15. Chapter 15

Chapter 15

ALEX

H oly shit he looks hot in all black .

Roman said he wasn’t leaving my side tonight, but truthfully, I’m not leaving his.

When Harrison and Amelia got here, I felt better having another girl around.She looked amazing. She was wearing a tight blue dress with spiky silver heels. She was even freaking taller now, if that was possible. Harrison had on a blue button-down shirt and black pants, almost like they were trying to match. I thought it looked cute, and my mind wandered to dressing for holiday pictures. It didn’t freak me out nearly as much as I thought it would. We had a drink before we headed down to the car. Amelia and I chatted off to the side.

She asked just above a whisper, “How’re things? Are you good with this arrangement for a couple of weeks?”

“I think I am. We’ve figured some things out. I mean this is not the ideal situation, but Ican think of worse.” We both turned, looking in the direction of the men.

Roman caught us staring and said, "Is there something we should know over there?” Weshook our heads and giggled.

“Amelia, I’ve been to this club before. I used to go a lot until my divorce then I just didn’t want to be anywhere my ex hung out. I’m warning you, because I haven’t told Roman this, but my ex still hangs out there and he’s been making noise about us getting back together. It’s a definite no from me, but he’s not one to take no for an answer.I need to know if Roman would actually get into a fight if provoked.” I was biting my lip wondering if we shouldn’t call this night off.

“He asked Harrison and me to go so he doesn’t get into a fight.” She smiled and gave me a quick hug.

Well, there you have it, Roman King, Mr. Responsible.

“Good to know, because my ex is a real dick and would start a fight just for fun over me.” I sipped my wine and thought seriously about not going– looking anxiously toward Roman as I did.

“Thank you for that insight. Do you mind if I say something to Harrison so he can tell Roman? That way you don’t have to have that conversation?” She held my hand as she asked. I didn’t know if the conversation was even necessary, but it couldn’t hurt as a heads up.

“Sure.” When I start to think something is truly a bad idea, I’m usually right .

In the car on the ride there we had another drink, and I texted the group from my office to let them know where to go and that we’d meet them there. The line outside was already wrapped around the building. I was feeling anxious, maybe because I was still a little paranoid about Tanner being out and what happened to me the last time I was in a crowded establishment, but also because I could potentially run into Luke.

Roman put his arm around me like he knew exactly how I was feeling right now.This time, however, everyone was here keeping an eye on me, and I wasn’t going to drink anything I didn’t pour myself or watch being poured. I wasn’t going to take my eyes off my glass all night.

I felt like I had bodyguards with me walking into the club and a twinge of embarrassment went with it. Roman was leading and Harrison was following right behind Amelia. She had one hand on my shoulder and Roman was holding my hand being very protective.

Amelia whispered in my ear, “You’re safe with us, okay?”

“I know.” I guess she could feel me shaking. I hadn’t been around this many people since that night. I didn’t think it would have this effect on me. I’ve never had an issue like this before and it seems to be getting to me now. Is this what PTSD is like?

When we got to the VIP area, I was shocked and surprised, in a good way to see everyone that showed up. Not only were my friends from the real estate office there. but so was Maggie, Abby and their husbands. I don’t know how everyone managed this, but it was definitely going to be a good night.A wave of relief fell over me as I hugged everyone. Then Roman pulled me in close.

“You said safety in numbers, so I figured you wouldn’t mind this crowd.”The overwhelming emotion almost brought tears to my eyes .

“Thank you, this is amazing.” I squeezed his hand and dropped my forehead to his chest, letting out the breath I was holding on the way in. Now I can relax.

The waitress opened a few bottles of champagne and poured us all a glass except for Abby— who was drinking water— and Maggie got everyone’s attention by tapping on the side of her glass. “I’d like to celebrate being out and away from the kids tonight, first.” We all laughed and clinked glasses together. “But I would also like to let Alex know that this is her tribe, and she is never alone. We’re all here to support her in the coming weeks.”

Now why did she have to do that? I’m going to have makeup all down my face.

To hold the tears in I threw back that glass of champagne and said, “Thanks for that Mags, you Jerk!” Everyone laughed and we tapped each other’s glasses again.

Abby and Maggie grabbed my hand and yelled, “Come on girls, we're going to take advantage of this night out.” All the girls went out to the dance floor while the guys stayed back at the table for a bit talking and drinking.

***

ROMAN

Before we got in the car Harrison pulled me aside looking a bit irritated. “Hey, just a heads-up, Amelia said Alex told her this is a place her ex-husband hangs out in, and he likes to start shit.”

Great.

“Of course he does. Hopefully he doesn’t get a chance to get near her tonight if he’s there. Apparently, he texted her the other day that he wanted to talk. For some reason she thought he was stalking her, but she wouldn’t elaborate as to why.”

“What? Has she talked to him? Has he done something? Do we need to be worried about this guy?” Harrison seemed more defensive than me about it.

“Don’t know. As much as I wanted to know, I left it alone.She hasn’t brought it up again.” I’m not really into that kind of drama and definitely don’t want to worry about things that are non-issues.“We have enough real issues to deal with as it is, don’t you think?” and I’m really in the mood to kick that guy's ass and that’s not a good thing.

“Ok, well he’s not gonna start shit tonight and if he does, I’ve got your back bro.” I slapped him on the back, and we got in the car. I hope he’s right.

Once inside, the drinks were poured and I put my arm around Alex. I could feel her anxiety radiating off her skin, so I held her close as much as I could to let her know I had her. I hoped that my surprise for her was going to be enough to help her calm down because I don’t think I’m helping at all. I invited the Stevens and the Fletchers to join us. The more people there to support her and help me keep an eye on her the better. I doubt she’s ready to be in a place like this yet, but it's too late now.

Harrison and I had discussed earlier that we wouldn’t let Alex out of our sight tonight. She wasn’t to go anywhere alone or talk to strangers. She did that eye roll thing again then laughed. I think the alcohol was already getting to her a bit and it rattled my nerves thinking of her getting taken advantage of while she’s inebriated. She was drinking a little faster than normal due to nerves I imagine. Amelia assured me that she’d make sure she was dancing more than drinking tonight. Hopefully she’d sweat some of it out on the dance floor.

We skipped the lines as Harrison and Amelia shook the doorman's hand. They held VIP status in this place, apparently. We headed up to the VIP area on the second floor. We’d have a good view of the entire place up there and it was private so you couldn’t go up unless you were invited.

It was uncomfortably crowded but being tall had its perks. I could see over most of the crowd.

I gave her hand a squeeze to let her know that I was still there and to let me know she was still there.

The shocked but excited look on her face when we arrived at the table was just what I was hoping for. I squeezed her close to my body more for my own mental health and whispered in her ear that there was safety in numbers, just as she liked it. Now for more drinking. I wasn’t sure I should have any more myself to remain in as much control as I could in this place. I hope they go dancing soon, I thought as she quickly swallowed her glass of champagne.

In the VIP lounge I met Alex’s work friends, Ryan and Landon. I already knew Owen, who was part of the investment group I worked with. He was seeing Shay, who was out on the dancefloor with the rest of the girls. They were nice guys and good friends to her.They didn’t give me any vibes I needed to be worried about.

Matt and Jack talked to me about the case a little before we changed the subject and talked about the kids coming over to the penthouse to spend the day or a sleepover. They told me they felt comfortable with me around their kids. It was a good distraction from worrying about Alex.

“How about next Friday? They can sleepover and then spend the day with us Saturday. We can bring them back early evening.” They both agreed and I put it into the calendar on my phone and sent the invite to Alex.

We must’ve looked like a wall of protective men as we leaned over the balcony, keeping an eye on the girl. They were dancing together in the middle of the dance floor. I looked in all directions to see if anything looked out of place and so far, nothing. No one was bothering them, and they looked like they were having fun. This is probably the best thing for her, to be with friends and face her fears like that, even if it meant facing mine as well. Then the men decided it was time to interrupt girl time. I definitely needed to touch Alex and have her close to me. I worried the protective side of me was going to come out and cause issues for us.It already reared its ugly head early on when she started going on those trips to Burrow Township, but I was able to control it somewhat and reign it in since we weren’t even dating then. I don’t know how I’m going to do it with all that she’s gone through and all the things that she will go through here soon with court. I gripped the railing tight and bowed my head to muster the strength to do this and remain composed.

***

ALEX

Damn it’s so loud and hot out here but being with all my girlfriends is such a blast. I looked around nervously. I felt paranoid not being able to see over the crowd of people on the dance floor. My breathing felt a little labored even with all the dancing. Thank God there was no sign of Luke, yet, so that was fortunate, hopefully he’s not here tonight.I peered up at the VIP balcony and the guys were looking down at us. I could feel Roman staring at me even if I couldn’t see him– damn that felt good. I’m glad my head has come to terms with my heart where he’s concerned .

Oh no, where’d they go?

I only looked away for a second. I scanned the room frantically but I’m too damn short. Maybe they’ve sat back down. About thirty seconds later, there were hands on my hips and lips on my neck, feeling his warm breath as he hummed into my ear, “MMMM.” That was magic. I reached my arms back to hold his solid body tightly to mine. I hope he didn’t mind all the sweat.

Maggie yelled over the loud techno beats, “Get a room!”

I winked at her, and she giggled when Matt came up behind her, doing the same thing– eliciting the same reaction.

We stayed out on the floor for what seemed like forever. I loved dancing with Roman. His hands on my hips and our bodies swaying perfectly in time with the music that was thumping so loud you could feel it. We fit together on the dance floor as well as we did in the bedroom. After a while it felt like just the two of us out there.

I could stay like this forever.

Finally, the heat won out and we left the dance floor for some libations.

As much as the drinks were free flowing, I didn’t feel like drinking too much tonight and I already had a decent buzz going. I was still a little uneasy about my surroundings even though I was completely safe in this group. The only thing they didn’t have in the VIP section was a bathroom.That’s too bad because I had to pee.

“So, how’s it going for you so far? You feeling good??” He had his arms wrapped around my waist and his hands firmly placed on my thighs, probably trying to assess how tight these pants really were. I had my arms wrapped around the back of his neck.

“I’m good, just trying not to have to use the restroom till the last minute.How the hell am I supposed to get these on and off?” He shrugged and shook his head.

“No idea babe, but I’d be happy to help.” He gave me a sexy wink and a quick squeeze of my behind. I leaned in and kissed him, thinking we might have to say goodnight soon, but first I needed to use the restroom.

That would’ve been a simple task before but now it seemed I needed a chaperone just to use the restroom, so Abby and Maggie went with me as an entourage followed behind, comprised of Amelia, Roman and Harrison.

I laughed, grabbing Abby by the arm to pull her close so I could whisper in her ear, “I better be important, or all this is a big waste of time.”

She looked at me confused and I explained, “I just feel like everyone is being, maybe, a little overprotective.”

She wrapped her arm around my waist and informed me, “Honey this is for all of us, not just you. Do you think any of us are going to be allowed out of their sight ever again after what happened to you? Hell no, and I’m fine with that.”

I wrapped my arms around both girls as we made our way through the crowded hall and into the line for the overcrowded restrooms.

When we came out of the restroom, finally, laughing about how long it took me to get these leather pants off.

“I’d really like to thank you girls for tonight. I feel so loved and protected.” I hugged all three of the girls before spotting Roman and Harrison leaning against the wall with their arms crossed over their chests while some girls her trying their best to talk to them with zero success.

Abby, Maggie and I went back down to the dance floor while everyone else stayed up.It was starting to get late and as much fun as we were having, the girls had to get back to the kids so we’re having one more dance on the floor together and I was looking forward to getting some separation from Roman so he or I or both could calm down.

The three of us laughed as we flailed our arms, jumping up and down to the techno music playing and the strobe lights flashing. Suddenly Maggie’s eyes flew open, and Abby tried to grab my hands right before someone grabbed me around my waist and pulled me close to them, grinding their hips into my ass. It wasn’t Roman from the weird creepy feeling I was getting and the look on Maggie’s face. I spun around to see Luke– my ex-husband.

My hands were trembling as I tried to push away from him. He grabbed my wrists and said, “Come on just one dance.” I tried to pull out of his hands gently while shaking my head. I could feel the frustration coming off of him and the anxiety building up in me. I didn’t want to jerk my hands out here and accidentally hit someone. I could tell from the smell of his breath and the sound of his voice that he was drunk, and I knew how drunk Luke could get. This wasn’t good.

Maggie and Abby came over and Abby said assertively, “Luke just let her go, she doesn’t want to dance.” When she reached out to grab my hand, he pulled me out of her reach. I was worried she’d get hurt out here, so I shook my head. My eyes were wide, and I felt trapped, but I wanted Abby away from this.

“Abby mind your own fucking business, this is between me and Alex.” He shot each of them a dirty look. How times had changed or should Isay him. We all used to be good friends and now none of us associated with him at all.Luke was best friends with Matt and Jack when we were all married then he started drinking too much and staying out late and it wasn’t with any of us. That’s when mean Luke appeared. I sadly would’ve continued to make things work because that’s what my dad did for my mom all those years. I don’t know why he just one day up and said he wanted a divorce. He didn’t want to work it out or anything. That wasn’t like him. He was a control freak and would’ve never let me go that easy. I know I should’ve been grateful because everyone wanted me to divorce him. I mean who the hell stays in a marriage when they’re being verbally and emotionally abused and cheated on. I had some serious self-worth issues. Pretty sure I still do but it’s slowly running its course with these MMA training sessions, and I’m not so sure I don’t want to test my skills out here tonight.If anyone deserves to know how those sessions are going, it’s Luke.

“Luke, there’s nothing between you and I and I already told you I don’t want to talk.” I still kind of felt like he had some control over me, but the girls were here to back me up and I wasn’t trying to make a scene and bring the guys down here and make a bigger mess.

He pulled me closer as I tried to push him away, but he had my wrists pretty tight, and it was starting to hurt. “Yeah, you blocked me. What the fuck’s up with that? Do you still think I’m your stalker? Look, I really need to speak to you. Can we just go somewhere and talk, it’s important.” The girls looked concerned about what he just said but this was no time to have that conversation.

I leaned in and whispered, “Blocking you was a not-so-subtle hint I wish you had taken.” I calmed down a bit and thought about the ways to get out of an attacker's grip from the self-defense classes. Twist both hands inward and down quickly to break the connection.

Before I made the mental decision to do it, someone came up behind me and sternly demanded. “Get the fuck off my woman.” I rolled my lips to keep from laughing because it was Harrison. I mean thank God it wasn’t Roman.

Harrison asked in a tone I’d never heard from him before– protective. “Alex, is this guy bothering you?” With that Luke let go of my wrists and stepped away looking between us skeptically. Thankfully I didn’t need to use force. I rubbed the lingering feel of his hands from my wrists.

I moved closer to Harrison to feel more grounded and said, "Actually he is but it’s nothing I can’t handle.” Maggie reached out to grab my hand and I pulled it in, shaking my head. I wanted them to back away and stay out of this. I strategically inched us off the dance floor, so no one gets hurt.

Luke looked up at Harrison then quickly directed his steely eyes back to me, “You’re with this guy?I saw him here last weekend with a different chick. Another tall blond. You either like the cheating type after all or all your men prefer tall blondes to short. Plain. Brunettes.” He made sure to enunciate each word that described me. “Especially when they cheat with big busty blondes huh? I knew you were secretly a freak.”

His demeanor changed quickly from wanting to talk to insults. The insults were the Luke I remember. His eyes averted to Amelia who was on her way over. The heat rose through my body, and I was doing everything I could not to let the anger get the best of me.He was just goading me. My chest was tightening as the fire ripped through my veins. Did he know this would happen or did he just get off on torturing me with humiliation? Most likely it was the alcohol but no more excuses.

“Oh, you mean her?” I reigned in enough control to stand my ground and pick this fight back. “She’s his girlfriend you asshole. He’s my boyfriend’s brother.” Yep, I said it out loud in front of everyone. “I suggest you just go find some poor sucker to believe your bullshit and leave me alone.”Ok, I guess having backup is making me feel better after all. I rubbed my wrists again and crossed my arms to try and control the feel of my heart beating out of my chest .

Luke laughed pointing just past my head. “I’m guessing that’s your boyfriend now on his way to save the day?”

I snapped my head around. Shit , Luke was one of those people who liked riling people up to fight and Roman looks pissed— I don’t see this ending well.

***

ROMAN

Abby, Maggie and the guys were getting ready to leave so they wanted to dance with Alex one more time by themselves and the three of them went out to the dance floor

“Well, we’re going to have to get out of here and get back to the kids. Thanks for the invite. This was fun.I’ll be reaching out this week about the case and we can go over strategy, ok.” Matt said and I shook his hand before getting up to look over the balcony. I saw the girls dancing together and Amelia and Harrison dancing not too far from them.

“Who’s that guy?” I said pointing to some guy all over Alex. She looked rather uncomfortable, and it was sparking some anxiety that was bubbling up in my chest.

Matt looked worried when he said through gritted teeth, “Shit. We need to get down there.”

“Who is that?” I squinted to get a better look, but they were too far, and it didn’t look like Tanner. Maybe it was some guy she used to know but either way it didn’t sound like someone good.

“Luke, Alex’s ex.Harrison is in his face right now and Luke likes to fight.” We hurried down there, because now I was in the mood to fight .

We pushed through the crowd on the dance floor, and I nudged Alex as I shoved him away from her but not enough to start a fight. However, he ended up saying something that relieved me of any other good sense I may have had, including the sense where I wasn’t going to beat the shit out of him.

I turned back to look at Harrison giving him a look that conveyed exactly what I was asking of him.Not to watch me but to watch Alex and make sure she stayed out of this. She didn’t need any more ammo against her going into that court hearing.As soon as I knew Harrison had her secure, I turned back around and punched the asshole right in the face.His friends rushed me to help him out, but Matt and Jack were there to help. I grabbed the asshole by his shirt and pulled him up off the floor then I hit him again. I held him with one hand twisted in his shirt while I pummeled him with the other. I felt his nose break and possibly one of my knuckles, but the pain was drowned out by the intense anger flowing through me. I felt someone’s hand on my shoulder, and I shrugged it off looking to see who it was before I took a swing at them. Luckily it was Matt, and it snapped me out of my rage. He and Jack were shaking their heads trying to get me to stop. I pulled back long enough to let him go with a shove to the back of his head as he was stumbling away. After what he did to Alex, I’d like to do a lot more than that.

“Excuse me but all of you are going to have to leave. It comes from management. You can’t be fighting in here.” The bouncer reached past me and shook Harrison’s hand. I was glad to be getting thrown out, but I knew that’s all that was going to happen. I guess it’s a good thing Harrison does know people in this place, or we could’ve had the police instead of just bouncers and management throwing us out .

I brought Alex upstairs to collect our things. I wasn’t letting her out of my sight until we were in the car. I could have screwed up her case if the cops had shown up. We needed to get the hell out of here.

In the car she ripped her hand away from mine and got some distance. It’s probably a good idea right now, I can’t say that I blame her, the anger is still radiating off of me. I could feel my jaw ticking as I clenched my teeth. If I don’t let up, I’m going to crack a tooth. She slumped back in the seat and let out a deep sigh then looked cautiously at me. I needed to calm down, I think I’m scaring her.

I eased my way over to her, wrapping my arm gently around her, “I think we should just chill out and do low key stuff until this case is over.” Her head fell reluctantly onto my chest, and I laid my cheek on her head taking a deep breath, inhaling some of her calm for once, although she still seemed so fraught with anxiety.

“You two can do whatever you want.” Harrison groaned, looking annoyed at the two of us.“Amelia and I will stay away from all of you.” He scanned between the two of us holding his gaze on me asking the silent question, "am I ok?” He knew this side of me better than anyone. I used to take my anger out on him when we were kids. I nodded but not sure that I really am ok right now.