Twisted Fate || Loki Odinson

29.

Blinking at the empty glass before me, I let out a soft chuckle that echoes through the dimly lit bar. "All right, I think I've had way too much to drink."

Eric joins in with a nervous laugh, the sound slightly strained. "No kidding."

Glancing at his barely touched beer bottle, I raise an eyebrow. "How did you manage only one beer?"

"I guess I was too caught up in our conversation," he admits with a sheepish grin, his eyes flickering with amusement.

"The opposite happened to me. I was so immersed, I lost track of my drinks," I confess, feeling the haze of alcohol settle in, the room swaying gently around me. 

"Need a ride home?" His concern creases his brow as he leans closer, studying my slightly unsteady stance.

"I'm definitely not driving," I assert firmly, my speech slightly slurred.

"How do you plan on getting back?" His worry is noticeable, his voice lowering with genuine care.

"I'll walk. It's not far," I assure him, though my balance falters as I step off the stool, gripping the counter for support.

"Are you sure you can manage?" His concern deepens, his gaze locking onto mine.

"I'm fine," I insist, my voice wavering slightly as I try to steady myself despite the subtle sway of my surroundings.

"Let me drive you," he insists, his tone firm yet gentle. "I'll make sure you get home safely."

I hesitate, the cold seeping into my bones as I glance towards the door. "Okay," I mutter, giving in to the practical choice.

Stepping outside, the frigid air immediately wraps around me, making me shiver. I lean against the wall, crossing my arms tightly in an attempt to preserve some warmth.

Moments later, Eric emerges, his presence a small comfort in the harsh cold. "Ready to go?" he asks, his breath visible in the frosty air.

"Yes, please. I'm freezing," I nod gratefully, my teeth chattering slightly as I follow him to his truck. He holds the door open for me, and I climb in, the seat's chill seeping through my clothes, making me shiver involuntarily. "Thanks for the ride." My voice is a little softer now, touched by his kindness.

"No problem at all." He closes the door with a solid thud before circling to the driver's side. He climbs in, the warmth of the truck's interior slowly enveloping us. "Which way to your place?" he asks, turning the key in the ignition.

"Just left out of here, then straight for about five minutes," I direct, my eyes flickering to the familiar landmarks as we start moving, the bar fading into the distance behind us.

"You weren't kidding about living close," he remarks, his focus on the road ahead. 

"Yeah, it's convenient," I murmur, my head resting against the cool window as I watch the darkened streets pass by, each turn bringing me closer to the safety and comfort of home. The tension in my shoulders begins to ease, replaced by a weary gratitude.

The silence between us is thick, only broken by the soft hum of the engine and the occasional sound of tires on gravel. Finally, Eric breaks the quiet. "I had a good time tonight," he says, his voice warm, glancing briefly in my direction.

"Me too," I admit softly, the sincerity of his words cutting through the fog of the evening.

"That friend of yours seemed pretty concerned," he notes, his voice careful, as if treading on thin ice.

"He's just protective," I brush it off, not wanting to delve into the complexities of my relationship with Loki.

"Maybe he likes you," he suggests casually, his tone light but probing.

"Doubtful," I shake my head, a small and uncomfortable laugh escaping my lips.

"Why not? You're... You're an amazing woman," he compliments, his tone earnest and a little too sincere, making my heart race for reasons other than the alcohol.

I chuckle nervously, trying to deflect the tension. "Thanks, but..."

"But what?" he presses gently.

"There's nothing special about me," I deflect, my tone tinged with discomfort. Compliments have always been hard for me to accept, even now.

"You're special to me," he insists quietly, his voice carrying a weight that makes my heart skip a beat.

"Don't get your hopes up," I caution, my tone turning serious.

The last thing I need is another complicated relationship in my life.

As the trees blur past, I notice the truck slowing down. My brows knit together in confusion. "What's going on?" I ask as he begins to pull over onto the side of the road, the darkness around us growing thicker.

"I just..." He hesitates, his hand moving to unbuckle his seatbelt. The air in the truck feels suddenly charged, heavy with unspoken intentions. Before I can react, he leans closer, his breath warm against my skin, and his lips press against mine, his hand cradling my cheek in a gesture that feels intrusive.

My mind races, a mix of surprise, confusion, and discomfort flooding through me. His touch, though gentle, feels wrong. I push him back slightly, breaking the kiss. "What do you think you're doing?" I demand, my voice laced with irritation. 

"What does it look like I'm doing?" he shrugs, leaning in for another kiss, his intentions now painfully clear.

I lean back, my head pressing against the cool glass of the window. "I-- I think you've got the wrong idea. I'm... I'm not that kind of girl," I stammer, my heart pounding in my chest.

His brows furrow in confusion. "What do you mean?"

"I don't just... I don't just hook up with a guy after talking to him for a few hours," I explain, shaking my head to emphasize my point.

He chuckles, a sound that feels mocking. "Oh, come on. You've been giving me hints all night."

My brows raise in genuine surprise. "I have?"

"Yeah, you have," he nods, a self-assured smile playing on his lips.

"Well... I'm sorry if I gave you the wrong idea, but I don't want to hook up," I state firmly.

"I could make you feel really good," he offers, his hand resting against my thigh in a way that sends a shiver of discomfort down my spine.

"Thanks but no thanks," I insist, pushing his hand away. "Can you just take me home?" I add, my voice carrying a note of urgency. He stares at me for a few moments without moving, his expression unreadable. "Eric?"

"I bought you... so many drinks, hoping that you'd be more willing to hook up with me," he starts, his tone turning darker as he begins to take his belt off. "One way or another... I'm getting what I want."

My eyes widen in panic as he tosses his belt into the back seat. "Eric, don't do this. Nothing's happened yet. It's not too late to stop."

He scoffs, a cruel edge to his voice. "Yeah, it is."