no longer paid attention to me, but I noticed him adjusting the car's heater. Whether it was for his own comfort or to provide me with more warmth, I couldn't tell.
The drive to the Grayson estate was mercifully short.
When we arrived, a middle-aged woman hurried down the front steps to meet us.
"Morgan! You're finally home—oh dear!" she exclaimed, noticing me as I climbed out of the car.
"Mom, this is my friend Tori," Morgan explained. "She needs a place to stay tonight."
"I'm so sorry to intrude, Mrs. Baker," I said, my voice still shaky from the cold.
"Nonsense, Dear," she smiled warmly. "I have already received a phone call in advance. We have a guest room ready for you in the main house. Come inside, the wind is much too strong out here."
As we walked toward the house, I glanced back to thank Lucas, but he was already striding away, his tall figure disappearing into the main residence without a backward glance.
Mrs. Baker efficiently took charge once we were inside.
"First things first—let's get you warm. I'll make some ginger tea while Morgan shows you to the bathroom. A hot soak will do wonders."
Ten minutes later.
I was submerged in a steaming bathtub, the heat gradually seeping back into my bones. As feeling returned to my fingertips and toes, I sighed with relief.
After soaking until the water cooled, I reluctantly got out and dressed in the borrowed pajamas Morgan had left for me.
They were slightly too small but clean and dry—a vast improvement over my ruined dress.
I ventured out to find Morgan, following the sound of voices to the living room.
As I approached, I heard an unfamiliar female voice speaking in animated tones.
"—been looking for him all evening! Do you know where he went? I specifically wore this dress because he once said blue brings out my eyes. He has to notice me tonight!"
I paused in the doorway, taking in the scene.
A stunning girl with glossy dark hair was pacing the room. She stopped abruptly when she noticed me, her eyes narrowing as she took in my appearance—damp hair, borrowed pajamas, and bare feet.
"Who's this?" she asked, her tone sharp.
Morgan appeared from another doorway, looking relieved to see me. "Tori! Feeling better? Megan, this is Tori Sullivan, my friend from school."
Megan's expression softened marginally at Morgan's explanation, though suspicion still lingered in her eyes.
"Nice to meet you," she said, her assessment of me obvious in her gaze. "Are you staying here tonight?"
"Just tonight," I confirmed quietly. "Morgan was kind enough to help me out of a... difficult situation."
Before Megan could respond, Lucas appeared in the doorway behind her. His presence immediately commanded the room, and Megan's demeanor transformed.
"Luke! There you are," she exclaimed, her voice turning honeyed. "I've been looking everywhere for you."
Lucas barely acknowledged her, his eyes briefly meeting mine before he addressed Megan.
"What did you need to discuss that couldn't wait until tomorrow?" His tone was coolly professional.
Megan faltered slightly before recovering. "It's about the charity gala next month. I had some ideas for—"
"Come to my study," Lucas interrupted, turning to leave.
Morgan seized the opportunity, gently taking my arm.
"Let's go back to the room," she whispered, guiding me away from the awkward scene.
Once we were safely in the bedroom, Morgan closed the door and turned to me with concern etched on her face.
"Are you feeling better? Is there anything still hurting? Who exactly hurt you? I swear I'll—"
"I'm fine now," I assured her, touched by her protectiveness.
"Who did that to you?" she demanded.
I hesitated, not wanting to drag Morgan into my family drama. Instead of answering, I simply shook my head.
Morgan studied my face for a moment, then sighed. "You don't have to tell me if you don't want to. But remember, we're friends now. If you ever need help dealing with... whoever did this, just say the word."
I managed a small smile at her righteous indignation.
"Thanks for finding me," I said softly. "But how did you happen to be there tonight?"
Morgan's cheeks flushed slightly, and she suddenly became very interested in straightening her bedspread.
"Oh, that... well, I was supposed to... um..." She bit her lip, looking embarrassed. "I had to deliver some documents to Alpha Lucas."
She spoke in a rush, not quite meeting my eyes.
"Alpha Lucas needed them urgently, and since I was free, I volunteered to bring them. Total coincidence, really. Lucky for you, though, right?"
"Very lucky," I agreed with a grateful smile. "I don't know what I would have done if you hadn't found me."
Morgan's shoulders relaxed visibly, and she let out a small breath.
"By the way," I asked, changing the subject, "who was that girl downstairs? She seems... familiar with Alpha Lucas."