Chapter 208
Alex stood there, his broad frame filling the doorway, arms crossed over his chest, his expression unreadable. I stiffened, my mind racing with the possibility of escape. I thought about running past him, making a break for it before he could react. My muscles coiled, ready to move–but before I could even shift forward, he let out a low chuckle.
“Don’t bother,” he said, amusement flickering in his eyes. “You’re not that fast.”
I scowled, crossing my arms. “Stop reading my mind.”
His features softened—just a fraction—but before I could say another word, a sudden wave of dizziness crashed over me, stealing my breath. The room tilted, my vision blurred and my knees buckled.
Before I could hit the floor, Alex was there, catching me effortlessly as his strong arms wrapped around me, holding me upright. His warmth seeped into my body, steady and unyielding, anchoring me in place even as everything else spun.
“Shit,” he muttered, holding the back of his hand to my forehead. “You’re on fire.”
I shoved at him. “I’m fine.”
He gave me a piercing look. “You’re not fine, Raina. You need sleep.”
I wanted to fight. I needed to fight. But my body betrayed me.
Before I could put up a struggle, the world blurred again and I felt myself being lifted.
The last thing I registered, before things went dark, was Alex’s deep, sure voice.
“I’ve got you.”
When I woke up again, the fever had settled, but my body still ached. Alex and Dominic hovered close by, their faces creased with worry.
I hated it.
“Both of you need to go,” I said, my voice croaking.
Dominic scowled. “We’re not-”
“I mean it,” I interrupted him. “You need to focus on Faith. Sitting here and staring at me isn’t going to help her.”
Neither of them looked convinced.
I pulled myself up, ignoring the protestations of my shrieking muscles. “Go,” I said, firm. “Find Faith. Bring her home.”
There was a long pause. Then, at last, Alex snorted.
“Stubborn as hell,” he muttered beneath his breath.
Dominic hesitated for a moment, but in the end, they both listened.
The second they were gone, my mind erupted into action. I wasn’t going to sit around twiddling my thumbs waiting.
I whipped out my cell phone and quickly typed out a message.
Me: Do you still want to help me?
She replied almost immediately.
Vanessa: Well, yes I still want to- but know, not because I want to help you, but because of my brother. I need him to see me as his good little sister again.
I rolled my eyes.
Me: Whatever, just Come to the house now
The nerve of her to think I cared about her intentions, she was desperate and so was I. And I was going to milk her desperation.
I didn’t have to wait for long when Alex stormed back in less than ten minutes later, his face black with frustration.
“What the hell is going on with you and Vanessa?” he demanded, storming inside and slamming the door shut behind him. “Because whatever this friendship is, I don’t like it.”
I crossed my arms. “She’s not my friend, Alex. She saved me, I owe her.”
His jaw locked. He looked like he wanted to say something, argue with me or Vanessa, but before he could, Vanessa stepped in.
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Chapter 208
+25 Bonus
She took one look at me and let out a low whistle. “Damn, Raina. You look like shit.”
“Thanks, Vanessa,” I deadpanned.
Alex shot her a glare before running a hand through his hair in frustration. “Fine. Do whatever you want,” he muttered, stepping back. “Just don’t do anything stupid.”
I didn’t answer.
The second he was gone, Vanessa plopped onto the bed beside me and crossed her legs.
“Alright,” she said. “Start talking.”
I swallowed, digging my fingers into the sheets beneath me.
“I need help,” I whispered.
Vanessa’s brows arched. “With what?”
I locked eyes with her.
“Running away.”
