The rain was still pouring as Andrew carried a thrashing Eva toward his car, her arms flailing and words slurring from too much alcohol.

“Put me down, you idiot!” Eva yelled, squirming in his arms. “I hate you!”

Andrew sighed, his patience teetering on the edge. He gently set her down on the ground, one arm still wrapped securely around her to keep her steady as he opened the car door.

But Eva, in true stubborn fashion, wiggled free and bolted. “Eva!” Andrew shouted, sprinting after her, the rain soaking through his shirt.

Eva ducked behind a random man who was standing under the glow of a streetlamp, his expression instantly shifting when he saw her.

“Help me,” Eva begged, clutching the man’s sleeve.

The stranger’s eyes gleamed with inappropriate interest. “Don’t worry, sweetheart,” he said, licking his lips. “I’ll take care of you. Maybe we can share a little dessert later.”

Andrew froze for a moment, his blood boiling as he processed the man's words. Then, without hesitation, his fist collided with the stranger's face, sending him sprawling onto the pavement.

“Touch what’s mine, and I’ll make sure it’s the last thing you ever do,” Andrew growled, his voice low and deadly.

The man scrambled to his feet, but Andrew was already pulling out his gun. A single shot rang out, and the man crumpled to the ground, lifeless. Andrew tucked the weapon back into his coat as he turned and stalked toward the car.

Eva stood by the open car door, tears pooling in her eyes. “You’re awful,” she sniffled, climbing into the car as she slammed the door.

Andrew slipped into the driver’s seat, his jaw tight. “Dare touch what’s mine,” he muttered, more to himself than her.

Inside the car, Eva was sitting cross-legged, clutching her phone as tears streamed down her cheeks.

“What’s wrong with you now?” Andrew sighed, glancing at her with exasperation.

“I hate you!” Eva wailed, thrusting her phone toward him. The screen showed the selfie Jessica had posted, the one with her clinging to Andrew like a leech.

Andrew groaned. “Do you trust her or me?” he asked, his frustration mounting.

“I don’t trust her,” Eva murmured, her voice trembling.

“So you don’t trust me either,” he shot back.

“I do!” Eva said, her voice cracking. “But it hurts when I see you with her.”

Andrew stared at her, his irritation giving way to a pang of guilt. He was about to respond when Eva suddenly began unbuttoning her shirt.

“Eva, what are you doing?” he asked, his eyes widening in shock.

“It’s so hot!” she whined, fumbling with her buttons.

Andrew noticed her flushed cheeks and realized the alcohol was in full effect. “How much did you drink?” he asked.

“A full bottle,” she giggled, giving him a sheepish smile.

Andrew groaned inwardly. “Put your shirt back on and stop undressing in my car.”

“I don’t wanna go to your house or my apartment,” she pouted, sitting in her bra and skirt. “I wanna go to the beach.”

Andrew exhaled deeply, pinching the bridge of his nose. “Fine, the beach it is. But fasten your seatbelt, and for the love of God, stay still.”

Minutes later, Eva bolted out of the car, barefoot and still in her bra, sprinting toward the water. Andrew followed close behind, his eyes scanning the dark beach. Thankfully, there was no one else around to witness this spectacle.

Eva tripped in the sand and landed with a soft thud. “Pick me up,” she called, holding out her arms like a child.

Andrew chuckled despite himself. “Alright, my little monkey,” he said, lifting her onto his back.

She squealed with delight as he carried her, her laughter ringing out against the crashing waves. Eventually, she slid off his back and ran to the water’s edge, splashing in the shallows like a carefree child.

“You’ll catch a cold,” Andrew called, wading in after her. He grabbed her by the waist and carried her back to the sand.

They sat together, Eva nestled against Andrew’s side as he wrapped an arm around her shoulders.

“I’m mad at you,” she said suddenly, her voice small.

“Why?” Andrew asked gently.

“You said you’d come to me tonight, but you were with her,” Eva said, her tone hurt.

Andrew kissed her forehead. “Sweetheart, trust me. You are the only woman I want now and in the future.”

“I’m still mad,” she muttered, yawning as her eyelids grew heavy. Within moments, she was fast asleep against his shoulder.

Andrew sighed in defeat, scooping her up into his arms. “What will I do with you, my little troublemaker?” he murmured as he carried her back to the car.

When they arrived at Eva’s apartment, Andrew barely had time to set her down before she bolted for the bathroom. He followed, holding her hair back as she knelt over the toilet.

“Who told you to drink so much?” he scolded, patting her back.

“Shut up,” she snapped weakly, rinsing her mouth at the sink.

Once she had changed into pajamas and taken the medicine he handed her, she flopped onto her bed. “I’m sleepy,” she mumbled, her voice muffled by the pillow.

Andrew watched her fondly, his heart aching with a strange mix of love and regret. Stripping down to his boxers, he slid into bed beside her, pulling her close.

“Wait till tomorrow,” he whispered, kissing the top of her head. He held her tightly as her breathing evened out, and soon, he drifted off to sleep as well, his mind consumed by thoughts of how to win her back.