Chapter 57: Unfinished Part 2

Chapter 57: Unfinished Part 2
Chapter 57: Unfinished Part 2

EVANGELINE

"No. You won't," I say over my shoulder.

"Eve..." Tess begins. "They're right. It's safer."

Why is she acting like she hasn't had just as much to drink as I have?

"What about you?" I shoot back.

"I promise I'll get her home safely," Evan assures me.

"I'd still rather call a cab," I mutter, annoyed.

"Come on," Luke says behind me.

Too exhausted to argue, I give in, saying goodbye to the two of them before leaving the bar.

Outside, I'm forced to let Luke lead the way to his car.

"So you'd rather take your chances with a stranger than ride with me?" he asks, opening the passenger door for me.

As if he has any right to feel offended.

"Don't act like I don't have my reasons," I say before getting in.

While he walks around and gets into the driver's seat, I fasten my seat belt.

"Don't worry. I won't bother you anymore," he says after buckling his own. "But if you want to talk, I'm here."

Ignoring him, I rest my head against the seat, regretting not calling a cab. Focusing on the street outside, I feel my eyelids growing heavier and heavier as the car starts moving.

✽

"Eve?" Luke calls softly, waking me up. "We're here."

With a yawn, I shift in my seat and unfasten my seat belt.

"Thanks," I murmur sleepily, trying to open the door.

"Wait," he says before getting out of the car.

After walking around it, he opens the door for me.

"You didn't have to," I say, my body feeling heavier as I step out. "Thank you." I turn my back on him and head toward the entrance.

With every step, I long for my bed even more. As I climb the first few steps, I keep hearing his footsteps behind me, forcing me to stop.

"What are you doing?" I ask, turning to face him.

"Just making sure you're safe," he says, the way the corners of his lips threaten to curl irritating me.

"I am. You can go now."

"When you're inside."

"Seriously?" I huff. "I'm fine."

"I can see that." He presses his lips together, trying not to laugh.

"Idiot." I start walking again.

When I reach the door, I do my best to find my keys inside my bag.

"Need some help?" he teases, and I stop myself from flipping him off.

When I find them, I unlock the door without much difficulty.

"See?" I say, turning back to him.

"That's my girl," he teases with a dangerous smile that tells me to get inside already.

"Good night." I turn to go in.

"Eve..."

"What?" I look at him again.

"I did you a favor... now you owe me one."

"But I didn't ask..."

"That's not how it works."

"Forget it," I say, mentally exhausted.

"I still have to drive all the way back," he says, trying to guilt me into it, and I sigh, frustrated by his persistence.

"You're not sleeping here."

"I wasn't going to ask that."

"Then what?"

He hesitates for a moment.

"Could you... please unblock my number?"

"No."

"Please..."

"No chance."

"I promise I won't bother you... Only if it's urgent, okay?"

"I need to sleep."

"Eve..."

"Okay. I'll think about it." I give in. "Now go... and drive safely."

"Just one more thing."

Before I can react, his arms wrap around me, making my entire body stiffen.

"Luke..."

I want to tell him to let go, but the words catch in my throat as my body slowly begins to give in.

His body, his scent, his warmth...

For a moment, I feel like I'm going to fall apart in his arms.

"No matter what you say... I love you," he murmurs against my temple.

I don't answer.

Unable to speak or move a single muscle.

Then, at last, he lets go.

"If you need me, call me... Anytime... for anything."

Without saying a word, I turn and walk inside before it's too late.

Running away.

Because no matter how hard I try to deny it, a part of me still loves him.

✽✽✽

My phone vibrates inside my bag as the elevator doors open onto the magazine's floor.

As I step out, I take it out and open Tess's message, saying she's on her way.

I have to admit, I'm a little jealous of her for being out on assignment today.

I text her back quickly, letting her know I'll be in a meeting with Charles.

My last appointment of the day, and I have no idea what it's about. Two days ago, he simply texted me asking me to stop by his office.

I hope it's not another interview with some asshole CEO.

As I make my way to Charles's office, I notice the place seems emptier than usual.

Is everyone out working on assignments? Or have they already gone home?

I knock on the door.

"Come in." The deep voice echoes from the other side, making me tense for a brief moment.

No.

I blink, pushing the thought away, and without hesitating, I turn the handle and step inside.

But the moment I lift my eyes, my heart skips a beat.

It's him.