13. Chapter 13

Chapter 13

ROMAN

N ot sure what I just did to get that reaction. We were swinging and I offered to carry her if she couldn’t make it back without falling asleep. Could’ve been the relationship part, maybe. Whatever it was, I'm going to let her relax and go to bed. If she wants to talk, I’ll listen and if she doesn’t then that’s fine too. I brushed the thoughts away for the rest of the walk home. All I could think about was taking a shower, to be honest.

We got back to the penthouse, and she plopped herself right onto the couch and patted the seat next to her. I wanted to change out of these clothes so badly, but I was afraid if I made her wait, she’d be asleep by the time I got back. I slipped my jacket off and rested it on the back of the chair, neatly. I undid the buttons on my cuffs and rolled them back before I sat down next to her and let her initiate conversation, if that’s what she wanted.

“Thank you. For everything. I never knew there was so much I needed help with until I met you.” She slurred almost every word and sounded tired on top of tipsy. This didn’t sound good coming from her, either. I wanted to take it as a compliment, but I felt like there might be more coming that I wasn’t going to like. Like me pointing out all the things about her that worried me.

I took a deep breath before reassuring her. “Honey, you’ve never needed my help. I just wanted to be there for you.” I pulled her close to let her know that she could trust me.

She looked up at me through glassy eyes with a sweet smile on her face. “Yeah, I’m a real tough ass bitch, ain’t I?” She rolled her eyes but not at me. I’m guessing this was an inner monologue.

“Alex, maybe it’s time for sleep.” I started to get up, but she put her hand on my knee to stop me.

She was adamant, “No, I have things to say, and I think you should listen.” Her lids were heavy, and she looked like she could fall asleep any second.

I felt like I needed to try and stop her, but she wasn’t having it.

“Okay, I’m all ears.”

“So, I think about spending my life with you, but I don’t want you to be miserable because I’m such a trainwreck disaster.” Her face was stoic and vacant, like she couldn’t even see me when she was saying all this. I was happy to hear she wanted to spend her life with me but thinking I could ever be miserable with her was insane. I was miserable without her. I didn’t think it would be good to answer her right now, so I let her keep talking.

She continued, “I was so happy you never gave up on me and I still think that I might run away again, but I also want you to chase me until I figure it out. I know this is really fucked up and you don’t deserve to be strung along like that but it’s how I stay motivated to do what I feel needs to be done. I don’t think you’re going to like it…” Her voice almost went up an octave when she said that, which has me worried. “...so I just want you to be prepared.” I’m totally confused now. Is she planning to do something? I don’t think she meant to say that for some reason.

I decided to try and see if she’d tell me being a little tipsy and all. “Babe, you have me at a disadvantage here. What is it that you don’t think I’m going to like? I think I’ve kept up so far. Granted this is not the kind of relationship I thought I’d ever be in, it’s not something I’m willing to give up, I can assure you that.” She smiled and shook her head.

“I can’t tell you right now. You’ll know when I do.”

I don’t know what that means. How can you plan to do something without knowing what it is? This sounds like a “too much to drink” conversation.

“Well, that makes sense.” She started laughing as she yawned. I knew we were at the end of this tete-a-tete.

“How about if we go to bed now and I make you breakfast in the morning. Then we can discuss our living situation for the next two weeks.”

She nodded her head and held her hands out for me to help her up.

I walked her into the bedroom then realized that we left her bags in the car. I got her one of my t-shirts and watched her struggle to get changed. She pushed me away when I tried to help her, so I went and took a quick shower so I could get out of these clothes.

She was fast asleep when I finished up in the bathroom. I climbed in next to her and wrapped myself around her, skimming my fingers down the length of her arm pushing her hair out of the way and softly kissing her cheek. I relaxed knowing that I had this beautiful woman with me for the next two weeks. I knew I would have to work hard to help her know she was safe with me after everything that’s happened and now being practically thrust into living with me. I love her just as much knowing all those things she just told me, though and loving her is so easy to convey. At least I now know that this is the life she wants– with me.

***

ALEX

Woah…that was a good dream for once. Relaxing by the beach with a bottle of water while reading a book. Does that mean I need another vacation already? I would love one, but I have too much to do.

I stretched my arms wide but felt emptiness beside me. I was alone in the bed and there was a bottle of water and a couple of Advil tablets on the nightstand. He knew me well. I liked that. I also remembered what I said to him last night and I took a deep breath trying to relax my mind and figure out what I was going to say if he started asking questions. But first things first this morning, and that was a shower. I rolled over and got up slowly, so my head didn’t hurt so bad, and popped a couple pills and gulped some water to wash them down.

I saw my bags by the bathroom door, grabbed them and headed in. The shower cure was just what I needed to melt the tension out of my body and give me time to think of an excuse for the things I said last night. The aroma of coffee and bacon hit me as I got out and dried off, wrapping his robe snugly around me as I was deliriously transported to the kitchen where I found a nice scene. Roman was at the kitchen island reading something on his laptop. There was coffee, bagels with cream cheese and bacon waiting for me. It was like he was reading my mind.

He looked up and said, “Good morning. I thought you could use a little something greasy to soak up the alcohol. I hear that helps.” I walked right over, ran my fingers through his hair and kissed him softly on the lips. I hope that distracted him from last night's conversation.

“You have no idea how much this helps.” He wrapped his arms around me and nuzzled his face into my neck. I heard him let out a big sigh that sounded a bit frustrated.

He gazed into my eyes and hesitantly said, “I’m glad.” It seemed like he wanted to say something else, but he refrained for some reason. I sat down next to him, and we ate breakfast with a slow mellow assortment of classical music playing in the background.

“So, is there anything you want to do today?” He muttered as he went back to reading the news on his computer.

“Well, I have training from 5:00-6:30 tonight and then we’re still going clubbing, remember?” I knew he hated the idea, and I rolled my lips trying not to smile waiting for him to groan his protest.

He rolled his eyes then put his head back and said, “I was trying to forget.” Then he grabbed me firmly around the waist, “I’m just kidding. But now we all go together, right? I'd also like to go watch you train today.”

“Who’s all? I thought it was just the two of us?” I wiggled out of his grip to look him in the eye .

“Ahh, yes. So, you heard last night that Harrison and Amelia are a thing, right?” I nodded curiously. “Well, they graciously accepted my invite to the club yesterday before all hell broke loose.”

“Ok, so you want to go clubbing and watch me train? Is that what I’m hearing?” I smirked because I know he doesn’t really want to do either.

“Should I be worried about either of them?” He already sounded worried.

“What would worry you about those two things?” I rubbed his arm trying to make him feel a little more secure. I really didn’t want him to worry. There shouldn’t be anything to worry about with either one of those things that I could think of.

“I don’t know, like when you’re training, are you just being taught or is someone fighting with you?”

Oh, I’m starting to get it now.

As honestly as I could, without giving too much detail, I said, “Bruce is teaching me and he’s not just in there to direct me.”

He had that worried look on his face again because Bruce is my friend and my trainer, but he’s also a six foot five, almost 300 pound former MMA fighter.

“Is he the one you’re getting the bruises from?” He was cringing now as he groaned. Not all of them, no. I thought as I grinned.

“Sometimes I spar with the other fighters. No one fights me for real because they could probably kill me but they’re tough on me. They all know why I’m doing it and are very supportive in helping me train.”

He let out another breath and said, “I’d better just sit there with my mouth shut then, huh? Could you refrain from saying they could kill you though?”

I couldn’t help smiling even though I knew this was rough on him. He shifted around uncomfortably in his seat before he continued, “I guess at the club I probably wouldn’t like it if I saw you dancing with another guy. I should say, with someone I don’t know.”

I didn’t want anyone but him touching me on that dance floor.

“Then you better dance with me all night.” I bit my bottom lip as I thought about being pressed up against Roman on that crowded hot dance floor and a pool started to form between my legs. His eyes got darker.

He looked at me and said, “You know I can feel you when you look at me like that?”

“I’d like to go see my dad today. I haven’t told him what’s going on yet and I’d rather do it in person.” I changed the subject before things got too heated. I don’t know if I’m ready for that yet.

“Do you want me to go with you?” he asked cautiously.

“I really do. Safety in numbers kind of thing. Can we visit the girls today too? I want to see the kids. I’ve been a bad aunt.” I missed everyone so much in the past month.

“Are we going to have enough time for all that?”

“If we get moving soon we will.”

Back in the room I rifled through my bag taking out some black leggings, a white tee shirt with a thin gray sweater over it and some white tennis shoes. I packed a bag for the gym in case we didn’t have enough time to come back before then. I went back out to the kitchen and called dad to let him know we’d be coming over. Then I called Maggie and Abby on three-way.

“Hey Jerkface, what’s up?” Music to my ears.

Abby said, “Girl, you good?”

“All’s good. I’m just in the mood for a visit. I’m heading to my dad’s in a few, then I wanted to see all of you and the kids.” It seemed like the only time we talked, the shit had hit the fan, so it’s nice to be able to say things are good and mean it.

They both got excited, and Maggie asked, “Are you coming by yourself?”

“No, Roman’s coming. He’s going to be my bodyguard for a couple of weeks so I’m just going to drag his ass around.”

Abby practically swooned when she said, “Yeah well, that’s an ass worth dragging around for sure.” Abby was not shy about how she felt about Roman. Ha .

“So, do we have juicy info for brunch then? Or does he have to come with you?” Maggie inquired.

“He will not be coming to brunch, no way, I’ve got things to talk about.” I poured a cup of coffee and put a bagel in the toaster.

“Oh, hell yeah. I need some serious gossip.” Abby sounded like one of those Housewives of wherever. She loved those shows and loved all the gossip. She used to have watch parties for them when we were in school.

I laughed. “I’ll call you when we leave my dad.” The girls were exactly what I needed right now.

I took a sip of coffee. It was delicious. I grabbed the coffee bag from the pantry and checked the label. Hmm, Colombian dark roast . I heated up the bacon and spread some cream cheese on a bagel. It was just what the doctor ordered. I felt like I was starving. He was so right about the bacon. This grease was the absolute golden ticket for this hangover bullshit.

He came out dressed in jeans and a black tee shirt that hugged him to perfection. He looked so freaking hot and here I was shoveling bacon in my face. He walked over and reached out to wipe a little bit of cream cheese off the corner of my mouth. I almost licked him.

“Good lord, we really need to get out of this house today, quick.” He laughed and kissed me then grabbed a bottle of water from the fridge and picked up his keys .

“Ready.” He said as he held the keys up and spun them on his finger.

“Let me clean this up first.” I can’t stand leaving dirty dishes in the sink and food out, so I cleaned up the kitchen and we went to see my dad.

Dad was out in the front yard with Sadie when we pulled in. Sadie came running over and I pet her head and gave dad a hug. I loved this dog so much. She couldn’t play like she used to, so I had to be careful with her.

He shook Roman’s hand. “This is a nice surprise. I was worried about the two of you.”. Roman and I glanced at each other and smiled then followed dad into the house. When we told him what was going on, he was freaked out at first and then he was glad that I was staying with Roman. I knew my dad liked Roman but didn’t realize he was worried about us not being together. Geez, does no one think I can take care of myself?

“Sorry I haven’t been to visit. I’ve been having a hard time with mom’s death.” It was hard to even say the words and being in the house was still an issue for me.

“I know what you mean sweetheart.” Dad seemed to be doing better since mom’s accident too. He said the boys came over and helped him clean up the house.

“I wanted to let you know I’m going back to work. Not working just leaves too much time to think about what I don’t have anymore, and it’s been useless.”

“I think that’s a good idea. Now don’t be a stranger.” I hugged dad and we left for Maggie’s.

As we were pulling into the driveway Abby was walking down the street with Jack and Jax .

When I got out of the car Jax screamed “Aunt Ali!!!” as he came running down the sidewalk. He jumped right into my arms and gave me a big hug.

He squeaked out, “Where you been?” He had the sweetest little person's voice.

“Resting, so I have enough energy to play with you.” I hugged him and my eyes closed as the joy filled my heart.

“I want sleep at you house.” I hated that I canceled their sleepover, but I’m going to reschedule that.

“That’s what I want too buddy. We’ll talk to mommy and daddy about it, okay?” I assured him and he shook his head excitedly while playing with my hair like he always did.

“Hey girl, looks like your buddy still remembers the sleepover.” Abby said as she shrugged her shoulders.

I nodded my agreement and absentmindedly rubbed Abby’s baby bump but this time she didn’t push my hand away. “He sure does, doesn’t he? Maybe we can still have it at Roman’s place. More than enough room in there.” I glanced back at Roman who was smiling at me.

Jack and Roman walked behind us up to Maggie’s front door then Abby opened the door, and we walked right in.

Abby yelled, “Is everyone decent?” The kids came screaming and running down the hallway and Jax squirmed his way out of my arms to greet his friends. I got hugs from Sophia Grace and Cameron. Jax told them we were still having a sleepover. Lots more excited screaming now.

Maggie and Matt were chasing behind them looking frazzled as she yelled, “You need to finish your lunch.” Oh my God, this is so funny to watch. Chaos at its finest. My heart was full as I absorbed the occupants of this house knowing I was surrounded by the people I love.

Maggie stammered, “Hey you all, can you round up the troops so they can finish eating?” I grabbed all the kiddos by the hands and walked them back into the kitchen. I sat the three of them at the counter to eat lunch. I made a plate for Jax too.

***

ROMAN

It was sweet to see how the kids interacted with Alex. They really loved her and loved spending time with her. I was going to talk to the guys and see if they were comfortable with the kids having their sleepover at my penthouse with the both of us, after, to get to know them a little more. I didn’t want them to have to wait longer than they already had, to have a sleepover with their “Aunt Ali.” She was so good with the kids. I wondered if she was sad that she didn’t have her own. That’s probably a conversation for a later date.

While the girls were inside getting the kids fed, Matt, Jack and I went outside to talk about the case.

“How’s Alex doing?” Matt asked with a genuine look of concern on his face.

I cringed when I recalled last night’s events. “She had a session with my mom yesterday and honestly, it scared the crap out of me. I thought she had a total breakdown, but it was a good thing, she said. She seems better, if that’s possible, after what I saw.”

“What happened?” Jack’s curious question was also apparent in Matt’s expression too. A tidal wave of emotion is what happened. Is the only way I can summarize it .

“She was holding everything in. You know how she gets that weird eerie calm? Well, I think she snapped when we got to my parents’ house, and it all came out. I thought you should know about this whether she tells you or not, because it was intense. She’s relaxed now though. It was something she needed to get out.”

Matt agreed, “I’m sure getting it out of her system like that will be good for her as far as the case goes too. Did the DA get in touch with you about the deposition?” He had his arms crossed over his chest with one hand resting under his chin inquisitively.

“He did. As soon as I find out when Alex has time this week we’re going to go over together and get them both done. Have either of you heard any news about Tanner?” I looked toward Jack to see if he might be willing to give me a little info since Alex was staying at my place now. If they know something about him, then it would be a good idea if I were informed also.

Jack responded quietly leaning in a little closer to the both of us. “His attorney is really trying to spin this, so we need Alex to remain calm during the hearing. I know she can do it, but I just worry that she’s going to get defensive when she’s questioned by his lawyer.”

Yeah, she does do that. Snarky as hell sometimes.

“She said something weird to me last night, but in all fairness, she had a bit to drink. She said that she was planning to do something she didn’t think I would like but she wasn’t sure what it would be yet.”

The look of confusion on Matt’s face mimicked my own. “Well, let’s just chalk it up to drunk speech for now. She hasn’t said anything to either of us about plans to do anything.” He looked over to Jack to see if she had told him anything different and he shook his head and shrugged. That was good to hear, but I was still worried that there was more to what she was saying than any of us really knew .

When the girls came out with the kids, all three of them were clinging to Alex. She was like a magnet. Even when she sat down, the three of them all sat with her.

It made me smile. I didn’t notice Abby walk up as I stared at Alex with her godchildren.

“So, Roman, have you thought about having kids?”

Alex’s face almost went white, but there was a little curiosity mixed with that surprise as she looked at me with her eyebrows raised. I heard the question, but I never took my eyes off of her.

“I hope to have children in the future, yes.” I said as I winked at Alex and changed the subject, directing my attention back to Abby, watching the relief wash over Alex’s face. “Abby, speaking of children, how are you and baby number two doing?”

She laughed and said, “I’m getting fat and I'm almost always hungry.”

I don’t care how pregnant a woman is, you never agree they’re fat. “You look great if you don’t mind me saying.” She blushed a bright pink.

“There’s that damn superpower coming out again.”

The guys just looked at each other while the girls laughed. I shrugged and threw my hands up like I had no idea what they were talking about.

We had lunch on the patio around two and hung out until it was time to take Alex to training. She told me she brought clothes with her to change into, so she ran inside the house and changed into her fight clothes, as she called them.

When she came out all she really had on was a pair of super tight, short black spandex shorts, a black sports bra and a lightweight zip front jacket. She was wearing flip flops now and I wasn’t sure what that meant .

When she saw me staring at her feet she said as she wiggled her toes, “I fight barefoot.” Oh. That explains that. That sounded painful, though.

We said goodbye to everyone out in the driveway because the kids followed us out there and Abby and Maggie said they would get with Alex to schedule a sleepover for the kids or just a playdate if a sleepover wasn’t possible right now.

We only had one more weekend before the court hearing and I didn’t know if Alex would be up for a kiddy sleepover right before that. It seemed like this visit was exactly what she needed today. She was happy and had a permanent smile on her face.

“Something you want to share?”

“Don’t those kids just make you so happy? They radiate so much joy and I feel so good around them.” She was beaming.

“You’re definitely more at ease around the kids than anyone else.” I reached over and held her hand and picked it up, placing a light kiss on her knuckles. Thought I’d kiss them now before they’re battered and bruised again.

She had a look of wonder on her face when she said, “They’re so carefree, not a worry in the world and nothing bothers them. It’s amazing.” When we pulled into the parking lot, she was getting ready to jump out of the car, but I put my hand on her arm. I couldn’t stop thinking about last night and what she said.

“Hold on just a minute before you go run in there. I’m a little concerned about what you said last night.”

“What did I say last night?” I didn’t know if she didn’t remember or if she was patronizing me right now.

“Well, that you’re planning to do something that I might not like.” I paid attention to her eyes to maybe see if she was hiding something from me .

She stopped smiling for a second. It looked like she was thinking. Maybe it was just a drunken speech after all. “Hmmm, I’m not sure what that might be. Could be any number of things, I guess. Like what I’m about to do in here today. I’m good at worrying you. I wouldn’t try to analyze it too much; it was probably just the alcohol talking. I say some weird stuff when I’ve been drinking and last night was one hell of a night.” I agreed.

.