Jaxon guided Lena toward the front of the house, weaving through the crowd as the pulsing music pounded in the background. She kept her head down, her fingers gripping his sleeve like she needed somethingâsomeoneâto keep her grounded.
Just as they neared the exit, Ethan saw them.
At first, he wasn't going to say anything. He had spent most of the night trying to keep his distance, but then he really looked at her. The red-rimmed eyes, the way her face was too pale, how she was holding onto Jaxon like she might collapse if she let go.
His stomach dropped.
"Lena?" Ethan called, his brows pulling together in concern as he took a step toward them.
She tensed beside Jaxon but didn't stop moving. Didn't look at Ethan. Just kept walking.
That only made Ethan move faster. He reached them just as they stepped outside, his hand coming up, but he didn't touch her. "What happened?"
Jaxon, standing slightly in front of her, clenched his jaw. "Not now, Ethan."
"Not now?" Ethan repeated, frustration flashing across his face. "She looks like she's been crying. Hell, she looks like she's about to pass out. You really think I'm just going to let her leave without knowing what's going on?"
Lena finally looked up. Her throat tightened, emotions still raw, but she forced herself to speak. "Ethan, I justâ" She swallowed. "I just want to go home."
Ethan's gaze flickered between her and Jaxon, hesitation clouding his features. He exhaled sharply, running a hand through his hair. "Then let me drive you."
Jaxon stiffened, his grip on Lena's arm tightening slightly. "No way. If she's leaving, I'm coming with."
Ethan's jaw clenched. "Jaxonâ"
"No," Jaxon cut him off, his voice low and tense. "You weren't there, Ethan. You didn't see what was happening. I'm not letting her leave with anyone unless I'm there too."
Ethan looked like he was about to snap back, but then his gaze flickered to Lena. She was exhausted, barely holding herself together. His shoulders dropped slightly, the fight leaving him just a little.
Lena took a slow breath, then whispered, "Please, both of you. Just take me home."
Ethan let out an exhale, then shrugged. "Fine. If you want to come, you drive. I'm sitting in the back with her."
Jaxon's lips pressed together, but he didn't argue. If Ethan was finally stepping up, if he was trying to fix things, maybe that was what Lena needed too.
Ethan gave her a softer look. "Come on, let's go."
And just like that, something between them shifted.