by E. L. Todd
“I have everything else.”
His eyes narrowed. “School and work are just a waste of time. I’m sorry to be an ass, but it’s true. You’re looking for something you’ll never find. I’ll take care of you until you figure out what you really want. I make more than enough money for both of us and Martha, if she decides to come with us.”
“I don’t want your money, Paul.”
“I know,” he said gently. “It’s only temporary.”
She looked away.
“I’m giving you everything you need. Now make the right decision.”
“It’s not that simple,” she whispered.
He sighed in frustration. “I guess I’ll wait until you make up your mind.”
“Paul, you don’t have to stay here.”
“Yes, I do,” he snapped. “Where you go, I go. You’re my girl. I take care of you. And I can’t do that when we’re in different states.”
She hugged her waist and took a deep breath. Paul continued to stare at her, drilling holes into her skin with the intensity of his gaze. There was nothing for her in Georgia but she didn’t want to leave. She wasn’t ready to be a nurse again, and she couldn’t leave her aunt high and dry. But she knew there was a bigger, more important reason.
Chapter Ten
Alexandra walked into the living room and grabbed her purse. Paul stood up and leaned against the doorway, staring at her. She felt his gaze burn her skin. Without looking at him, she knew he was staring at every inch of her.
Alexandra turned to him.
“You look...” He rubbed his chin. “Yowza.”
Her cheeks turned bright red.
Paul came to her then wrapped his arms around her waist. The dark blue fabric slid through his fingers while he grabbed it. He looked down at her, seeing the thin straps over her shoulders. “You’re more beautiful every time I see you.”
She stepped away before he could make a move. “Thanks…”
“So, who’s party are we going to?”
Alexandra looked at him. “We? You aren’t coming.”
He crossed his arms over her chest, showing the tattoos on his forearms. “You think I’m going to let you anywhere near Gabe at a party, where there will be alcohol and drugs?”
“I don’t drink or smoke.”
He raised an eyebrow.
“Well, I don’t drink a lot.”
He smiled. “What about that time you got so drunk you begged me to fuck you as hard as I could?”
Her eyes widened. “Shh! Martha is in her room.”
“So? Does she think you’re a virgin?”
“That’s not the point,” she snapped. “And that was different. I went to that party with you. I knew you’d take care of me.”
“Well, obviously I didn’t if I took advantage of you.”
“We’re in love. It’s different.”
He dropped his arms to his sides, and his eyes softened as he looked at her.
Alexandra realized what she said. “We were in love.” She tried to amend it but the damage was done.
He smiled at her. “I’m coming. I’ll look after you.”
“I don’t need someone to watch me.”
“Come on,” he said as he cupped her face. “We’ll have a good time.”
“No.” She stepped away. “I want to have a night with absolutely no drama.”
“Drama follows you everywhere you go. That’s going to be a little hard to pull off.”
“I’ll manage,” she said as she walked to the door.
He cut her off. “At least let me drive you. That way you won’t drive home drunk. It’ll give me a peace of mind.”
“I don’t drink and drive.”
“Baby, just let me take you. Call me when you want me to pick you up.”
“You’re such a control freak!”
He shrugged. “You have a point. You should just accept it. You’re lucky I’m not going to the party with you.”
“Fine,” she said. “You can drop me off.”
“Thank you.” He wrapped his arm around her then pulled her to his chest. Before she could move away, he kissed her on the forehead.
The touch reminded her of Blaise. He used to do it when he couldn’t have what he really wanted. She took a sharp intake of breath.
Paul looked down at her. “What did I do?”
“I just—don’t kiss me like that.”
He looked wounded. “I’m sorry.”
She stepped away. “I should get going.”
“Okay.”
They got into his car and drove to the house in the country. Lisa’s friends had a beautiful country house with acres of land. Apparently, the owner had a party every year. Alexandra didn’t want to go but her friends were making her. And after ditching the cornfield party, she knew she should go.
“I thought you didn’t like parties,” Paul said.
“I don’t.”
“Then why are you going?”
“Hannah wants me to be her wingman—woman.”
He shook his head. “Well, that’s going to explode in her face.”
“What do you mean?”
“The guys are going to go after you instead,” he said.
“No, they won’t.”
He shrugged. “Baby, I know you’re humble about your looks, but don’t be completely ignorant. You make Hannah look like a hog.”
She glared at him. “Hey!”
“What?” He laughed. “It’s true.”
“Don’t be mean to my friends.”
“I didn’t mean to insult her,” he said. “I was just comparing.”
“Well, don’t do that.”
“I apologize.”
Paul pulled up to the house. There were cars parked in the fields and on the side of the road. Shouts and laughter drifted through the closed window of the car. Music played in the house, the bass loud in their ears.
“Thanks for the ride,” she said as she opened the door.
“Call me when you want me to pick you up.” He leaned over to kiss her on the mouth.
She pulled away quickly.
He stilled. “Uh, I’m so sorry. Habits die hard sometimes.”
Alexandra saw the sincerity in his eyes. It was an honest mistake. She was guilty of doing it too. She held his hand when she shouldn’t, and words slipped her mouth when they were inappropriate. “I’ll call you.”
He nodded. “Have fun. Call me if you need anything.”
She got out and closed the door behind her. She still heard Paul’s car even when she got to the house. She knew he wouldn’t drive away until she was inside.
After she came into the house, she searched for her friends. The room was crowded with people. A beer bong table was in the corner, and people were smoking on the couches. She walked further inside until she reached the kitchen.
Kegs were littered on the ground and bags of red cups were everywhere. She grabbed one and filled her glass. Her friends were still nowhere in sight. She decided to walk outside toward the back.
When she moved through a group of guys, she felt them stare at her long after she walked by. When she finally spotted Hannah, she sighed in relief.
“Hey,” Alexandra said. “I thought I’d never find you.”
Hannah looked at her. “So are you single or what?”
“Huh?”
“Are you?” she asked.
“Yes,” Alexandra said. She felt odd saying it because it didn’t feel true.
“Good,” Hannah said. “You’ll be an excellent wingwoman.”
“Whoa,” Alexandra said. “I’m not looking for anything. I have enough drama on my plate.”
Lisa smiled at her. “Holy shit, Paul is fucking hot. If you aren’t fucking him, you should be.”
Alexandra looked at her in shock. “How drunk are you?”
Lisa laughed hysterically.
Hannah rolled her eyes. “ Ignore her.”
“It’s kinda hard…”
“I love guys
with tattoos,” Lisa said. “I can’t believe you used to date Paul. You should just take him back.”
“I’m not talking about this,” Alexandra said quickly.
Lisa rolled her eyes. “Blaise is with Danielle. He’s been fucking her the entire time. Get over it, Alex. He didn’t love you. He was just fucking you. That’s how he is. Pull your head out of your ass!”
Alexandra stepped back at the insult.
Cole came over when he heard her shout. “Baby, calm down.”
“What?” She pulled her arm away. “Alex is still obsessed with your brother, the guy who’s fucked everyone in this city, when she has a gorgeous guy groveling over her. It’s so stupid.”
Cole grabbed her. “You’ve had enough. I’m taking you home.”
Lisa pulled away. “I thought you were smart, Alex. But you’re as dumb as all those other whores he’s fucked.”
“That’s it.” Cole dragged her away.
Alexandra tried not to cry. She kept hearing that over and over, that Blaise only used her to get off. She didn’t want it to be true but she knew it was. But that didn’t make hearing it any easier.
Hannah rubbed her back. “She didn’t mean that. She’s just drunk.”
“I know,” Alexandra said quietly.
“Don’t let her ruin your night.”
“Okay.” But it was too late for Alexandra. It had already been ruined. “But she’s right.”
“Don’t think about it,” Hannah said. “It’s in the past. Let it stay there.”
She thought that was easier said than done.
Hannah looked through the crowd. “Look at those guys.”
Alexandra followed her gaze. “I’m sorry. I’m just not in the mood to flirt.”
“Come on,” she said. “I’ll look totally desperate if I walk over there alone.” She gave her the best pity look possible.
“Fine,” Alexandra said.
“Yes!” Hannah pulled her to the guys. “Hey, aren’t you in my art class?”
The guy wearing a red shirt looked at her. “I’m not taking art…”
“Oh,” Hannah said. “Neither am I.”
He raised an eyebrow.
Alexandra just stood there, feeling unbelievably awkward.
Hannah kept talking to the guy, discussing school and her bra size.
The other guy kept staring at Alexandra. She felt awkward, wanting to hide in a hole.
“I’ve never seen you before,” he said. “Are you new?”
“Uh, yeah,” Alexandra said.
“I’m Ren.” He extended his hand to shake hers.
“Alex,” she said as she shook it.
“It’s nice to meet you.”
Alexandra looked over and saw Hannah lean closer to her target. They were whispering to one another. She was pretty sure Hannah didn’t need her anymore. “Excuse me.” She stepped away and moved through the crowd. She suddenly felt claustrophobic so she broke through the people, finding a line of cars in the dirt.
“Bad night, eh?” Gabe came behind her, his eyes slightly drooping.
“You could say that,” she said sadly.
He walked in front of her then walked in a circle before he moved in front of her again.
Alexandra raised an eyebrow. She knew he was drunk.
“Doesn’t anyone know how to park?” He threw his can at a truck.
“Do you have a ride home?”
“I’m not going anywhere,” he said quickly.
Alexandra decided to drop it.
Gabe leaned against a truck then sighed. His eyes were slightly red, like he had been smoking too much. “I have such a fucking headache.”
“I can get you some water.”
He looked at her like he’d finally seen her for the first time. “I love that dress.”
“Oh.” She glanced down. “Thanks.”
“You know what I like about you?”
“Uh…”
“You have the nicest tits. They aren’t too big, just the right size.”
Alexandra froze at the comment. She felt extremely uncomfortable and insulted by his vulgar words.
“I’ve thought about squeezing them. They are real, right?”
She didn’t care if Gabe was drunk. She wasn’t putting up with that. She turned to walk away.
“Whoa, where you going?” He came around her and stood in front of her.
Alexandra immediately stepped back.
“What the hell do you see in those guys? I’d be an awesome boyfriend if you just gave me the chance.”
“Let’s talk about this later, okay? I’m not feeling well.”
He stepped forward, pushing her toward the door of a truck. “I want to talk about it now.” His voice carried his anger. “Just give me a chance.”
“Gabe, I’m not feeling well.” From her experience working with intoxicated patients, it was best not to provoke them. She tried to dissipate it as much as possible.
“I don’t care. How do you think I feel when you’re fucking all these guys? You’ve only been here for a few months.”
Alexandra was struggling to keep her anger back.
“Kiss me.”
“What?”
He put his hand on either side of her and pinned her back. “Come on.”
“No.”
Gabe grabbed her face and sealed his mouth over hers.
Alexandra was shocked it happened. For a moment, she couldn’t process the event. His lips were wet, tasting like beer. When she recovered, she pushed him back as hard as she could. “Fuck you, asshole!”
Gabe was on her again. “Shut up and kiss me.”
Alexandra slapped him as hard as she could, just like her aunt taught her.
He gripped his face. “Fuck!”
Her anger got to her, so she marched to him to kick him in the crotch.
Gabe anticipated her approach and blocked it. He stumbled to his feet then pushed her back again.
“Get the fuck off me!” She tried to knee him but he held her legs down. She screamed but no one came. The music from the house was too loud. Gabe was too strong for her to get away. He would make sure she wouldn’t get a better shot. Her phone was in her bra and she tried to reach for it. Her heart fell when she realized it wasn’t there. What happened to it? She could have sworn she brought it. It must have fallen out in the car.
Gabe tried to kiss her again.
“If you put your lips on me, I’ll bite them off!”
“Fine.” He pulled up her dress.
Panic spread through her body. “Stop!”
He kept going.
She used her entire body to push him away, but he wouldn’t budge. He was too strong.
Gabe grabbed her underwear and tried to pull them down, but she was making it too difficult for him. They ripped when they reached her thigh. Alexandra screamed again. Gabe pulled her dress away but ripped it since he was being so aggressive. She felt it fall away, exposing her.
“Stop!” Alexandra refused to let this happen. She wasn’t going to let this creep take her. She used all her strength to escape. Every move she made was hindered by his weight. Since strength was her biggest weakness, he used his size against her.
Suddenly, Gabe was pulled off.
Alexandra’s eyes widened when she saw Paul throw him to the ground. Instantly, he grabbed him by the throat and squeezed his windpipe, punching him in the face repeatedly. She watched, enjoying the blood that spilled from his mouth and nose.
“I’m going to enjoy watching you die,” Paul yelled. He punched him again.
Gabe cried out but couldn’t get away.
Paul collided his fist with his face.
When blood started to drip to the dirt, Alexandra spoke up. “Paul, that’s enough.”
“Fuck no, it isn’t!” He slammed his fist into his nose.
“You’ll kill him!”
“Good!”
“Paul, I said stop!”
He steadied his hand and stared at Gabe’s fa
ce. He was unconscious, his eyes closed and his body immobile. Paul’s hand shook in midair. Alexandra knew he was struggling not to kill him.
Alexandra covered her body with her hands. “Baby, let it go.”
The intimate nickname seemed to bring him back. He lowered his hand then stepped away. When he came to Alexandra, he saw her ripped dress. The anger returned.
“Don’t,” she said.
He pulled his shirt off then pulled it over her head. It was long enough to reach her thighs, hiding everything from view. “Are you okay?”
She nodded.
He examined her body, looking for injuries. “You’re bruised. I’m taking you to the hospital.”
“Paul, I’m fine.”
“You’re in shock.”
“I’m not,” she said firmly.
He looked her over one more time.
“Baby, I’m okay.”
He sighed then pulled her to his chest, holding her tightly. She collapsed in his arms, feeling safe. The ordeal flashed behind her eyes, reminding her of the pain and fear. “You’re safe now. It’s okay.”
“I know,” she whispered. “I’m so glad you were here.”
He pressed his face closer to hers then kissed her on the lips. The touch was gentle but aggressive at the same time. His hand cupped her cheek, deepening the embrace. Alexandra didn’t pull away, enjoying the safety of his touch. His breath filled her mouth, taking her back to all their memories. Tears burned her eyes when she remembered that kiss every morning. He pulled away, burning her lips with his absence.
When she looked at him, she saw the faint line of red around his eyes. A coat of tears was deep underneath, forming below the surface.
“I never would have forgiven myself if something happened to you,” he whispered.
“I’m okay, I’m okay.”
“I love you so fucking much.” He took a deep breath and kissed her again.
“I love you too.”
He pulled her into a hug again. “Are you sure you’re okay?”
“Yes.”
Paul took a deep breath then squeezed her.
His bare chest felt strong against her face. It was hot, burning from the adrenaline coursing through his veins. She suddenly realized he was still shirtless. She pulled away.
“Let’s get out of here,” he whispered. He picked her up then held her to his chest.
“I can walk.”
Paul didn’t put her down.
