Page 29 of A Very Grumpy Marine

Lilou and the other girls are still dancing, but I need a break, so I step outside, leaning against the cool brick wall of the bar. The night air helps, but not enough to sober me up completely.

My finger hovers over the call button.

I shouldn’t.

I should just go back inside, order another drink, and—Before I can stop myself, I press the button.

It only rings once before he picks up.

“Lymric?”

His voice is rough, deep,concerned, and something about the way he says my name makes my chest ache.

“Hi,” I say, my voice softer than I mean for it to be.

There’s a beat of silence. “Where are you?”

“At a bar,” I admit. “With Lilou.”

His voice drops. “Are you drunk?”

I let out a small laugh. “Maybe a little.”

Another pause. Then?—

“I’m coming to get you.”

I blink. “What? No. I didn’t call for that.”

“Don’t care.” His voice is firm. “I’m coming. Stay put.”

And then the line goes dead.

I stare at my phone.

Did I just?—

Oh god. I called Camden. And now he’s coming.

I should be freaking out. But instead, relief washes over me. Because Iwantto see him. Ineedto see him.

Ten minutes later, Camden’s truck pulls up, and he hops out like a man on a mission. His sharp blue eyes lock onto me, sweeping over me like he’s checking for injuries, like he’s making sure I’m okay.

“Cam—”

Before I can finish, he’s in front of me, gripping my chin and tilting my face up. His jaw is tight, his nostrils flaring.

“You call me when you need me,” he growls. “No matter what. Understand?”

I swallow hard. “I wasn’t?—”

“Understand.”

It’s not a question. It’s acommand, and for the first time in days, I stop fighting it.

“Okay,” I whisper.

His eyes darken, like he wasn’t expecting me to agree so easily. His hand slides down, curling around my wrist, grounding me.

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