Page 169 of Dare To Fall

Unknown number: Hey, Arabella, this is Jace. There’s something I wanted to tell Eli, but he won’t listen to me. I’m hoping I can explain to you, and then you can pass it on.

I stare down at the text with uncertainty.

Me: How did you get my number?

Unknown number: Garrett.

Scrolling through my contacts, I find the jock’s number and shoot him a message.

Me: Did you give Jace my number?

Two minutes later, my cell vibrates with a response.

Garrett: Yeah, he wanted to contact you. Apologize for what happened. I hope that’s ok? Why are you up so late?

Me: I couldn’t sleep. It’s fine. Thanks.

Returning to Jace’s message, I reread it slowly.

Me: What do you want to tell me?

Unknown number: I was wondering if we could meet up.

I glance at the closed bathroom door, then back down at the screen.

Me: You could just call.

Unknown number: Look, I know I was an asshole to you, but this needs to be said face to face. The least I can do is buy you breakfast.

The thought of Eli getting into another fight with him leaves me cold. He’s in a better place than he was yesterday. I don’t want to shatter that with whatever Jace wants.

Me: Where?

Unknown number: The Country Club, tomorrow at nine.

Me: Ok, I’ll see you then.

I switch off my phone, leave it on the nightstand and climb under the sheets. Once I know what Jace wants, I’ll tell Eli. There’s no point making him worry. He’s been through enough, and if I can protect him from more harm, then I will. It’s the least I can do as someone who loves him. Tonight, I’ll let him lose himself in my body over and over until he’s tired enough to sleep again.

Chapter 113

Eli

I’m only half awake when the mattress bounces and the warmth of Ari’s body moves away from mine. I roll over onto my stomach and let sleep take me back under. She’s probably going to the bathroom.

That’s the last thing I remember thinking when I next open my eyes to discover her side of the bed still empty and very cold.

“Ari?” She doesn’t answer my call.

I lift my head and look around. The bathroom door is open.

“Ari?”

Still no reply. Reaching out, I grab my phone. “Time.”

The time is ten fifty-six am.

Huh, I’ve slept in. She must have woken earlier and decided to get up. Rolling out of bed, I drag a hand through my hair, pull on a pair of sweats and the nearest t-shirt, and walk out of the bedroom.

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