Whipping Girl Page 21

  “Please. If anything happened to them because of me it would wreck me, I’ve already put them all through so much.” I don’t even want to think about it, I can’t handle the thought of something happening to any of them.

  “You didn’t put them through anything, it wasn’t your fault that you were taken, stop putting that shit on your shoulders or I’ll turn your ass red, alright?” I nod my head, face turning pink at the admonishment. “Anything that they have been put through is a price that they would gladly pay again and again just to have you in their lives. They love you, Angel. Stop taking the blame for other people’s pain.” I swallow hard and decide to let this go, I know it’s not really my fault that their lives were uprooted and they’ve never said or done anything to make me feel that way but it doesn’t stop the guilt that I have that they had to uproot their lives for me. The elevator stops on our floor and we walk to our room hand in hand. I change the subject, not wanting to dampen the excitement that I was feeling half an hour ago.

  “I can’t believe that house has three fireplaces! I can’t wait to curl up in front of them when it gets cold, I’ve always wanted a fireplace. Did you see the crown molding? And don’t even get me started on the hardwood floors, I can’t wait until we-”

  “You’re so fucking beautiful when you’re like this.” He rasps. His eyes wandering my face like he can’t quite believe what he’s seeing. I blush but keep my eyes on his face, I can’t quite believe it either. “I love when you get all excited about something that I can give to you. I never really knew if we would have this opportunity, this freedom and now that we do... I want to give you the entire world.”

  “You are my entire world. All you ever need to give me to put this look on my face is you, Alexander.” I wrap my arms around his neck to bring his face to mine. “I love the house, it’s perfect but even if it wasn’t a possibility, I would still feel like the luckiest girl in the world for just having you with me.” He smiles softly then places a gentle kiss against my lips.

  “You’re about to get a whole lot luckier.” He waggles his brow, making me laugh at his playfulness. “Go get naked and jump in the shower, I’ll join you in just a minute.”

  “Mmm… you better hurry or I’ll start without you.” I give him a teasing grin as I pull away from him slowly, I tug at the hem of my dress, slowly inching it upward with each of my backward steps. I watch his eyes narrow then heat as he tracks my movements toward the bathroom, he’s fighting an inner battle between being turned on or upset about my threat and I’m waiting to see which one wins out. I’ll take him either way.

  He’s on me before I even know what has happened, my back slams against the nearest wall and he has me pinned with my arms above my head. I think he’s going to ravage my mouth but as I lean in to kiss him he pulls back his face with a tease of his own. He chuckles at my needy whimper, leaning in again just to pull back a hair before our lips touch.

  “I’m going to let you in on a little secret, baby.” He smirks. “There is nothing in this world that I love more than giving you pleasure... but if you ever threaten to touch what’s mine without my say so -ever again- I won’t let you come for a fucking month.” He raises his eyebrows, waiting for confirmation that I understand. I search his eyes, somehow more turned on than I have ever been in my life, I nod my head quickly. I know he’s not bluffing and I won’t take that chance. “Good girl. Now do as I ask while I’m still in a giving mood.” He pulls back, bringing me away from the wall to give me a hard slap to my butt to get me going.

  “Yes, Alexander.”

  It’s been a few days since we looked at the beautiful house and last night the owner accepted our offer. We were so excited that we celebrated over and over again…Now I’m sore. Everywhere. Alexander was in a very rough mood last night and I loved every second of it but I am paying for that enthusiasm today, it hurts just to walk. I took a relaxing bath this morning and now I am on my way to class, Ivan and a man that I have never met named Tristan trailing behind me at a respectable distance. I can hear them talking but not what they are saying so I ignore them as I walk through campus, smiling and waving at the few people that I see daily.

  “Sweetheart!” I smile as I turn toward my friend.

  “Hey, Pumpkin!” I start walking toward Josh only to be halted by Ivan’s large palm griping my arm pulling me toward him. “It’s alright, he’s a friend of mine.” I reassure him before turning back to my friend as he walks up to us.

  “What’s up with the guard detail? Are you a Princess now?” He jokes, looking a bit nervous.

  “Uh, no… just a precaution.” I laugh awkwardly. “How are you? I feel like we haven’t seen each other in forever!” I bump his shoulder with my fist.

  “I know. We… uh… do they need to listen?” He looks to my make-shift body guards then gives me a lame smile. I look pleadingly toward Ivan and he narrows his eyes at Josh before stepping back a few steps. I smile in appreciation before turning my attention back to Josh.

  “You were saying?” I listen intently.

  “Well, I met someone a few days ago. I already know what you’re going to say but this is definitely different, it’s not like every other time. I really want you to meet her, Ally. She is amazing! We had immediate chemistry and I really think we have something. Seriously, you would love her.” He’s so happy and animated that I can’t help but smile. Josh tends to fall in love way too easily but I’ve never seen him so excited about it so I can’t give him the usual talk about slowing it down. If she is willing to meet his friends then I will give her a look-over for him.

  “Set it up, Romeo, I would be happy to meet with her.” I pat his cheek. He smiles a big smile, letting me know how much this means to him.

  “Thank you for understanding. I’ll text you.” He points at me then starts backing away.

  “No problem. Wait! Have you talked to Molly? I’ve been texting her but she’s not returning my messages.” With all of this Peter business I am starting to get worried but Josh just shoots me a secretive smile.

  “She’s been hanging out with that guy from the bar a lot. Zack or Zeus or…” he searches the sky trying to remember. Guy from the bar? I gasp when I finally catch up. No way! Is he talking about Zeke?

  “Zeke?” I ask in astonishment. Why hasn’t she said anything? Holy crap!

  “Yeah! That’s the one. Good guy, I think she’s really into him.” Josh shrugs like it’s no big deal. I can’t believe she wouldn't say anything! I’m her best friend, does she think I would judge her? If they wanted to be together then I would be completely supportive.

  “Hmm... maybe I’ll have to stop by the room and have a talk with that girl.”

  “You should, Sweetheart. We’ve all missed you.” I walk toward him and stand on my tiptoes to peck his cheek.

  “Text me when and where and I’ll be there.” I promise him with one more smile as I turn back to a narrow eyed Ivan.

  “Alexander okay with you kissing other men?” He asks disapprovingly as we start walking again.

  “I don’t know, why don’t you tell him that you stood there and watched me kiss another man on the cheek then see how he feels about it.” I say mischievously even as my face heats, nervous that he will call my bluff.

  “Well played, you little brat.” Ivan chuckles as he follows closely behind me. Once we reach my classroom door he turns me toward him. “We’ll meet you back here right after class, don’t leave this room until then. Understand?” Ivan asks, warning clear in his voice.

  “Yes, Sir.” I answer obediently.

  “For fucks sake, you’re about to be my daughter-in-law, please call me Ivan… or dad.” He pulls back with a friendly smile and a wink. I give him a small smile in return, still not sure how to handle the whole -Alexander has a dad- thing, I doubt my fiancé would appreciate me calling him dad though.

  “Okay, Ivan.” He smiles but seems a little disappointed at the name that I chose.

  I walk through the door, choosing
a seat close enough to the door that I can leave directly after class and wait for the lecture to begin. My mind wanders as the professor starts talking, I’m usually a great student but I know that I have been lacking since Alexander’s return, I can’t seem to concentrate on anything that isn’t Alexander related anymore and I know that it’s a problem but I can’t bring myself to care.

  My phone buzzes in my pocket and I discretely take it out, looking at the screen I see the reminder for my doctor’s appointment today, I had called her and told her what I needed and since today is the last day of my period she said it was a perfect time to start on birth control. I’m excited to have that out of the way so I don’t have to worry about an accidental pregnancy, I want to have Alexander’s kids but I would like to have a few years so we can just enjoy each other without a baby to worry about.

  The fire alarm blares suddenly, bringing me out of my thoughts. Everyone moves all at once, headed towards the doors but I sit in my seat, wondering if I should follow or wait for Ivan and Tristan. My decision is made for me when my professor yells that I need to evacuate, I hesitate again but only for a moment before figuring that I will be safe enough with the crowd that will be outside. I don’t know if it was a prank, a safety drill or an actual fire but I know that I don’t have much of a choice on leaving my seat. I file out of the building, lagging behind as I look around for my protectors. I don’t see them so I wander outside hoping that they might be waiting for me. They’re not. So I stand with hundreds of kids my age, fiddling nervously with my necklace as I wait for them to determine if it’s safe for us to re-enter the building or not. My phone rings and I immediately grab it to see Alexander's handsome face lighting up my screen.

  “Hello?” I have to speak loudly because of the noise around me, I can’t hear his response so I move away from the group a bit.

  “Where the fuck are you?” Alexander asks, sounding panicked and pissed. I look around me, half expecting to see him bowling people over to get to me.

  “The fire alarm went off at school, I’m outside waiting for them to clear it!” I yell over the anxious voices of everyone else.

  “Ivan can’t find you, I need you to tell me exactly where you’re at.” He’s calmed himself but only minutely.

  “I’m right outside of the Arts b-“ The screeching of tires cuts me off, I barely have time to register the white van before hands are grabbing me and my phone drops to the ground. I scream for Alexander as I fight to get free of the hands that are trying to pull me into the van.

  Chapter 23 – Alexander

  My heart stops. I swear to Christ that it actually stopped before starting back up again in triple time. Cars honk as I cut them off on my way to Ally’s school, I’m 15 minutes away but my odometer assures that I can make it there in five. Too long.

  “Ally!” I yell into my phone as I speed through the city streets. “I’m coming, Angel. Hold on.” I transfer my phone to the car’s speaker system so I can listen and still be able to concentrate on the drive, I’m about five times over the speed limit and if I wreck and die then I won’t be able to save her. I hear scuffling and muffled yelling on the other end and I’m praying to God that someone is helping her right now. This can’t be fucking happening. I punch the steering wheel out of helplessness, I’m letting her down again.

  “Alexander!?!” Comes loud and clear through the speakers and I breathe out a shaky breath of relief. She has her phone!

  “I’m right here, Angel. Talk to me, tell me what’s happening.” I rush out, trying to keep my voice calm and even for her but even I hear the fear behind it.

  “Th-they’re gone! I-I’m okay, I’m alright.” I take the first real breath since I got Ivan’s call that he couldn't find her. “Where are you?” I barely understand her words through the emotion clogging her voice and I wish more than anything that I was holding her right now.

  “I’m almost there, baby. You have people with you?” I ask, once again trying to calm her with a soothing tone that I can’t feel.

  “Hurry! P-please hurry. I need you.” She sobs out, breaking my heart. I step on the gas, determined to reach her as quickly as possible.

  “Alex, I’m sorry.” Ivan says, striding toward me hurriedly. I look toward my girl who is currently sitting on the ground being comforted by people who are not me. I look him dead in the eye before I pull back my arm and punch him as hard as I can, he falls back and stares up at me from the ground while wiping his bloodied nose on his shirt sleeve. He wants to say more but keeps his mouth shut, understanding how close I am to killing him for allowing this to happen.

  Ally looks up, finally noticing my arrival and she’s on her feet a second later as she runs toward me, I brace myself as she throws herself into me, holding onto me just as tightly as I do her. I could have fucking lost her. Fuck. She cries into my shoulder as I take her toward my car, me shushing and trying to calm her the entire way, even as my hands shake with uncontrolled rage and leftover fear.

  “Babe.” I crowd her next to my car, shielding her with my body to reassure myself then try to pull back a bit so I can get a good look at her but she just clings to me tighter, I allow it, not really wanting space between us either. “I need to know what happened.” I speak to the crowd gathering around us, they all have a look of terror and confusion about them but I need them to suck it up and speak. “And I need to know if anyone got video.” Several people confirm that they were taping the whole thing, I’m thankful but also fucking dumbstruck that anyone would stand there with a camera and watch while a girl was almost kidnapped. I see a familiar face as he walks up to us, he sets his hand on my girls back and slowly rubs it up and down.

  “Are you alright, Sweetheart?” I’m about to take that fucking hand and cram it down his throat but Ally finally pulls back with a gasp and then lunges herself at him. Throwing her arms around his neck she thanks him profusely over and over. I feel so fucking grateful but also sick to my stomach as they rehash the story.

  Josh saved her.

  He walked out of the building and saw as she backed away from the crowd when I called, he was going to keep her company while the firefighters and staff checked the building when he saw a white van pull up and open its doors. While kids pulled out their phones to video tape everything… Josh ran toward the potential danger and saved my fucking girl. Josh, the kid that I had thought about following home that first night and ending his life –no joke- for seeming familiar with Ally, saved her life. I’ve never hugged another man in my entire life but I pull him over by the collar, Ally between us, and actually hug him.

  “Thank you, Josh.” I tell him sincerely, using his real name for once. I pat him on the back as I release him.

  “Uh... yeah, no problem. You alright, Ally?” He asks, unease and worry clear in his voice as he looks to her.

  “Yeah, I’ll be okay. Thank you again, Josh... I don’t know what would have happened if you hadn’t been there.” She chokes up and I bring her in to my chest, shielding her once again.

  “Anything at all that you need, anything, it’s yours. I owe you.” I tell him. I still can’t believe that I almost ended a life that just saved mine.

  “Don’t worry about it. Just take care of her and we’re even.” He doesn't need to tell me that but I nod anyway.

  I snap at Ivan and Tristan, telling them to get all of the information and video from anyone who may have it so I can go over it after I get Ally calmed down, then I pull us away from the car, place her in the passenger seat then drive us back to our hotel.

  Once my girl is finally asleep I start going through everything that Ivan sent to me, my gut telling me this wasn’t just a random coincidence. There is no doubt in my mind that this is the work of Peter and the thugs that followed him. The piece of shit has always been messy, don’t ask me how he ever ranked because he’s always been a screwed up coward in my opinion. What happened today will not ever happen again, I will be putting Allyanna on a lockdown so tight that she won’t leave my si
ght again until that bastard is dead.

  After I close my laptop I quietly remove all of my clothing and slip under the sheets, pressing my naked body to hers and wrapping myself around her so tightly that she won’t be able to breath without my notice. She shivers in her sleep at my cooler body temperature but doesn’t wake thankfully. I inhale her scent as I try to calm my racing thoughts, her softness helping to sooth the storm inside of me.

  What if they had succeeded? If they had taken her then I have no doubt that they would have killed her or worse, they could have tortured and raped her. I lay awake all night until the sun starts peeking through the curtains, it’s only when Ally starts to stir that my brain allows me a reprieve from my dark thoughts.

  “Hey.” She says as she turns to face me. “You didn’t sleep at all did you?” She asks once she looks at my face, I probably look like shit.

  “I almost lost you.” I tell her quietly, pushing her sleep mussed hair out of her face.

  “I’m right here, Alexander.” She tells me just as quietly, her face showing tenderness and understanding at my inner turmoil. I can’t believe how easily she is forgiving my major fuck-up. I really don’t deserve her.