Page 171 of Let Me Love You

We say goodbye, then I walk inside the hotel. I’m ready to fly home and hold Everleigh. That’s if she ever lets me get close after leaving her. I had to make sure that if I died, she knew how much I loved her and why I had to go.

A part of me is glad that Tyler checked up on me and knows where I am. Hopefully, that means he’s eased Everleigh’s mind so she doesn’t worry as much. I pull out my phone and type a quick text. I’ll call Annie in the morning to give her the news since it’s already late.

Archer

I’m safe. I’ll be home tomorrow.

I hit send, then scan the key card to my room.

Before I can flick on the lights, a body nearly tackles me.

CHAPTER FORTY

EVERLEIGH

I haven’t been able to close my eyes for more than twenty minutes at a time. Every time I do, I see Archer. I called and texted him all night with no response. My heart hurts so damn much. The mixed emotions have made me sick to my stomach.

“You need to eat, sweetie,” Gemma tells me as I stay slumped on the couch with a piercing headache. I’ve barely moved since she and Katie left last night. “I brought you some food from the deli.”

“I’m not hungry,” I mutter as I stare at the wall.

“Try to eat it anyway,” she demands. “Tyler’s on his way over right now.”

I blink up at her. “Why? Did he hear from Archer?”

“Not sure. He just said he was coming.”

I swallow hard at the possibility of Tyler knowing something. As soon as he walks in, I jump to my feet.

“Where is he?”

“Everleigh, relax please.”

“Tell me!” I snap. “If you know something, you can’t keep that from me.”

“He’s in Nevada with Liam.”

“What?” Gemma and I both gasp.

“How does he know Liam?” I ask.

“I gave Archer his number a while back. I told him if he was ever in any trouble that he could call him for help, so I guess he did.”

“What happened? Did Krystal do something?” I ask.

“I dunno much, Ev. But it did have something to do with Krystal. I called Liam this morning, and that’s all he said. Promised he’d have Archer let me know when it was over.”

I narrow my eyes. “When what was over?”

He shrugs. “Liam didn’t say.”

I pace the living room. “Why wouldn’t Archer tell me? Or bring me with him? I could’ve helped!”

“Krystal was threatening you and Annie to get to him. Honestly, I’m glad he chose to leave, or I would’ve had to step in,” Tyler confirms.

“What?” I gasp. “How could you say that?”

“Because your life was in danger. Regardless of our friendship, you’re my sister, and I’ll always protect you.”