Dropping my purse on the table, I flip it open and pull out a twenty.
It’s time to get some liquor in me, and I don’t do beer.
“Be right back. You need anything?” I yell to Roni and she shakes her head, mouthing ‘okay’ to me.
“Are you Lex?” A brunette barmaid asks, stopping me from leaving my table, by touching my forearm. A tray full of drinks is miraculously balanced over her head. This young woman has skills.
“Yes.”
“Good. These are yours.” She explains lowering the tray without spilling a drop and sets eight glasses on our table. Two different colors of wines, shots of tequila, some tea looking thing, and a glass of some clear substance, could be vodka or about fifty other beverages.
“What are all these?” I ask, waving my hand over the table full. Between Roni’s bucket of beer and these glasses, we barely have room to sit much else.
“The wines are two different ages of Merlot. Those,” she points to the shot glasses, “are José. That is an alcoholic sweet tea.” She points to the amber liquid filled highball glass. “And that one is Patrón.” She finishes out the explanation and my eyes go wide. Apparently, whoever ordered these drinks knows I like Patrón.
“Thanks… and who are these from?” I ask, just as she gets ready to leave, her tray pressed her to chest.
“I was told to give you this.” Dropping a white bar napkin with pen ink written on it she turns and rushes off.
I shoot Roni a questioning look, she shrugs, and I grab the napkin.
You look very beautiful tonight, my Lotion Lady. Enjoy the drinks.
My heart is yours,
Suit Master.
My mouth drops open. Oh my God! Oh. My. Fucking. God!
Quickly, I show Roni and her mouth joins mine, nearly hitting the floor. My heart is excitedly hammering like a piston in my chest.
He’s watching me! He’s watching me right now. I can feel it. Frantically looking around I try to spot anything out of the ordinary. But it’s dark. The place is packed and I have no clue what he even looks like or his name.
“How did he know?” Roni asks, wide-eyed.
Her guess is as good as mine. I couldn’t even begin to guess how he knew. I’ve not told anyone anything except her that I was coming here tonight. Not even Daniel or my mom.
I know this should seriously creep me out, but knowing for a fact he’s in here watching me, turns me on. I guess he wasn’t joking when he said he was going to win me.
The Suit Master
Look at her, my beautiful Lex, sitting there trying to find me.
I’m right here, my Angel. All in due time, I will reveal myself; all in due time, my Lotion Lady.
To quote Shakespeare, “She’s beautiful, and therefore to be wooed; She’s a woman therefore to be won.” This is true in all forms and I will woo and win her.
Lex is even prettier today than yesterday, when she wore that leather brown skirt and white shirt. The day I had roses delivered to her work, I knew she’d never respond to my emails. I know all about her and her harrowing past. And I’m sure the thought of even dating a man is terrifying for her. I don’t blame her for feeling that way. Even though, I’m not just any man.
I’ve thoroughly read the entire police case file on Lex. That Brian was one sick son-of-a-bitch, what I wouldn’t give to murder him myself for hurting my woman. Damaging her so badly, she’s afraid to let me in.
I’m sitting on a stool here at the bar, watching her in the reflection of the mirror, that’s on the wall straight in front of me. That dress she’s wearing, my sister would kill to own, even though Tasha wouldn’t look half as amazing wearing it. And Lex’s long black hair is the sexiest thing I’ve ever seen. It’s astounding how much I love that woman with everything in me.
Having had my fair share of women since my wife and I divorced, I’ve been trying to by my time until I could find a way into Lex’s life. I’ve had my eye on her for years, six to be exact.
I could never forget the day Biff, my old boss, brought me her case to work on. He had a lot of other things on his plate with the firm and knowing my scarred past, he knew I’d do my best to get Lex the outcome she deserved. Sad thing is, the sick motherfucker only got fifteen years. I tried hard to make Biff push for more time, but he was the boss. In the end, Brian won out and didn’t serve life with no chance of parole, like I had been gunning for since I opened that manila folder on my desk that rainy April day.
The pictures of her scars in that file were enough to make even the strongest person wince and want to throw up. What that poor woman had to endure was beyond anything I’d seen before. Three huge gashes, that’s what I vividly remember. Three massive, thick, rigidly scarred gashes on her body that looked like he’d literally taken chunks out of her. Mixed among, less intense scars. Knife slices, mostly.
She was twenty-two when she first came into my life. I had taken her file home with me to work on over the weekends. And the more I read, the more paperwork Biff supplied, like; pieces of her testimony, more pictures, letters and other things that make up a lawyers case file. I read everything five and six times. I stared at her pictures for hours and refused to let anyone touch her case except Biff. He was the lead attorney; I just did his legwork. I would have represented her myself, if given the chance. I wouldn’t let anyone do a damn thing pertaining to the Lex Keagan versus Brian Links case. I made all phone calls, did things that secretaries are supposed to do. All because, the more I read and learned about Lex, the more that beautiful woman crawled into my brain and nested there. Not only has she consumed my mind but my heart, for the rest of my life.
After Biff won her trial, I stayed away or I tried to—is what I should say. But I couldn’t. I couldn’t let her go. I even went to a counselor to discuss my obsession. I knew it wasn’t normal to feel the way I did. I’d never spoken to her directly, I didn’t have a reason to love her like I did and still do. But, I couldn’t change it. For two years, I locked Lex’s pictures and letters I had stolen from her file, into a safety deposit box at my bank. After those two years were up, no longer able to resist the daily urge to see her angelic face, I retrieved them. From the very beginning of my infatuation, I banned myself from stalking her. Even though, if I’m being totally honest, that’s exactly what I wanted to do. Craved to do.
Three years after her case was over, my wife found Lex’s pictures in my bedside drawer. I no longer desired Melissa, my wife, or any other woman. From the moment I got her case on my desk, I never looked back. I couldn’t. Lex was mine, even if she didn’t know me. I knew her and needed her. I needed to protect her and love her and be there for her. I just didn’t know how, until now.
I instantly felt a kismet connection with Lex because as a child my mother beat my brother, my sister and me. I was burned with cigarettes more often than not. And when my mother became too drunk, I’d take her beers away and pour them down the drain, to keep her from passing out in a pile of vomit on the bathroom floor. That inevitably if she did, I’d be the one to clean up.
Taking away those beers would turn her into an even angrier drunk than she already was, and she’d lash out. Twice she broke a beer bottle over the lip of our kitchen sink and attacked me with it. I have some mean looking scars to prove it. Unlike Lex, my mother felt guilty after her escapades, and she’d always take me to the ER to get stitched and administered antibiotics. Not Lex, she suffered at the hand of her father and then her boyfriend. A man I know was her first in all ways that count. It was all written in one of the statements she made to Biff. Brian had taken her virginity, and that not only pissed me off, it made me insane with jealousy. Jealousy I knew I had no right to feel. But I still do, nonetheless. I’m not sure how many men she’s been with since Brian. It doesn’t matter to me. Well it does, because I love her. But I have no room to talk. I’m no saint.
I left my wife a year ago and our divorce was finalized eight months ago, since I couldn’t make it work. I tried to love my uptight
and very demanding wife. I couldn’t. She started seeing a therapist because of my lack of interest in her and soon thereafter began banging her fitness trainer. I couldn’t blame her. I hadn’t slept with my wife in nearly two years at that point. I masturbated constantly to Lex in my bathroom, and that’s all that I ever needed. That’s all that fueled me, her pretty blue eyes, long black hair and flawless body. Even with scars, she’s flawless to me. She’s perfect for me, and I know that for a fact.
Pulling myself out of my thoughts, I stare at her in the mirror. Corey, a guy I’ve spoken with a dozen or so times is standing next to her, conversing. I don’t like it. I don’t like it one fuckin’ bit. If I wanted to risk giving myself away, I would go over there right now and beat his ass to a bloody fucking pulp for touching what is mine.
I’ve waited years to finally get into her life without a wife, baggage, or other extenuating circumstances to get in my way. This is my time and I will win her, even if it takes tiny baby steps. Lex Keagan will forever own me and soon, very soon, I will own her too.
Lex
“So ya wanna go home with me tonight?” Corey slurs, holding onto the edge of the table for balance. He’s smashed.
Feigning a smile, I reply. “You know Corey, I don’t think so.”
“Ohhhh… Come on.” He pouts, popping out his bottom lip and giving me pitiful puppy dog eyes.
Not gonna work, bucko.
I’ve been at this bar for an hour now. I’ve drank one glass of my wine and sipped on my Patrón. Roni has been bouncing back and forth between Bob and me. Corey just came over to talk with me ten minutes ago and can’t seem to stop flirting. I’m surprised I haven’t been groped yet.
“Nope, Corey. I think I’ll go to the restroom though.” I get off my stool and maneuver around him.
“Uh-ok.” He stammers and his hand reaches out and grazes my side as I step past him.
Making haste, I military maneuver in and out of the dancing crowd, toward the back of the bar where the ladies restroom is located. I don’t have to pee that bad, but anything to get away from a drunken Corey is better than enduring him. After tonight and this week’s crap with both the Suit Master and then Gage, I am past my tolerable level of bullshit. No more men for Lex.
In the bathroom, I use the facilities and as I’m finishing up, I hear the dreaded drunken gossip echoing off the cement walls, as a group of woman come tumbling like fools into the bathroom. Laughing and exuberantly gabbing a hundred miles an hour.
“Did ya’ll see Bob is now with Veronica Phoenix?” a girl spouts with obvious distaste.
“Yes, of course I did. I heard Peggy called the cops on them screwing the other night. I also heard Lincoln went to Lex’s first. You know, I don’t get how a beautiful girl like her is friends with such a disgusting tomboy like Veronica.” Another woman says.
“I know…right?” a third girl adds.
“Bob isn’t the hottest guy in town, but come on—Veronica Phoenix? Pluh-easssee.” The first girl says like a bratty girl from Clueless.
I can almost see the eye roll and hair flipping with her words. What a bitch!
I’m now standing in the stall, my hand on the lock, ready to break free. After they finish their little bitchy bash session.
“Forget about Bob and Veronica. How about Gage? He’s soooo hot! I want to fuck his gorgeous brains out!”
Now I’m the one rolling my eyes. Idiots!
“Yeah but Tammy, you and I both know he wouldn’t give any of us the time of day. He’s still broken up about his wife. I heard she doesn’t even see their daughter anymore. She just up and left and now he’s a single dad.” The third girl explains.
Poor Gage. Maybe I should be nicer to him, or maybe I should offer to babysit. That might help. I do love kids.
“Yeah, too bad. He’d make a great lay.” The second woman adds.
I’ve had enough of this. First Veronica is ugly, and then Gage is just a piece of ass. Enough is enough.
Theatrically opening the bathroom door to make my grand entrance, the three-woman jump startled and look at me. Two of them are placing their hands over their hearts, clearly surprised.
“Sorry we didn’t know anyone else was in here.” The second one says, looking a bit scared.
They’ve all gotta be in their early to mid-twenties. Dressed like sluts and reek of liquor and too much cheap perfume.
“Sorry? Why? Because you’re talking shit about my best friend? Or are you sorry because you’re treating Gage Masterson like a piece of meat that’s to be passed around? And here’s the four-one-one ladies. Veronica is a great person, who doesn’t give a flying fuck what you think of her. She’s happy to be who she is and I love her that way. As for Gage, if his ex-wife did that to his daughter that’s his own damn business, not yours. So keep your traps shut.”
I hard point my finger at woman number two, who’s a thick brunette. “How would you like me going around talking about how that red dress you’re wearing is too tight and I can see your panty line?”
I move my pointer finger and direct it at girl number three, a tall lanky fake blonde. “Or…how would you like me to blab all over town that you don’t know how to put fake eyelashes on and your bottled dye job has fried your hair?”
Her mouth drops open and her cheeks turn bright red.
Lastly, I turn to girl numero uno, who’s also a blonde, except naturally and curvy. “And you, Madam, are wearing a bra that’s padded so much that you’re probably an A not the C that you’re claiming to be.”
Having completed my task, I flamboyantly flip my hair over my shoulder, stroll all holier than thou over to the sink, wash my hands, dry them with a paper towel and out the door I go. Not a single word is muttered from the hags that I left discombobulated in the bathroom; serves their asses right for talking about people behind their backs. Grow up; it’s not high school anymore.
Outside the door, I stop, tuck my chin to my chest and take in a deep calming breath. My adrenalin is running high. That was sort of intense. I can’t remember the last time I’ve ever been that ballsy.
Suddenly a steel arm is aggressively wrapped around my waist and I am dragged backward down the hallway, away from the main part of the bar. My high heels fall off as I frantically try to gain traction but he’s too fast.
“Let go of me!” I yell trying to wiggle loose and his other hand clamps over my mouth.
“Shhhh.” The manly voice whispers in my ear, stinking of rancid alcohol.
What is going on!? What is he doing?! Oh my God! What is he going to do to me!?
Flashes of my past start to erupt in my brain, not again! I can’t do this again!
Screaming under my attacker’s hand, I flail my arms, trying to hit him desperate to break free. I need to get away! Help!
Pushing me face first into a dark corner my kidnapper lets me go and spins me around by the shoulders to face him.
My eyes bulge out of my head, taking in my abductor.
COREY!
“What the hell!?” I pound on his chest with my fist.
A dark carnal smirk quirks at the corner of his lips as he advances on me, pressing his entire body against mine, engulfing me in the unlit corner.
“Let me go.” I try to push him backward but he doesn’t budge.
“No, I like you, Lex. I’ve liked you since high school.” He terrifyingly states, looming his massive body over mine. His eyes burning into mine like the devil has consumed his soul. I know he’s about to do bad things to me. I can feel the raw, sexual, sadistic tension wafting off him in powerful surges. He wants me and he’s not going to take no for an answer.
“That’s nice, Corey, but I’d really like to get back to my friends now.” I try to stay calm. I can do this. I’ve done it a hundred times before. I can take it. It can’t be any worse than I’ve been through before.
“But I like you.” His warm liquor infused breath fans my face and I crinkle my nose in revulsion. Swallowing hard, I try my best not to cow
er with fear. I’m so scared; I can feel the tears wanting to break free. But I can’t let them. I can’t let him win. If I cry, or I freak out, all the years of staying strong and living through torture will have been for nothing.
“That’s nice, Corey, but please let me go.” Maybe if I don’t fight and I’m nice, he won’t think this is a game he has to win and he’ll let me go. I can only pray that’s the case.
Tsking me like an errant child, he buries his nose in the crook of my neck. His body’s forced so hard against mine I can feel the outline of the thick erection in his jeans firmly pressing into my stomach.
I think I might throw up.
“God, you smell soooo good, baby.” He groans, sniffing me like a dog and I timorously shiver all the way down to my bare toes.
Baby? He called me baby. That’s what Brian used to call me…
If I could only hit him in the nuts, but my arms are pined to my sides and I can’t lift my leg. I’ve tried.
“All the things I’d love to do to this body.” He reveals, grinding his erection against my stomach, his hand palms my hipbone and he slides it down to the hem of my dress.
Oh no!
“I wonder what we have under here?” Slowly, he lifts the hem of my dress and I steel my emotions. He will hit me if I yell; I just know it. And no one will hear me back here if I did. The music is thumping too loudly.
“Please don’t.” I plead, closing my eyes and preparing for the worst. Inching closer to my center I know what he’s about to find. And I just pray he’s too drunk to remember it tomorrow. It’s not at all what he’s expecting. I’m not like every other woman. I’m a slight bit more. The lady that lives there stays hidden and tucked away and has since I was fourteen years old.
Please God, don’t let him feel it. Please God, don’t let him beat me once he finds out! Ohhhhh God! Please no!
Tears well behind my closed lids and I hold my breath to will them away. Humping into my belly, his hand tortuously approaches my center, just inches away from the thin fabric of my tan cotton panties.
Lex (Unconventional Hearts) Page 11
