"I can go back on my own." Sylvia thought she could just hail a taxi outside and go home.
She was not a child anymore, and there was no need for Kendrix to send her back.
Furthermore, he had alcohol in his system; he would be driving under the influence, which was illegal.
That would be even worse. She might as well hail a taxi home, worry-free.
Plus, Sylvia thought she had grown up, so she had to consider Kendrix's safety as well as empathize with him.
She considered herself to be thoughtful, determined to be a girlfriend Kendrix needn't worry. She also thought she was at least sensible rather than immature.
To her surprise, Kendrix disagreed.
He said, "It's too late. It's not safe for you to take a taxi back."
Of course, Kendrix had his worries. This wasn't just any other day.
It was New Year's.
The girl snuck out on her own at such a late night when everyone was celebrating. Certainly, there would not be many vehicles on the streets. Additionally, she was such an arresting sight. How could he let her be alone on the streets at night? Things would go south if something happened to her.
Being a policeman himself, he had his fair share of witnessing many stooping to crimes spontaneously at night. Some crimes were not committed with premeditation but on the spur of the moment.
As beautiful as her, Sylvia had to have company at night.
So, there was no way he would agree to her idea.
"You can't come out alone next time. No matter where you're going, you must let your chauffeur follow you." Kendrix said sternly, "Got it?"
"Got it." Sylvia felt a little aggrieved. "I've already grown up. Can you not lecture me like I'm still a child? It's embarrassing."
"I'm not lecturing you." Kendrix changed his tone into a softer one. It was gentle yet husky. "I just want to remind you of the potential dangers out there. You've no idea how evil some people can be. My requirements, and your parents' requirements, have all been set up to protect you." "I'm aware of it." Sylvia nodded and did not argue with him, surprisingly.
"Let's go. I'll take you home." Kendrix took his coat and was ready to go out.
"But, you drank!" Sylvia reminded him, "I've promised you not to sneak out next time, but you can't drive under the influence either."
Hearing that, Kendrix smiled as he replied, "You're right, but I'm not driving. I'll take a taxi with you."
"Oh."
Stumped, Sylvia couldn't believe this was a possibility.
That said, she was enraptured by the thought of her man taking the initiative to send her home.
He actually cared so much about her. Sure enough, he was not as defensive as before after they've gone steady.
Although he made a pact with her, he still cared about her.
He was fulfilling his responsibility and duty as a boyfriend to take his girlfriend home.
With that thought in mind, a grin hung across her face, revealing her pearly- white teeth, which gleamed under the light.
"It feels weird for you to treat me like this." Sylvia said, giggling, "Can you give me a pinch so that I know I'm not dreaming?"
Looking at her, Kendrix moved his lips and let out a sigh before ruffling her hair. "You really are a silly girl."
Sylvia gawked at him, her eyes as clear as a spring lake that people could easily see the bottom of.
"Am I?" Sylvia pouted again, and her lips were marked with a moist luster. "But you have a thing for silly girls, no?"
Stumped, Kendrix let out a chuckle.
It was so dazzling that Sylvia was mesmerized.
He was such a sight for sore eyes that even outshone women's beauty.
"Mr. Trevino, you're so good-looking."
Frowning, Kendrix cleared his throat and said, "Don't call me that in private."
'Mr. Trevino'; what a vexing address to hear.
It only served to remind him that he had to keep in line because he was her teacher.
Sylvia did not get it. "What should I call you then? Not by your name, no?"
Kendrix nodded. "Kendrix will do."
"Kendrix," the girl called out and beamed at him with delight. The word trickled out of her lips, and her voice just as pleasant.
Alarmed, Kendrix lowered his gaze to avoid the girl's eye-catching expression.
"Kendrix, Kendrix," Sylvia called his name repeatedly like a mischievous child. "Kendrix, Kendrix, Kendrix is mine."
Stumped, Kendrix swept his eyes to her again with a smile. "You really are a silly one."
"It isn't all that bad to be silly; I just can't help calling your name." She was feeling exhilarated, no way she'd be upset by his remark.
"C'mon, I'll send you home," he said.
He was already putting on his coat, ready to head out.
But Sylvia went to him and wrapped her arms around his waist from behind like a soft kitten, resting her head on his back, nuzzling it.
Kendrix's back stiffened slightly, and his breathing grew heavy, but since Sylvia was behind him, she did not notice it.
"Can I stay?" She whispered, "Just this once. I want to stay longer."
Because she knew they had to abide by the pact starting from the next day.
She had a feeling though they had gone steady, he would not behave as expressively when he sobered up the next day.
The drunkenness probably galvanized him into kissing and cuddling her.
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