“Show’s over,” said Donna. “We’ll let these folks go take a nap.”
But the ill-tempered display had cooled the party mood and the other guests started to make their apologies and leave. I wasn’t sorry to see them leave.
I stared at Sebastian, desperate to go to him, but unable to move. I simply hoped he knew how much I wanted to.
The ghost of a smile touched his beautiful mouth and then he turned to help load his inebriated parents into the family car.
Donna joined me, watching the unpleasant display as the senior Hunters continued to snipe and bicker.
“Gee, I’m sorry about your party, Caroline.”
“At least no one will forget it,” I sighed, shrugging my shoulders.
She smiled. “No, I guess not. You okay?”
“Yes, I’m fine. Really,” I added, seeing the skeptical look on her face. “Please thank Johan for… well… everything. You, too.”
She squeezed my arm. “Our pleasure, Caroline. You be well now.”
It was only when the final guest had left, and I’d cleared the last of the debris from the kitchen, that I realized how drunk David was.
“What a fucking disaster, Car’line,” he said, leaning against the door frame, watching me.
“It was fine except for the Hunters’ little scene,” I said reassuringly. “And no one will worry about that.”
“You really are stupid, aren’t you, Car’line? I’ll be a fucking laughing stock. At least you’re good for one thing.”
He tried to grab me but I dodged out of his reach.
He frowned, trying to comprehend what had just happened.
“Come here,” he ordered.
“I think you need to sleep now, David,” I said, my heart beginning to sprint as adrenaline flooded through me.
“What I need, Car’line, is a fuck. And you’re my wife.”
I tried to swallow but my mouth was suddenly dry.
He took another step towards me. I turned and ran into the darkened yard, listening to his curses, a loud crash, and then sudden silence.
Cautiously, I peered into the pool of light spilling out from the kitchen. David was sprawled on the floor and across the doorway: out cold. I breathed a sigh of relief.
I tugged at his arm, trying to pull him across the threshold so I could close the door to the yard. He grunted, but his dead weight was too much for me. I stared down at him, wondering how the hell I’d move him.
Nervously, I stepped over his prone body then ran into the bedroom to get my cell. I hesitated briefly before pressing ‘call’.
He answered instantly.
“Caro! Are you okay?”
My answer was a slightly hysterical laugh.
“Yes, I’m fine, but David is out cold and I can’t move him. Will you come? Can you get away? Are Donald and Estelle…?”
“Sleeping it off,” he said with disgust. “I’ll be there in five minutes.” He paused. “I’m so glad you called me, Caro.”
He hung up before I could reply.
With my adrenaline rush over, my knees gave way and I sagged to the floor and sat staring warily at David.
When I heard a car outside, I pushed myself up and staggered to the door.
I opened it and without speaking Sebastian gathered me into his arms. I leaned weakly against his chest as he stroked my hair. I felt both calmed and reassured.
“Are you sure you’re okay?” he said, his voice a soft murmur against my ear.
“I am now.”
He sighed then straightened up. “Where’s the asshole?”
I nodded towards the kitchen and followed him into the house.
David was snoring loudly.
“Just like my parents,” he said, his voice hot with dislike. “Where do you want me to put him?”
“Can you help me get him to the couch?”
“Sure.”
Sebastian rolled him into a sitting position and hooked his hands under David’s arms. I grabbed his legs awkwardly and together we managed to half-carry, half-drag him into the living room and deposit him on the couch.