Chapter 83
Around 3 AM, in Ellie’s apartment, Alex helped her sit up to take her medicine and noticed she was trembling badly.
“Come on, be good and take your medicine,” Alex said gently, pulling her into his arms as he handed her the pills. After seeing Ellie take them, he didn’t let go.
He held her tightly, his voice hoarse without him realizing it. “See if you dare wander around by yourself at midnight again!”
“Lucky you’re okay, or I would’ve definitely dealt with those two jerks myself!” he muttered, his eyes red with concern.
He held Ellie as if she were his most precious treasure. With her eyes closed, she felt the warmth of his embrace, a part of her wanting to forget everything and just relax in his arms.
But she knew she couldn’t. Even though her body felt weak, she still nudged Alex and murmured, “Your phone’s been ringing.”
“I won’t answer anyone’s call. I’m staying here with you tonight,” Alex said, holding her even tighter.
Ellie took a deep breath and broke away from his warm chest, burrowing under the blanket. Hearing Alex’s gentle voice on the phone, she snuggled deeper into the covers.
Since Ellie had a bruise on her face, she took a week off to rest at home. During that time, Haley and Lacey visited once, but when Haley offered to stay and take care of her, Alex refused.
A week later, Ellie was almost fully healed and had started to move on from the incident.
After staying home for a week, she planned to work part-time at the bar in the evening.
Alex blocked her by the wardrobe, trying to snatch the clothes from her hands. “There’s still a bruise at the corner of your eye. Take a couple more days to rest.”
Ellie tugged at the clothes he was trying to take. “It’s fine. I’ll just cover it with some concealer.”
Alex freed a hand and pulled at her collar. “Let me see your neck.”
Ellie quickly stepped back to avoid him. “It’s already fine.”
“Move your hand so I can check.”
“Alex, can you please respect some boundaries?”
“Not for you.”
In their playful tug-of-war, Ellie wasn’t quick enough to dodge and was accidentally pushed into the closet. Without thinking, she grabbed onto some clothes—only to pull Alex in with her.
In the tight space of the closet, there was no room to move, and they found themselves pressed closely against each other.
Alex looked down at her, their breaths mingling in the confined space. The only sounds were their soft breathing and their racing hearts.
His gaze dropped to Ellie’s slightly parted lips, an intense emotion flickering in his eyes. His Adam’s apple bobbed as an undeniable urge swelled inside him—every part of him wanted to kiss her deeply.
