I Swear I Still Hate Him (Atlas Lawson) novel Chapter 77

Chapter 77

Chapter 77

Emery’s POV

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Ford and Sam had somehow convinced Howard to play limbo, dragged him away, hooting and laughing while someone lit up another beer-fueled dare. Meanwhile, Jazz had vanished with the guy she’d been flirting with all night. Guess those condoms did come in handy. I snorted to myself. Good for her. Hope she was somewhere being worshipped.

Me?

I just needed to breathe.

My head was fuzzy. My chest tighter than it should be. I crossed my arms, rubbing my bare shoulders as I walked further away from the firelight, from the noise, the music, the clinking red cups. The cool wind whispered against my skin, biting slightly. I regretted not grabbing Atlas’s hoodie.

Maybe I didn’t want it.

Didn’t want his scent all over me. Didn’t want the soft fabric to mess with my already-blurred mind. I knew myself too well, I’d probably wrap it around me and blurt out those three cursed words I was so terrified of admitting.

“I love you.”

God. Just thinking it made my throat close.

I sighed and looked up, and that’s when I saw him.

Atlas.

Of course. Of course it was him.

My lips twitched without permission. A smile bloomed as I walked up to him, feet dragging lazily through the sand.

“Atl-assss,” I drawled, wobbling a bit as I reached him.

He caught me instantly, hands on my arms, holding me steady. His touch was firm, warm. Too warm.

“Woah,” he said, one brow raised in that amused Atlas way.

I beamed up at him, drunk and not caring. “Are you stalking me?”

He laughed, his thumb brushing against my arm lightly. “Are you drunk?”

I tilted my head, pretending to think. “Maybe. I thought I was tipsy. But I guess I’m…tipsier?”

I giggled at my own words, then rubbed my temple. “Anyway, I needed to sober up, so I went for a walk.”

Chapter 77

He smiled softly, that sweet, crooked kind of smile that made my knees weak.

“What about you?” I asked, my voice smaller now.

“I was actually looking for you.”

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My heart tripped. “M…me?”

He nodded. “Hands up.”

“W-what?” I blinked.

He didn’t answer. Just held something up.

His hoodie.

Oh.

He helped me into it gently, pulling it over my head like I was made of glass. His hands brushed my waist as he straightened the hem. Goosebumps spread across my arms that had nothing to do with the cold.

“There. Figured you’d be freezing.”

I swallowed. Hard. My heart pounded like it was trying to escape my chest.

He was out here… looking for me. Because he thought I’d be cold.

My hands flew to my cheeks as I gave myself a light slap. “Get it together,” I mumbled under my breath.

Then I smiled…wide and wild, and yanked off my shoes before sprinting toward the edge of the water.

The cold waves splashed against my feet, numbing and thrilling. I twirled, giggling, arms outstretched, hoodie too big and swinging with every spin.

“Hey, Emery…” Atlas called behind me.

I didn’t look. “It’s fine. I just want to feel the water!”

When I finally turned around, my smile was still there, this one quieter, softer. My arm extended toward him, hand open, palm up.

A silent invitation.

One I never would’ve done sober.

But tonight? I was tipsy. Bold. Barefoot and a little in love.

He paused, just for a beat, and then smiled that heart-wrecking smile as he kicked off his shoes and stepped into the water with me.

The ocean lapped around our ankles. The moonlight kissed the waves. His fingers found mine. And suddenly,

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Chapter 77

the whole world went quiet.

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“I never knew you could dance without music,” he said, voice low, playful. His hand tightened gently around mine, guiding us across the wet sand.

I smiled, a small curve tugging at my lips. “Who said we don’t have any music?”

He tilted his head, curious.

“Close your eyes,” I whispered, pressing my palm against his chest. “You can hear it.”

His brows drew together, then he obeyed, lashes fluttering closed.

“The ocean.”

And I closed mine too, resting my head just over his heartbeat. Steady. Warm. Familiar.

God, I could stay here forever.

We swayed slowly, bare feet brushing against the cool water. The breeze swept my hair across my face, but I didn’t care. His arms were around me. The world was quiet. Peaceful. Dangerous.

He twirled me without warning.

A surprised laugh escaped my lips, light and breathless, the kind that made my chest ache. When I came back around, he dipped me low-eyes locked on mine—then pulled me gently back up, and suddenly… we were too close.

Too close.

My breath caught in my throat. His lips were inches away, eyes burning into me like I was something precious. Like he saw everything.

His chest rose and fell against mine.

And under the moonlight, he looked so heartbreakingly beautiful I wanted to scream.

“This isn’t fair,” I whispered.

His brow creased slightly. “What isn’t?”

“You… this…” My hands trembled as I gestured between us. “It’s just not fair.”

Before he could speak, I stepped back, tearing myself away from his arms like it physically hurt. My feet moved faster than my heart could keep up, splashing through the water until I found dry sand again. I dropped down, knees hugged tight to my chest, staring out at the bonfire in the distance like it could offer

answers.

I didn’t hear him follow. I felt it.

Atlas sank down beside me without a word. Close. Warm. But not touching. And for a second, I wanted to cry.

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Chapter 77

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He didn’t press me. He just sat there.

Silent… Until

“You ever seen a white peacock?” I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.

Atlas’s brow furrowed, like he’s not sure where I’m going with this.

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“They’re rare… stunning… and almost impossible to keep. Most people just stand back and stare, knowing it’ll never be theirs.”

The silence between us grows heavy, thick with unsaid words.

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