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Lacy's heart raced as she made her escape, the sound of her own footsteps echoing in her ears as she hurried away from the Chateau. She felt a mix of relief and frustration swirling inside her, a tumultuous storm of emotions that threatened to overwhelm her fragile composure.
As she walked alone through the darkened streets of the Outer Banks, she couldn't shake the feeling of JJ's eyes burning into her back, his silent plea echoing in her mind. But try as she might, she couldn't bring herself to turn back, couldn't face the truth that lay waiting for her in his gaze.
She quickened her pace, her steps faltering as she fought to keep her emotions in check. But no matter how fast she walked, she couldn't outrun the turmoil raging inside her, couldn't escape the tangled web of feelings that threatened to consume her whole.
The screech of tires pulling up beside her shattered her thoughts.
"Lacy?" A deep voice came through the car window, halting her wobbling footsteps.
She squinted against the streetlights, leaning forward to get a better look. "Rafe? Oh! Hi, Rafe!" Her words slurred more than she would have liked, and she bent at the waist to see him more clearly.
"What the hell are you doing out here by yourself? Are you drunk?" His sharp gaze narrowed as he took in her disheveled state.
Lacy shrugged nonchalantly, then spun on her heel in a playful twirl. "Possibly?"
"God, you're acting like an idiot, Caldwell. Get in." His tone was clipped, his eyes scanning her up and down, assessing. "Now."
Lacy's smile wavered. "Rafe, I'm almost home. I'm fine."
But he was already unbuckling his seatbelt, stepping out of the car, and rounding the back to meet her. His presence loomed over her, a mix of frustration and concern darkening his features. "It's not up for debate. Get in, Lacy." He pulled the passenger door open, watching as she huffed through her nose before reluctantly sliding inside.
Rafe shook his head as he shut the door, circling back to the driver's seat. As the car rumbled back to life, he cast her a sideways glance. "Bet you were with those pogues tonight, weren't you?" His voice was edged with irritation. "Because only those idiots would leave a girl like you walking home drunk by herself. They're a bad influence, and you know it."
"Rafe, please," she sighed, tilting her head lazily against the headrest to look at him. "They're my best friends. You hating them doesn't change that. You and I are friends too, I care about all of you. How many times have we had this conversation?"
She smirked, eyes heavy with the lingering effects of alcohol. "Besides, I've got a wonderful buzz, and I don't need you killing it."
Rafe let out a small chuckle despite himself, shaking his head. "Fair enough." His expression softened as he flicked a quick glance her way. "But seriously, Lacy, you gotta be careful. Or your dad—and my dad—will have my neck."
