Eric returned to Emily’s room after hanging up the phone, his heart still racing from the intensity of the night. As he stepped inside, he saw her stirring on the bed, her body shifting restlessly against the sheets. She was waking up, but something was clearly wrong.

“It’s so hot,” Emily muttered, her voice weak and breathless. “Why is it so hot? Help me, please!”

Her words hit Eric hard, realizing that Luke must have drugged her, leaving her disoriented and confused. The way she was moving, the feverish look in her eyes—she wasn’t herself. She was in distress, and Eric knew he had to help her, no matter what.

“It’s okay, Emily,” Eric said softly, approaching the bed. “You’re safe now. I’m here to take care of you.”

Emily reached out for him, her arms wrapping around his shoulders as she nuzzled her face into his neck. Her skin was burning hot, and she clung to him like he was the only thing grounding her. It pained him to see her like this, knowing she was vulnerable and not fully aware of what was happening.

Eric’s mind raced, knowing the situation was delicate. He had to be there for her, but he also had to tread carefully. This wasn’t the Emily he had spent the night getting to know, laughing and dancing with. She was drugged, confused, and needing comfort. Nothing more.

“I’m not going anywhere,” Eric whispered, keeping his voice calm, though his heart was breaking. “I’m going to stay right here with you, but I need to make sure you’re okay.”

Emily’s grip tightened around him, her body trembling. “Please... I feel like I’m on fire. Your hands make it feel better.”

Eric gently guided her back onto the bed, laying her down softly, making sure she was comfortable. His touch was light, soothing, his mind fully focused on helping her through the effects of the drug. He wasn’t going to cross any lines, no matter what.

As Emily’s feverish movements became more restless, Eric grabbed a nearby cloth and dampened it with cold water, placing it gently on her forehead. She sighed softly, the coolness offering her some relief. He stayed by her side, watching her closely, making sure she was okay, though the weight of the situation pressed heavily on him.

“Please don’t be mad at me,” she whispered, her voice barely audible. “I just need this to stop.”

“Shh, it’s alright,” Eric murmured, brushing a strand of hair away from her face. “Just rest now, Emily. I’ve got you.”

The night felt endless as Eric stayed by Emily’s side, refusing to leave her alone. Every time she stirred, he was there to comfort her, whispering reassuring words until her breathing slowed and her body relaxed. Eventually, she fell into a deep, dreamless sleep, her fever cooling as the hours passed.

———————————————————————————

Morning light streamed through the window, soft and golden, as Emily slowly blinked awake. Her head throbbed, and her body ached as if she had run a marathon. She rubbed her temples, trying to piece together the fragments of last night, but everything felt hazy, disjointed.

Where am I? she thought, glancing around the unfamiliar room. Panic surged through her as her gaze landed on the man lying next to her. Eric. His presence was comforting, but something about the situation felt wrong. He was asleep, shirtless, his arm draped over the edge of the bed. And when she looked down at herself, she realized she was naked beneath the sheets.

Her breath caught in her throat, her mind racing. What happened last night? She remembered dancing with Eric, feeling dizzy, heading to the bathroom—and then... nothing. It was all a blur. Her body felt sore, but she couldn’t remember anything clearly.

Fear crept in, mixing with confusion. Did Eric... did he do something to me?

But as she looked at him, lying peacefully beside her, memories of the night before flickered back. The way he had cared for her, the gentle way he spoke to her when she felt so lost and confused. He had been by her side, protecting her, not harming her. Emily hesitated with her broken 

Emily slipped quietly out of bed, grabbing her clothes from the floor. As she dressed, her mind reeled with conflicting emotions. Eric had been nothing but kind, and yet the uncertainty of what had happened haunted her. She couldn’t shake the feeling of vulnerability, even though a part of her knew Eric wasn’t to blame.

Once she was dressed, Emily tiptoed to the door, casting one last glance at Eric. He stirred slightly in his sleep but didn’t wake. With a heavy heart, she slipped out of the hotel room and hurried home, her mind racing with questions she wasn’t ready to confront.