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I couldn’t see him at first. There were too many bodies in the club. It was crowded for a Wednesday night, but there were signsabout some kind of party on the walls. I didn't pay any attention to it, weaving my way through the crowd to my favorite spot on the other side of the bar. The band and Hendrix’s friends from the wedding all stood around him, watching him as he argued with Maya about having another drink. He looked wrecked, and I wasn’t sure what I could say to get through to him in that state. Didn’t mean I wasn’t going to try.

“Hendrix.”

His brow furrowed, and he looked confused, spinning around in his seat. He nearly toppled and his friend Callum had to right him on the stool again. A slow smile spread across Hendrix’s face and he leaned back against his friend, looking up at him.

“Maybe you’re right. I’ve had a lot. Does alcohol make you hallucinate? I thought only drugs did that.”

“Not a hallucination, my friend,” Felix called from close by. He looked worried, which was unusual for him. “Your mate is right there. So put down the bottle and let us take you home.”

Hendrix snorted, showing no interest in leaving right now. I stepped closer, between his knees, and when my hands cupped his face, he frowned at me.

“Really realistic hallucination,” he murmured.

“I’m right here, Hendrix. I’m sorry for what happened. I shouldn’t have let you take the fall. I promise, it’s gonna be okay.”

He leaned heavily into my hands, humming softly. “Mm. ‘m tired, Art. Can’t sleep without you anymore.”

“Then come home with me. I won’t leave your side.”

CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO

HENDRIX

My head was throbbingwhen I woke up. I didn’t normally go that hard. I had a clear example of what too much alcohol could do to a person throughout childhood. I didn’t have more than a beer if I was out with friends. But it numbed the pain a little, and I just kept wanting more so I wouldn’t have to feel it. I was feeling it now, and I regretted every damn drink.

“Here. Drink this.”

My eyes flew open when the familiar voice spoke and I winced automatically as the sunlight assaulted my eyes.

“Shit.”

Holding the bottle to my lips, Art urged me to drink. The smell was familiar, though it was the first time I’d ever needed a hangover potion before. Usually I was feeding them to my friends. The magic washed through me like cool water, dulling the ache in my head and settling my stomach. I sighed with relief, cracking my eyes open again.

“Art? What… Where am I?”

“My place. Laz called me last night. You were really drunk, and they were worried about you.”

Damn. They called my ex because I was too drunk to function and too stupid to tell them beforehand that we broke up. This was awkward. I shoved myself up and swung my legs over the side of the bed, scrubbing roughly at my face.

“I’m sorry. They shouldn’t have called you. I–”

“I fixed things with Val. Well, her boyfriend did a lot of the work, but she’s agreed not to touch the custody arrangement. And she’s going to revisit my visitation schedule and give me more time with Sophie.”

As much as it hurt to be this close to him when I couldn’t have him, I was happy it worked. Leaving got him what he needed. The pain was worth it.

“That’s great. I’m happy for you. I’m gonna head out before she figures out I’m here. Wouldn’t want you to get into trouble again.”

“Hendrix, wait. Please.”

I kept my eyes on the floor, seriously debating teleporting to escape. I was happy for Art, but I couldn’t be here. It hurt too much.

His hands cupped my face, forcing me to look at him. I couldn’t hold back the whine, the pain in my chest compounding as I took him in. He looked exhausted, heartbroken, and worried. I did that. I’d need to tell my friends to leave him alone, because it was killing me to continue to hurt him like this.

“I’m sorry.”

Frowning, I searched his face. “For what?”

“For letting you walk away. For not having enough backbone to stand up for our relationship. I regret every second of that interaction. I shouldn’t have let you take the fall. I love you, Hendrix.”