“I know that. You love her, right?” she asked, her eyes intense on his face.
Jayden stared straight back at his sister, his eyes never wavering. “Yes, I love her.”
Kelly smiled. “And Sarah?”
“She’s gone, Kelly. Over and done with. Now, go and enjoy your final night of freedom.”
She laughed. “You drive safely, Jay.”
“Will do,” he replied, heading to the door. “Good night.”
“Good night,” she shouted after him.
Down in the parking lot, Jay put Alex into the front seat of the convertible and then drove out. He kept glancing at her on their way home to make sure she was comfortable and that the drug didn’t do her further harm.
At home, Maggie opened the door for him. Her eyes widened in shocked surprise when she saw him carry in the unconscious Alex.
“What happened?” she asked.
“Nothing,” Jayden replied and headed up the stairs with a no more questions look on his face.
In the bedroom, he gently laid Alex on the bed and then undressed her. With only her underwear on, he sponge bathed her body with a wet towel and then dressed her again in her pajamas. After brushing his teeth and showering himself, he lay between the sheets beside her, pulling her into his arms.
She was stone cold. Poor Alex. He blamed himself for not taking good care of her. He couldn’t believe Kyle did this to Alex, spiking her drink and intending to rape her. This was by far the most disgusting thing Kyle had ever done. Taking Sarah from him was fine, but intending to hurt Alex was an entirely different story.
He stroked his fingers through Alex’s hair and then kissed her forehead.
“I’m sorry, sweetheart,” he murmured. “I’m sorry I couldn’t take good care of you.” Then he closed his eyes, drifting off into a slumber.
* * * * *
Kelly just couldn’t believe what a disaster her bachelorette party was. Dinner and clubbing were fun, but after that, everything went downhill. She just couldn’t believe Kyle would do such a thing. What a bastard that guy was. She was still debating whether she should tell her parents about the incident when she saw Britney stalking in through the door of the club. Great, she thought, another one to make my night even worse.
She realized something wasn’t right the moment Britney headed to Kyle. He was sitting on the other side of the bar, drinking some seriously strong booze and nursing his injuries.
Holy Shit! Britney is kissing Kyle?
Something was definitely wrong, all right. She turned to Stephanie and whispered, “Look.”
Stephanie glanced in that direction. “Holy shit! I can’t believe this.”
“Me neither. I bet something’s up.”
“Let’s find out,” Stephanie suggested.
“Yes.” Kelly agreed. “Girls?” She turned to her friends. “Stephanie and I have business to sort out. You all enjoy yourselves, all right?”
“Sure thing,” the girls cheered back.
Kelly and Stephanie stood up, arranged their short skirts properly, and toddled their way in their three-inch heels toward the booth on the other side of the bar. Once they were near enough, they slid in behind Kyle and Britney.
“Sweetheart, what happened?”
“Can’t you see? That bastard Jayden destroyed my face. I can’t believe this. It’s your fault, Britney. You planned this damn thing.”
“Me? Well, yes, but Jayden wasn’t supposed to come in and ruin everything. You were supposed to take that stupid bitch somewhere and do what you want to do with her. Take photos on your cell and all that stuff, then send them to Jayden and make him see. But—”
“I can’t believe this. I was so close. She’s such a feisty little thing. She could have done me real damage if it wasn’t for the drug I slipped in her drink.”
“Darling?” Britney moaned. “I promise to make it up to you. I’m sorry. We’ll have to find another way to get that bitch away from Jayden.”
“Ugh! I don’t want to think about it, Britney. Right now I need my bed and you in it with me.”
Kelly and Stephanie quickly turned away to hide their faces as Kyle roughly dragged Britney past them. Once they were sure they hadn’t been spotted and the two people were gone, Kelly and said, “I can’t believe what I just heard.”
“Me neither,” Stephanie commented. “What a bitch that Britney is. I just can’t believe it.”
“We’ll have to tell Jayden and my parents,” Kelly remarked, nodding her head.
“Agreed,” Stephanie echoed.
* * * * *
DUNEDIN, NEW ZEALAND
Mary St. Clair picked up her wine glass and took a sip, licking her lips afterward. She stared at the hunky accountant sitting opposite her. She could tell by the way he was gazing at her that he was really into her. Maybe tonight he’d join her in bed. A thrill rushed through her body, and she laughed out loud.
“Share the joke,” Hale said, reaching his hand out to touch hers.
Mary grinned. “I was just thinking about how handsome you are. I can’t believe you’re still single.”
He chuckled. “Well, I have been dating many times. It’s just that you’re the most beautiful girl I’ve ever met, and I’m stoked. Can’t believe you’re still single either and want to go out with me.”
“Aw. You’re so sweet.” She leaned forward and kissed his cheek.
Over at the door of SAN restaurant, Ruby, Nikita, and Isabella came through. A hunky waiter greeted them as the girls began the process of taking off their scarves and gloves.
“Table for three, thanks,” Ruby said.
“Of course. This way,” the young waiter said, leading them to a table behind Mary and her date.
“I’m so excited for Alex,” Nikita said as they took their seats. “Just can’t believe the lab actually paid for her to go to a conference in New York City. Can you believe it? Now I wish I did lab science.”
“I’m so jealous,” Isa muttered, pouring them each a glass of water.
Mary straightened up and glanced behind her. She saw the three geeks and glared in distaste.
“Do you know them?” Hale asked curiously.
“Kind of,” she replied curtly.
Behind them, Ruby said, “Did you get her e-mail?”
“Yeah,” Niki replied.
“Me too,” Isa put in. “She is so lucky. She said she has been to Central Park, the Met, not to mention Tiffany & Co. Can you believe it? Tiffany and Company!”
“I know, right?” Ruby commented. “I wish I could go to Tiffany’s. Man! I would just love to see all the jewelry.”
“Yeah. In your dreams.” Niki chuckled.
“Hey, you never know,” Ruby retorted. “Remember, I plan to do my big OE next year. Maybe I should put America in as one of them, even though it’s only for six weeks.”
“Oh yeah? And what about this hunky English guy you’re seeing?” Niki asked cheekily. Is that the whole reason you’re going to do this big OE of yours? Huh?”