Alex helped Lokie into the passenger seat, one arm wrapped tight around her waist to keep her steady. Lokie swayed hard, her forehead nearly clipping the top of the doorframe. Alex yanked her back just in time, fingers pressing into Lokie’s shoulder.
“Easy,” Alex whispered, voice low and rough. “Get a grip, Lokie.”
Lokie mumbled something incoherent, her body heavy and uncoordinated. Alex eased her down, buckling the seatbelt across her chest with careful hands. The strap clicked into place. She shut the door softly, then jogged around to the driver’s side and slid in.
The car smelled like spilled liquor and faint perfume. Lokie slumped against the window, eyes half-closed, breath fogging the glass in uneven bursts. Alex watched her for a second, jaw tight. She’d never seen Lokie like t
