Page 104 of Hot As Ice

“Did you?”

“Yesssssss.”

“How much did you have to drink?”

“Two beers and three tequilas,” I groan.

“Jesus.”

“Are you mad at meeeee?”

“I need to get you home.”

I squirm and grip his hand tighter. “Don’t leave me.”

“I’m not leaving you. I’m taking you home.”

“I need you so much,” I whimper.

“Alright, let’s go.” His strong arms slide under me and lift me up from the bed. I press my face to his shoulder and breathe in his familiar, delicious scent.

“I’m never drinking again,” I tell him.

He chuckles and it lifts my mood. “I’ll hold you to that.”

I wrap my arms around his neck and hold him as close as I can. Safe. With him. Like always.

thirty-three

hunter

STEVIE’S BEEN ASLEEP in my bed for 10 hours.

She knocked out in my car almost as soon as I put her inside. When I got to my place, I had to carry her up in the elevator. She barely stirred as I took off her clothes and tucked her into my bed. Knowing she’s safe has soothed some of my anger, but I’ll never forget the rage I felt when I heard her yelling and found her in that frat douche’s room.

She’s going to be the death of me.

Her drunk comments would’ve been funny if I hadn’t been so angry and confused. And relieved that I got to her in time. The last few weeks have been almost unbearably stressful. I need a fucking break.

I’m in my kitchen making my protein smoothie and convincing myself I don’t need to go to the bedroom every five minutes to check on her. She’ll be fine. She’ll wake up and I’ll make her breakfast and make her drink a gallon of water and give her some Tylenol.

I lean against the kitchen counter and drink my smoothie without tasting it. I check the notifications on my phone, but they’re not distracting enough. I head back to the bedroom and sit down on the edge of the bed. Stevie looks mostly peaceful but there’s a small furrow between her brows. The urge to smooth it away is strong but I keep my hands to myself.

It takes another 15 minutes before she stirs and her eyes flutter open. She doesn’t see me right away and looks confused as she rubs her eyes.

“Hey,” I say. “You’re in my room.”

Her eyes focus on me and she frowns. “Why?”

“Do you remember last night?”

“I think so. I got drunk.”

“Yup.”

“And you came into the room.” She grimaces. “Ugh. I was with some guy.”

“Yup.”