“Emily, we’re leaving,” I say, grabbing her elbow. She tries to pull away, so I take her by the arm.
“Hey, if you’re going to mess with me, you should buy me a drink first. God, it’s hot!” she says, amused. I roll my eyes and head out to the backyard.
The cold breeze hits me as I step outside and start scanning the area. Teenagers are in the pool or gathered around tables, but none are who I’m looking for. I pull Emily along, trying to get a better view.
“It’s taking too long. I’m worried,” I hear a familiar voice say. I turn and frown.
“What the hell are you doing here?” I ask Niall and Louis, who are by a white wall. They look at me and gulp.
“Niall!” Emily exclaims, breaking free and running toward him. She tries to jump into his arms but almost falls. Niall catches her and clenches his jaw.
“I asked them something,” I growl. Louis looks guilty, and then I remember-there’s something I need to ask you too, you little shit. I bark, and he nods.
The day I saw him leaving Nina’s house with envelopes in his hands was the most confusing day of my life. I need answers.
“We need you to be patient, okay?” Niall murmurs, gently stroking the brunette’s hair as she seems to drift off.
“You smell so good,” Emily murmurs. Niall smiles faintly.
“What are you talking about?” I ask.
“You have to stay calm,” Louis whispers, frowning. “For your sake and hers. Be the best version of yourself. Don’t let what she says affect you; she’s not aware of what she’s saying.”
“What the hell did you-?”
Then I see her. Red eyes, a blank stare, pale skin, a weak, sweaty body, messy hair, dry lips, and some vomit on her chin. I swallow, heart sinking. My Nina, my sweet princess…
“I did what I could, but whatever she ingested… it’s either a lot or pretty strong,” Elijah murmurs. I feel heat rush through me, my hands trembling as anger builds.
Elijah looks at me and swallows. “Alex, I’m sorry.”
I don’t respond. The words won’t come, and all I can think is that this is my fault.
“Please, Elijah,” my heart aches as I hear her sobbing. I turn to see her, dazed, reaching for his hand.
Her hand shakes as she desperately searches for his. I’m frozen.
“I’m dying!” she cries, voice full of desperation. Her fear is palpable. But it’s her face that breaks my heart.
Elijah caresses her hair and murmurs soothing words. I hear him softly say, “I’m here. I won’t let you go.”
“Alex, are you okay?” Niall asks. I blink, shaking my head. What am I doing? She needs me.
“Nina,” I call, stepping closer. I cup her face in my hands and wait for her to meet my gaze. Her pupils are dilated, her eyes reddened. She scans my face for a moment, then smiles.
“Robbie?” she asks happily. I frown.
“Come here! I’ve been looking for you everywhere!” She laughs and reaches for me, her arms pulling me into a hug. Louis pushes me toward her as I stand still.
“You’re the most mischievous bear of all,” she laughs, kissing my cheeks. “Don’t run away again, okay?” She pulls back, taking my face in her hands and pinching my nose.
There’s my Nina. My sweet girl. I can’t help but feel overwhelmed by her beauty, tenderness, and innocence. I smile as I stare at her face for a moment. God, she’s perfect.
“Alex!” Elijah’s voice snaps me out of my thoughts. “We need her to drink water and get somewhere cold. She’s going to dehydrate, and if she vomits again, she might faint.”
I jump up and run to the bar. I push past people and order five sealed bottles of water. I can’t risk the water being tampered with. I pay, grab the bottles, and rush back outside.
Nina is crying, saying something to Elijah, looking miserable and devastated. It breaks my heart to see her this way, knowing it’s all my fault.
Nina grabs Elijah’s hand, gazing into his eyes. I can’t hear what they’re saying from the distance, but I see her shaking her head. Ricardo swallows and kisses her forehead, responding with a simple, “Never.”
I approach them, muscles tense, leaving the water bottles on the ground except for one, which I open and bring to her lips. She drinks obediently, finishing it, then hands it back to me.
“Do you want more?” I ask. She nods. I repeat the process until she finishes the last bottle. She looks at me, smiling slightly but still pale.
“I was thirsty,” she laughs. I smile faintly.
I stroke her face, caressing her cheek. She leans into it, closing her eyes. “You’re here,” she whispers, taking my hand. “It’s you, right? You’re Alex, right?” She asks, worry in her eyes. I nod.
“No, you can’t be Alex,” she whispers, shaking her head. “Alex left. He’s not coming back because he doesn’t love me.” Tears well up in her eyes, and it hurts more than anything.
“No, no, love. It’s me. Alex,” I whisper, caressing her face. She sobs, staring at me, but I know she’s not really seeing me. Her gaze is lost.
“It’s me, little one. I’m here, and I’m not going anywhere,” I whisper, kissing her forehead. She closes her eyes, letting a tear fall.
“Why did you leave? Why didn’t you say anything? You didn’t even call me!” she yells, angry. “You know what? I hope you rot in hell. You and your fucking perfect Racheal.” She spits, and my heart stops.
“I loved you!” she screams. “And you lied to me. You used me, and you destroyed me.” Her words hurt like a thousand knives.
Elijah curses, taking Nina in his arms. “We need to get her somewhere safe now,” he says, and I stand up.
“Are we leaving?” Emily asks as we head out. I mumble, “She knows about Racheal. She thinks I don’t love her.”