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“Rachel,” he breathes and I can see in his eyes he’s having problems knowing what to see. His face looks droopy, as if he has no control over his body.
I take the cup from his hand, setting it down on the table before he drops it. His grasp is loose and easy to maneuver. “Hunter, I think it’s time to go home.”
Hunter frowns and for a moment he looks like a toddler about to throw a huge temper tantrum. “But I don’t want to go.” He sniffs. “I’m not trashed.”
“Oh, I know,” I say while grasping his hand, lacing my fingers with his and tugging him towards me. “But I am. I need some help home.”
“Can’t Lucas or Seth help-” Hunter stops as I flutter my eyelashes up at him and lean into his touch.
“I want you to help me, Hunter.” I nuzzle my head into his shoulder, hoping he would fall for the bait and finally leave.
I hear him sigh, feel his grip tighten on my hand and allow myself a little victorious smile as he says, “Alright, Rachel. Let’s go.”
I glance over at Seth and Lucas, who stare at me like I’m some sort of talented enchantress. Yet, they don’t question it and both follow along behind us towards the door. We’re nearly there, nearly home free when Marcus shouts, “Hey, Lucas! Maybe don’t invite Mr. Lightweight over there next time.”
Hunter stills next to me and I feel impending doom pierce through me, knowing none of this is going to end well.
“Hunter-” Seth begins.
“What did that asshole call me?” Hunter asks, his voice so low I barely recognize it.
“Nothing,” I say, letting him go and placing myself between Hunter and the party. “Let’s just go.” I usher him towards the door, but he swerves around me. When I turn around, I see him stalking towards Marcus, his feet taking him in a zigzagged path.
“Alright, let’s go,” says Lucas, grabbing Hunter’s arm before he can make it to Marcus.
Marcus laughs, throwing an arm over a tall brunette who’s wearing a tight black dress that barely covers her ass. “Thanks Lucas,” Marcus calls while Lucas drags Hunter away. “I would hate making a mess of your friend. He’s so drunk, just a little flick in the nose would knock him over.”
Hunter lunges for him, but Seth grabs his bad shoulder, earning a shout. I reach for Seth as he stumbles backwards, but not in time. Seth stumbles into a small table with a gaudy vase holding several fake flowers, knocking everything onto the floor and sending the vase crashing into several tiny pieces.
“My mother’s antique flamingo vase!” Marcus shouts, kneeling in front of the tiny pieces, picking each one up and cradling them in his palms. He shoots a glare at Hunter while Seth rubs his head, stumbling to stand. “This is all your fault!” Marcus points a finger at Hunter, who’s mouth hangs open in both shock and confusion.
In Hunter’s defense, it’s just a vase. An ugly vase. And one that should have been put elsewhere if Marcus was going to have a huge party. I take Hunter’s hand, pulling him towards me and beelining for the door.
Lucas sighs, taking out his wallet and a huge bundle of cash. “How much was it?” He asks, his voice filled with irritation.
“At least $500,000, if not more. There is no way-“
I pause at the door, watching Lucas stuff a thick wad of cash into Marcus’s hands, effectively shutting him up. Marcus counts the money as Lucas turns around, lifting his head to the ceiling and shaking it in annoyance.
“It’s always a pleasure!” Marcus calls as we finally leave.
“Wish I could say the same,” Lucas mutters as Seth slams the door and Hunter stumbles into the snow.
“Why the hell did you push me?” shouts Seth while Hunter leans over.
Before Hunter can answer, he vomits. He groans, wiping his mouth and holding his middle before heaving more of his stomach remains in the snowy path to Marcus’s house. Seth gags, stepping to my side while Lucas smacks Hunter on the back.
“Better here than at my place,” says Lucas.
Seth wraps an arm around my shoulder and the both of us walk around the two bros, leading the way back to Lucas’s cottage. “Alright, next time I save Lucas and you deal with Hunter,” Seth whispers into my ear.
I smile, pulling Seth closer to me. I’m happy to finally be heading home, yet tomorrow brings new worries.
I am going to have to talk to Hunter.
I need to know what the hell is going on.
