Fuck.
FUCK. FUCK. What the hell is happening?
I stand there, breathing heavily, my gaze fixed on Amelia as she looks back at me, eyes wide in shock, while Cedric’s scream echoes in the background.
“Lizzy!”
My mind is a blank slate, my body trembling uncontrollably. My heart thunders in my chest, and my pulse races wildly. Adrenaline courses through my veins, leaving me struggling to keep up as everything unfolds too quickly.
When I saw that guy dump something into Lizzy’s drink, I lost it. I acted without thinking and only realized what I’d done when it was already too late.
The violence in that guy’s eyes paralyzed me, triggering memories I’d rather forget. I couldn’t move, couldn’t react—helpless, weak, as always. If Nicolas hadn’t been there…
My stomach churns, and I swallow hard.He saved me.
When he pulled me into him, I almost fought back. But the scent of leather and musk hit me, and my subconscious surrendered. Safety. That arrogant jerk made me feel safe in that moment.
I don’t want to analyze what that means; honestly, I can’t. This whole situation is too overwhelming.
Everything escalated, and now I’m standing here, heart hammering, paralyzed, staring at Nicolas, who’s looking back at me with blazing eyes.
Oh God.
My throat aches, and my entire body is trembling. He… he…
Cedric’s shout snaps me out of my daze.
“Lizzy!”
My eyes dart to my best friend, now slumped in Cedric’s arms. He acted fast, catching her just in time, and is already instructing Adam and Joey to bring a crate to elevate her feet. Her head is cradled securely in his lap, but fear grips me with relentless claws. Without hesitation, I drop to my knees beside her and check her pulse. Damn it, it’s far too slow.
I’d noticed all night how much she was drinking, how desperately she was trying to distract herself, but that bastard pushed her over the edge. He tried to drug her.
But wait!
A thought strikes me, and I react instantly, turning her head toward me.
“We need to make her throw up. She might’ve already had something in her drink earlier, and combined with the alcohol… I… I wasn’t watching her the whole time.” My voice falters, and I feel the urge to slap myself for not being more vigilant.
Guilt is a nasty thing, heavy and hard to bear, but I don’t have time for it now.
Cedric’s expression darkens at my words, but before he can respond, I notice movement beside me. Someone large and broad kneels next to me, nudging Cedric aside. Nicolas lifts Lizzy into his arms and carries her a bit farther to a seating area, where he carefully lays her on the couch.
“Call Lincoln. Tell him to meet me at my apartment. And find me a car, something discreet, parked in the side alley. No one can know about her condition,” Nicolas orders, his voice coldand firm. A knot tightens in my already churning stomach, panic clawing at me.
Panic at the thought of losing someone else I love.
He tilts her head toward him, his icy eyes locking onto mine, and I freeze.
“Hold her head steady while I make her throw up,” he commands harshly.
I blink at him, unable to process his words.
“Amelia, now, dammit,” he barks, snapping me out of it. I flinch but do as he says, holding her head to the side. Nicolas doesn’t hesitate, forcing his fingers down her throat until she starts gagging and convulsing, finally vomiting.
Thinking quickly, I roll her onto her side, keeping her head steady.
“That’s it, sweetie. Get it all out,” Nicolas murmurs, holding her hair back. His gaze, though filled with worry, is so tender it makes my chest ache. “As soon as the car arrives, I’m taking her to my place. Let me know the moment it’s here, and call Eric. Have him handle the press if anyone gets wind of this,” he says to Cedric, while fear digs deeper into me.
