Page 58 of With Wine Comes War

“What’s going on babe? Are you worried about being around all these people tonight?”

“I don’t know. Maybe. I think I just really need to do this. Face my fears and all. Don’t you think?” No, I don’t think it’s that great of an idea at all, honestly, but I doubt she wants to hear that if the goal is to face her fears.

She walked out of the closet, and I followed her, watching as she put on a pair of skintight black leather pants and a very shiny silver top. She was so toned and muscular from all the training, too. Her long dark hair was cascading down her shoulders and however she was wearing her makeup was making her eyes really glow. They were so green I’d probably be able to see them from across the room– and that damn red lipstick and sky-high black heels. I’m glad I called for backup tonight to help me keep an eye on her. I knew she was going to love who I invited.

“What?” She said as I blinked myself back into the room.

“Sorry, Um, yeah you look fucking fantastic babe.”

“I couldn’t bring myself to wear anything even a bit revealing after what happened that night at Sebastian’s. I know they told me nothing happened and thank God for that, but if a camera hadn’t been in that room things may not have turned out the way they did, and that short dress would’ve been partly to blame.”

“What do you mean, nothing happened? I don’t know who they are, but you were brutally attacked and drugged. That is not nothing.” I didn’t know if she was trying to downplay it for me or for her but that was not nothing and if I ever see that guy again, I will rip his fuckinghead off. I kissed her reassuringly and went back to my closet to finish getting dressed. I put on some black slacks and a black button-down shirt and black shoes. I hope that all this black will make me look incognito in this place tonight.

I admitted, “Yeah, you aren’t leaving my side tonight.” She laughed and grabbed my hand as we walked out to the kitchen to eat something quick before Harrison and Amelia arrived.

Chapter 15

ALEX

Holy 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 blackpants, 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.

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