Chapter 23 ALEX
I MARCHED OUT OF THE RESTAURANT after Nancy had left without a word, and from across the street, I spotted the strange sight of Evan kneeling by the rear door, his posture tense.
It took me a moment to realise something was very wrong.
As I started to run, Nancy came into view, lying on the bench seat as she gasped for air.
“What the hell happened?”
Evan checked her vitals. “I’m unsure, Lord Toverton. We were waiting for you, so I locked the doors as standard. Then, Ms Cooper seemed frightened and tried to get out of the car. That’s when I heard her gasping.”
“What’s wrong?”
“I think she’s having a panic attack.”
I leaned in and touched her face. “Nancy, can you hear me?” Her eyes were dilated, black and bulging as she struggled for air.
“Evan, we need to get her to a hospital, now!” I ordered as I climbed in, lifting her trembling body onto my lap.
Evan jumped into the driver’s seat and pulled away from the kerb with a screech, turning the car a sharp one-eighty to speed off in the opposite direction.
“Just breathe, Nancy,” I whispered like a mantra into her curls. “Please, just breathe.”
The streets rushed by us as I pleaded over and over, for how long I couldn’t say, but after a time, her breath mellowed, and her body relaxed into mine.
“Alex?” she murmured.
“I’m here. You’re going to be okay.”
“What happened?”
“We think you had a panic attack.”
“It was blurry. I couldn’t focus.”
“It’s okay.” I stroked her hair. “We’re going to the hospital. Just rest.”
She stilled. “I’m feeling better.”
“We’ll get you checked over.”
“I’ll be fine.”
“They’ll make sure at the hospital.”
“No.” Her voice trembled.
“No?”
“I don’t want to go to the hospital.”
“Why not—”
“I won’t go there!” She tensed like a plank, and I clasped her, frightened she was on the brink of another attack.
“Shhh, it’s okay, we won’t then. Concentrate on your breath, in for four and out for four.
” I called over to Evan to divert to the apartment.
If she had another attack there, we could ensure she was comfortable and call an ambulance if necessary.
Knowing Nancy, she was trying to brush it all under the carpet, but the image of her gasping was branded on my mind.
If she needed treatment, she was getting it, no arguments.
The car changed direction once more. Nancy sat motionless, her deep breaths hot against my neck as she rested her head on my shoulder.
“The door was locked,” she whispered after a time.
“It’s kept locked when parked on the street for security.”
“Evan wouldn’t let me leave the car.”
“He thought you knew that I was coming too. He didn’t mean to frighten you.”
“I had to go.”
“Why? You left without a word. I caught sight of you as you were walking out the door.”
“You were on the phone.”
“Yes. I’m sorry I missed lunch.”
“I heard you.”
I hesitated. “What did you hear?”
She pulled back and stared at me with reddened eyes. “Does it matter? I know you were talking to your ex for over half an hour. That’s a long time for a relationship that’s finished.”
“Nancy, you can’t think—”
“What I know is that on my birthday—the first time we’ve been able to be out in public together—you left me to talk to Mimi.”
“I’m sorry for that, but nothing is going on.” I went to stroke her cheek, but she stiffened.
“Then why were you two talking for so long? Why are you talking to her at all?”
I took a moment to find my words. “Miriam’s family is close to mine, and she’s taken our breakup hard.”
“You mean she wants to get back together with you?” Nancy attempted to move off me, but I tightened my grip.
“That’s not what I want, but I have been an asshole to her, and it wasn’t my aim to make her suffer, so when she’s called upset, I’ve tried to reason with her.”
“Seriously? She’s done this before! That’s so manipulative.”
“Maybe, yes, but I didn’t feel I should ignore her when she was in a state.”
“Does she know we’re seeing each other?”
I sighed. “Yes, I told her today.”
“I take it that didn’t go down well.”
“Not particularly, but she will come to terms with it in time.” I brushed my fingers over her freckles in a gesture of affection that was becoming a habit. “I’m with you, Nancy. That’s what I want. I’m just so sorry this happened on your birthday.”
Her gaze softened. “The day’s celebrations aren’t over yet.”
“You still want to go to the club? I don’t think that’s a good idea. You’ve had a fright. You could barely breathe ten minutes ago.”
“I want to enjoy my birthday. I want to see Mum and my friends. And I’d like to spend an evening out with you without any interruptions.
” She traced the arch of my cheek, and I returned an uncertain smile.
“I’m honestly okay. It was just a lot of different things at once that overwhelmed me.
I think that’s why I panicked.” Her hand slid to my chest. “As long as you’re with me, I’ll be okay tonight. Please just don’t leave me again.”
I pressed her hand against my heart. “I promise I’m with you and only you for the whole evening.” The SUV pulled up outside the apartment, and I guided her to the lift, aware of the residual tremor in her body. “I’ll come in with you.”
“No, you should head back to yours. Mum wants to hang out before we go to the club. Plus, I need to get ready.”
“About that.” I hugged her as we ascended. “You’ll find a surprise in your bedroom.”
“What have you got me?”
“It wouldn’t be a surprise if I told you.”
“Spoil-sport,” she chuckled.
“Are you sure you’re okay?”
She nodded, still looking drained. “I feel better now we’ve talked.”
“I’m sorry it caused you to panic.”
“It’s complicated, but honestly, I’m fine. When are you and William picking us up?” She stroked my arm, changing the subject.
“Eight p.m. out front.”
“I can’t wait.” She looked up, trying to hide her vulnerability behind an air of certainty.
I leaned in for a long kiss, feeling her trembling hands against me. “I’ll see you later, bella.”
She looked back and smiled as she closed the door. I ran my hands down my face, releasing a long exhale of unease.