“How’s the situation down there? Do you want us to send someone down?”
Eric went rigid.
Couldn’t they have picked a worse moment?
“Mr. Scott!” This time Xander’s voice echoed through the shaft.
“Miss Pearson! Are you both safe? Should I have a bodyguard drop in?”
“No need!” Eric shouted back, irritation slipping through. He immediately softened when facing Hadley again.
“How are you feeling? Think you can move now?”
Hadley tested her weight cautiously. The tingling had lessened.
“Yes, I think I can.”
“Good.” Eric let her go and shifted position.
“Let’s get you out of here.”
He crouched low, turning his back to her and giving his shoulders a firm pat.
“Climb onto me. Sit on my shoulders.”
Her hesitation made him add, “Like how Joy rides on my neck—got it?”
With his tall frame, he could raise her high enough for Xander to pull her up.
Hadley stared at him, still trying to process.
When she didn’t budge, he craned his neck toward her.
“Don’t freeze on me now! This elevator could give out again at any second. We need to move!”
“Oh—yes.” Shaking herself from the daze, Hadley did as told, swinging onto his shoulders.
Eric steadied her legs with a grin.
“Hold tight. Keep yourself balanced.”
“Alright.” Her voice came muffled as she looped her arms around his head.
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“I’m steady.”
“Up you go!”
“Ah—!” The sudden lift startled Hadley, and she clutched his head even tighter.
Eric froze for a moment, then let out a quiet laugh.
“You’re blocking my eyes.”
“What?” Hadley glanced down and quickly loosened her hold.
“Oh—sorry!”
A low chuckle rumbled from Eric.
“Don’t worry. I didn’t expect you to be jumpier than Joy.”
“Don’t tease me!” she burst out, flustered, slapping a hand across his mouth.
“You think this is funny?”
Eric’s shoulders quivered, muffling his amusement as he shook his head.
“Miss Pearson!” Xander’s call carried down the shaft.
“Reach for me! I’ll pull you up!”
“Alright!” Hadley immediately looked upward, stretching out her hands.
“I’ve got you!”
“Stay calm!” Eric shouted, his grip steady around her.
“I won’t let you slip—you’re safe!”
.
.
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