#Chapter 26: Reluctant Mercy

Lauren's POV I stood frozen in the doorway, my arms still awkwardly wrapped around Alexander as he leaned against me. His weight pressed into me, heavy and unyielding, a stark reminder of just how much trouble he was. Alright. I can’t call anyone. Someone smashed my phone. My blood began to boil. I was half tempted to drop him to the stairs on my stoop, let him sleep on the stones till morning. He deserved that and more. The jerk. Then, the memory hit me like a jolt: Alexander holding me in the elevator, his arms strong and steady, having been the last thing I saw before I blacked out. His face, streaked with concern and fear as he held me in the operating room, having come to my rescue. I owed him my life. Sort of. And now here he was, vulnerable and drunk, slumped against me like a fallen giant. I let out a frustrated sigh. “You’re impossible,” I muttered under my breath. I guess… I didn’t really have a choice. It’s not like the couch was taken, or that he could