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A chill came over me, making my skin prickle and my lips tremble. That fast, I realized my positive energy had only been a fleeting moment. I couldn’t outrun the darkness that had always surrounded me. It followed me wherever I went.
Chapter 18
Jude
“Why is everything spinning?” Emmie asked as she held my arm. “The house is moving.”
“That means you had a really good night.”
Luke greeted us and opened the front door as I helped Emmie up the porch steps.
“Hi, Luke.” Emmie hugged him in the foyer. “We’re home.”
“Someone was overserved tonight.” I shut the door as Emmie released Luke.
“I can see that.” He laughed. “Prosecco?”
“Just four glasses,” Emmie said. “Jude was busy and I was bored.”
“Well, if she was bored.” Luke smirked. “What was she supposed to do?”
“Right? That’s what I said.” When she threw her hands in the air, she rocked backward, losing her balance. I caught her by the arm and held her still.
“We’re going upstairs,” I said.
“I left the paperwork on your desk for Emmie’s expedited passport. She has to sign it, and she’ll need to get her picture taken before our guy gets her situated.”
“Thank you.”
“Why do I need a passport?” Emmie asked.
“We’re going to Brazil in a few days.” I led her to the staircase.
“I’ve never left the country before.” She stopped when we got to the steps. “Don’t you have to take a plane to Brazil?”
“Yes.” I laughed. “You do too.”
“I’ve never done that either.”
“Well, then the next few days will be quite the adventure for you.” I nodded at Luke. “Goodnight.”
“I’ll take Sasha out for a walk and bring her back to my place.” Luke headed toward the kitchen. “It looks like you have your hands full.”
I heard the amusement in his voice. “Thank you.”
“Is he talking about me?” Emmie slowly climbed the steps. “I didn’t drink that much.”
“Maybe two drinks should be your limit.”
“They were so good, and I didn’t realize how many I had until it was too late.” When we got inside my bedroom, she plopped down on the sofa. “I’m sorry.”
“You don’t need to apologize for having some fun.” I removed my jacket and tie before sitting down next to her. It was a pleasant change to see her relaxed even if her demeanor was alcohol induced. “I prefer you to be alert and know your surroundings, especially at the club.”
“I thought you could protect me.” She rested against the arm of the sofa, placing her feet in my lap. “Who’s going to bother me when they know I’m with you?”
“I can protect you, but there will always be someone who can take advantage of the situation.”I removed her shoes and dropped them to the floor. Now that I had provoked Caleb, and I didn’t know who his mysterious associate was, I needed to be extra careful. “I didn’t get this far in life by not anticipating any problems that could arise.”
“I trust you can take care of me.” She wiggled her toes. “My feet hurt from those silly shoes.”
