“Fudge!” she swore as the contact lens flicked out of her right eye. In a panic, she blinked harder and groped around on the floor. Then the other one did the same. “Oh, for God’s sake!” Now she couldn’t see anything. She was reaching into her handbag for her glasses when a hand grabbed her upper arm and pulled her around.
Though she couldn’t see the man properly, she knew instantly she was in trouble. She tried to shift away, to avoid him. He caught her other arm and pulled her closer. The odor of sour alcohol washed over her face, and she wanted to gag.
“Hey, sweetheart,” he breathed.
“Let go.” She shoved at his arm. He caught her again, his fingers digging painfully into her flesh.
“Come with me,” his voice slurred.
“Leave me alone,” she snapped, shoving ineffectually at his chest. “Get lost!”
“What’s that sweet—sweetheart? Co—come with me. Ya know ya wanna.”
“Get lost!” she shouted, her heart beating faster, a cold sweat beading her skin. She was frightened of what was going to happen. She was scared of what he was going to do to her. She felt trapped. “Ruby? Nik? Isa? Where are you guys?” Her eyes darted around, hoping to see her friends—or anyone, for that matter.
She was pushed against the wall as his face loomed closer to hers. Holy Crap! Alex didn’t want to be kissed by a drunken man she didn’t know. She felt his other hand fumbling at her belt. A sickening feeling rose in her stomach. Her head started to swim. She struggled one hand free and slapped him in the face. He didn’t let her go. He didn’t even flinch. A scream was building inside her when suddenly the man was yanked from behind and a fist crashed against the side of his face, cannoning him into a corner. His body crunched against the wall and slid to the floor, blood welling from his nose and lips.
“Leave her alone!” The voice was icy, hard, and commanding.
Stunned and shaking, Alex looked up at her rescuer. She could only make out a silhouette—a strong and powerful shape. The drunk man in the corner muttered something, but nobody was listening.
The newcomer gently pulled her to his side. The gesture was almost feral—she’s mine. It signaled not just sexually, but personally. His stance and the way he angled his body indicated his readiness and willingness to pursue more violent action. Alex could feel his strength radiating over her.
The drunk’s eyes widened. He held up his hands, realizing his mistake.
“No worries, bro. Thought she was free,” he mumbled as he pushed by them.
Alex squinted at her rescuer, but without her contacts or glasses, she couldn’t see any detail, even this close. She glanced down at the hand that still held her wrist. Odd that only moments before she felt frightened when she was alone with the drunken man, but now alone with this man, she felt safe.
She offered him a tentative smile. “Thanks.”
“Why are you here alone?”
There was that voice again! She could barely understand what he was saying. There was a hint of an American accent, familiar somehow, but the connection eluded her.
“I don't know—the loud music—the crowd,” she said. “And my contacts. I’ve lost my contacts. I can’t see properly.” She tilted her head. She couldn’t see his features. “I didn’t see that guy coming, that’s for sure.”
“Where are your friends?”
“My friends?” She touched her forehead hesitantly. “I’m not sure. I’ve lost them.” She shook her head a little. “I’m fine.” She lied, wanting to go home. She felt tired. There was still work tomorrow and then the meeting with Peter. A sigh escaped. “Can you help me find them?”
“Yeah, sure. Come on.”
Her hand was neatly enveloped by his as he led her toward the door. Ruby came rushing through, the music swirling around her. “Alex? Alex! There you are. Are you okay?”
Nikita and Isa were just a step behind.
“Yeah, I’m fine. Can we go now?’
Nikita gave her a look. “Yeah. I’ve had enough. Too many people here. No fun being shoved around.”
Isa looked at the rescuer and grinned. “Thanks for helping Alex find us. So you know each other?”
He nodded unseen in the darkness as Alex interrupted. “No, we don’t know each other. Now can we go?”
“Yeah,” Ruby said. “Let’s get out of here.”
As they made their way toward the stairs, Alex turned. “Thanks for everything.”
At that moment, Jayden wanted to pull her into his arms and comfort her, but he damn well couldn’t do that, could he? He was a stranger to her. She would think he was no better than that bastard he pulled off her. Why he felt this way toward her he didn’t know, except she was Peter’s friend—and possibly his future fake girlfriend.
He made sure Alex and her friends were safely out of the bar before he returned to Peter, Mary, and some of Mary’s friends sitting in the corner.
Peter asked, “Long line?”
“Yeah,” said Jay, not willing to tell the whole story. He picked up his BlackBerry and saw a message. It was from David Peterson, his executive officer from the head office in New York for his real estate company the J.M. McCartney Group.
Hey, boss, contract ready for you. Documents all sorted.
Need you to check and sign. Check your e-mail.
How’s the vacation? Hope to see you soon.
He leaned across to Peter. “Hey, I think I’m gonna call it a night.”
Disappointment flashed across Mary’s face, a slight blush reddening her neck.
“You all enjoy yourself. Bye, everyone. Nice to meet you all,” he said as he headed for the stairs.
Peter hid a smile at Mary’s discomfort. “See you guys at work,” he said, following Jayden out.
* * * * *
CHAPTER 3
The aroma of coffee greeted Alex the moment she stepped through the door of SAN Restaurant. It was toasty warm inside compared to the sharp, cold air outside. She headed to the counter and ordered herself the hot chocolate she had been craving since Friday. Then she took a seat facing the door to make sure Peter would be able to spot her.
Alex glanced about her surroundings, noting the busy staff, the happy customers, and cozy decor of the restaurant.
SAN made the best hot chocolate in town, not to mention Cambodian food. She and her friends had always met here for their hot-choc sessions.
She took off her blue coat nervously. In fact, her insides were shuddering with anxiety as she waited for Peter and his friend, whoever he was, to show up.
Peter had called her late last night. After he sang her a happy birthday song loudly, he told her she shouldn’t be nervous meeting his friend, supposedly a nice person. She trusted Peter. He would never introduce her to anyone who had a questionable character, except for that one time with Andrew.
Peter said his name was Jayden, and Jay could help her with her problem. Peter hinted it was about her dad. Again, that anticipation rose in her chest.
A pretty waitress arrived and placed the tall cup of hot chocolate on her table.
“Thanks.” Alex nodded her head at the waitress in appreciation.