Episode 118
EPISODE 118
EMILY’S CLAWS
Emily
My body is still trembling from River’s kiss.
Do I still want that date with Alex?
It’s important to get to know all the men. It’s also important that River know all the women.
So yes… I will keep the date with Alex.
What River and I have is physical chemistry, pure and simple. So why am I feeling something more? The thought of me living on a ranch in Montana… Well, it’s utterly ridiculous at best.
I’ve been in my suite for about an hour, ruminating on River, Alex, and what Sebastian had to speak to River about so urgently.
But the night is still young. The sun has set, and Alex said something earlier about a moonlight walk.
I should find him.
I rise and head into my bathroom to check my makeup. It’s a mess from being in the kitchen all afternoon and then eating dinner. In fact, I could use a shower, but I don’t want to take the time. I wash my face in the sink and begin anew with my makeup. Once I’m looking like myself again, I tidy my hair into a high ponytail, spritz some fragrance on my wrists, and change into a flowing light-blue sundress that matches the color of my eyes.
I open my door to leave my suite when I hear a distant thumping.
Odd.
I walk toward the staircase and down the second floor where the men’s suites are, and the thumping grows louder.
Sebastian runs out of Evangeline’s suite with Alex close behind.
“What the bloody hell is going on?” I ask.
“It’s the medics, English rose,” Sebastian says. “Evie’s sick.”
I gasp. “Oh, no! What happened?”
“We don’t know yet.” Alex walks toward me while Sebastian runs down the stairs, presumably to meet the medics.
The sound of the helicopter’s wings slicing through the air becomes louder and more urgent.
“Do you need my help with anything?” I ask, a bit dazed. Evangeline looked tired earlier, but I assumed it was stress from Ariel getting injured in the cooking competition. I should check on Ariel. Her injury was my fault, after all. Well, mine and Misty’s. I wouldn’t have been anywhere near Ariel’s station if not for Misty’s insistence that I try to sabotage the others.
“That’s sweet of you to ask,” he says, “but I think we have it under control. The medics are here, and they’ll get her to the hospital on the mainland.”
“Just like Rachel…” I say absently.
Alex nods. “Yes.” He rakes his fingers through his unruly brown hair. “Just like Rachel. What the hell were we all thinking, not having a health professional here?”
“Did Brett find out what happened with Rachel and Ginger?” I ask, regretting my words as soon as I say them. “Never mind. Go see to Evangeline. Make sure she’s okay. Please.”
“I will. Don’t you worry about any of this, Emily.” Alex rubs his jawline. “We’ve got it under control. I promise.” He races down the stairs in Sebastian’s wake.
I watch from the second floor as the paramedics enter with a stretcher. I move out of their way as they hurry up the stairs. Morbid curiosity bites at me, but I don’t follow them to Evangeline’s suite. The last thing they need is someone else underfoot.
Alex returns, and before he follows Sebastian into Evangeline’s room, he stops to stand with me.
“Are we still on for that walk?” he asks.
“I… I don’t know. Shouldn’t you see how Evangeline is?”
“Of course. I meant after. They’ll get her to the hospital if necessary, and then we’ll?—”
“Stop,” I interrupt. “Then we’ll what, exactly? Evangeline is the orchestrator of all of this. If she’s gone, what then?”
Alex opens his mouth as if to respond, but no words emerge.
“Seriously,” I continue. “What happens if she’s gone? Is this over then?”
Alex shakes his head, his hair falling over his forehead. “I don’t know, Emily. Let’s just hope for the best.” He walks away from me and into Evangeline’s room.
I doubt Alex and I will meet for a walk tonight, but that’s okay. It’s more important that Evangeline gets the care she needs. I assume Brett and River are also in Evangeline’s suite, which means the women are probably elsewhere. Where might I find Ariel? I’d like to make sure her leg isn’t bothering her too much.
I head down to the kitchen, and then I glance out on the deck.
Ariel is there, along with Marc, the sous chef, and Zion, the bartender. The same one with whom Sienna and I shared a tryst. Hmm… Seems fraternizing is okay when Evangeline and the men are otherwise occupied. Not that I have anything against it. I’ve partaken in my share.
I walk out the French doors to join them. “Good evening.”
Zion smiles when he sees me. “Good evening yourself,” he says, his dark gaze meeting mine.
“Ariel,” I say, “how are you? Is your leg hurting at all?”
“I’m fine.” She takes a sip of something clear that I assume is water. “Have you heard anything about Evangeline?”
“The paramedics are here. They’re taking care of her. I decided to stay out of the way. I’m sure we’ll find out what’s going on as soon as anyone knows.” I lock eyes with Ariel. “Could I talk to you for a moment? Alone?”
Ariel darts her gaze to Marc and then to Zion. “Sure. I guess. Are you okay?”
“I’m fine. I just need your ear a moment. I’ll bring her right back, gentlemen.”
Marc smiles. “Please do.”
Ariel rises and follow me off the deck and down one of the paths that leads to the beach. When I’m sure we’re out of earshot, I stop.
“What’s this about?” she asks.
“I just want to have a look at your leg,” I tell her.
“I told you, I’m fine.”
“Please, just let me?—”
“Emily, no!” She slaps my hand away. “You’ve apologized, and I’ve accepted. It was an accident. We’re all worried about Evangeline.”
“And Rachel,” I remind her.
“Yes, Rachel. But the rest of us are here, and there are four billionaires here as well. And there’s one yet that I haven’t gotten to know.” She closes her eyes and then opens them, a dreamy look overtaking her. “And I want to get to know the last one. That gorgeous rancher.”
River?
She wants to get to know River?
The green madman forces my hackles to rise.
I draw in a breath. “I see.”
“Have you spent any time with him?” she asks.
Does she truly not know? I suppose not. We were discreet, and I haven’t told anyone other than Misty. And if Misty truly still wants him for herself, she won’t be blabbing.
“A bit,” I reply.
“Is he as dreamy as he seems?”
More so, but I won’t say that. “He was in a foul mood all evening. What on earth do you see in him?”
“Still waters run deep,” she says on a sigh.
I adore Ariel. I do. She’s like a little sister to me. But the thought of her and River makes me want to claw her big doe eyes out.
“I doubt any of them will be available this evening.” I brush a piece of lint from my dress. “They’re occupied with Evangeline and all.”
She sighs. “True. So what do we do tonight? Heather went to the hot tub. I was there earlier, but I can’t get in with this bandage.”
“We could get massages,” I say.
“Or”—she smiles coyly—“we could go back to the deck and hang out with Marc and Zion.”
Three days ago I’d have loved that suggestion—Zion does have a lovely cock, after all.
But now? I’m not interested.
“I’ll leave you to that,” I tell her. “I think I’ll join the other ladies in the tub.”
“Suit yourself.” Ariel turns and then looks over her shoulder. “I’m fine, Emily. I know it was an accident. Please stop worrying about it.”
I nod and give her a short smile.
She’s lovely. A doll really.
And if she tries to take River?
I’ll take her down in a minute. It wouldn’t be the first time I’ve fought someone younger and hotter than I am—and won.