Stacey grabs my arm, her eyes full of fear- something which is uncharacteristic of her and she begs shakily,
'Please don't do anything, cece.'
I pull her in my arms and hold her shaking body as she weeps openly, with her head on my shoulder.
'I-I'm d-done with him. I swear- just promise me you won't do anything.' She whispers against my shoulder. 'I don't want him to hurt you.'
I rub circles over her back in soothing motions, trying to calm my temper as well.
That asshole. Eventually her shaking stops and she just stays there motionless for a while. I hold her for as long as she wants- but I won't comply to all her wishes. Her ex boyfriend will pay; even if it's the last thing I do.
After a while she pulls back and tries to brave a smile except it's still wobbly. I squeeze her hand,
'Why don't you go freshen up a bit?'
She nods and turns towards Chase's room. She looks back at me over her shoulder,
'Don't let Chase come in here for a while.' She looks down,
'I'm already such a mess.'
'It's okay. You're allowed to be.'
That makes her smile, though just a little and she leaves, clicking the bathroom door shut softly behind her.
I stand at the door with my head leaning against it, hoping- praying, that she doesn't do anything rash. Once I hear the shower turn on, I release a breath that I hadn't even realized I was holding in. I make my way down and push the door open to the living room. Chase is sitting on the sofa from before but Dominic is standing near the pool table. They look up as I enter and I flush, worried about how much I must've intruded on their time. Chase notices my expression and holds up a hand,
'Don't start saying sorry again, now.'
He smiles again.
'You were worried about your friend. It happens.'
I nod dimly but don't reply.
I grab my purse from the couch and turn slightly,
'It's getting late, i think I'm going to head out now.'
Chase looks surprised.
'So soon?'
'Yes.' I reply sheepishly, rubbing my hands together. 'She should probably get some more rest.'
'Yeah, don't worry about it. I'll drop her off.'
I duck my head in gratitude and nod at them both,
'Well goodbye then.'
On my way to the door, I glance over my shoulder to see Dominic watching me with sharp eyes.
Just as my hand reaches for the doorknob, I hear rushed footsteps behind me and he calls out my name.
I turn around to see a piece of paper in his hand, which he thrusts in my direction.
'Here. It's my number. Call me if…there's any trouble.' He sounds sheepish again, adorable. 'Or if you..want to.'
I smile- I can't help it. And nod again before leaving the outhouse. My bike is standing in the same spot where I left it and for the second time in one day, I swing my leg over it in utter resolution. Except this time- the place I'm racing to, is for revenge.
Half an hour later, I reach my destination and shield my eyes from the glaring sun. It was already daybreak, and the sun was at its strongest right now. Beads of sweat rolled down my face and landed on my already damp clothes but I had no time to worry about my outfit or decorum. The heat and exhaustion would have to wait- yet, I wasn't completely stupid to not to grab an electrolyte drink on the way. I couldn't exactly do what I came for here if I passed out in the middle of it.
I walk my bike towards the gate- which is arrogantly left wide open-, and place it next to the wall. I don't put the lock in and turn it so it's the facing the road I will be using very soon as an escape route.
Wiping my sweaty hands on my pants, I take a deep breath. Stacey's ex lives in a rundown shack- a real 'outhouse' as it were, despite it also being huge. I look over my shoulder to check for my surroundings- no witnesses, perfect.
I don't bother with the knocker on the door and barge in rudely. Until it dawns on me that I should've attempted to be sneakier.
I had only been here once- to pick up Stacey after she had the final break up with her ex-, and had been drunk and sobbing at the door. There were a bunch of other guys living here too, and apparently they had a thing for throwing wild parties all the time. The last one was when Stacey had walked into the abusive asshole kissing another girl. Given by the rumbling sounds coming from inside as the door swings open, there is another party going on right now.
I crinkle my nose; it's daytime for god's sake. Who the hell has a party at this hour?
I decide to use this distraction to my advantage, walking inside swiftly through the vast living area and straight towards where ever the music is coming from. I reach another door- this one I swing open slowly and slip inside, only to be struck by the onslaught of heavy smoke wafting in the air, along with the distinct reek of sweat, alcohol and weed.
The room is dimly lit- thank god, otherwise my eyes would've gone on a field trip- and there is a group huddled on the couch.
Stacey's ex sits smack in the middle, surrounded by three girls who are so close that they might as well be on his lap. He's drinking wine straight from the bottle, while one bimbo on his right is holding a joint between her fingers- which she brings closer to his mouth for a hit between sips.
The entire atmosphere; the guys in the corner yelling while playing poker, the couple on the poker table, and the couch group is so repulsive that I have to ground myself a little.
I ignore everyone else- at least try to-, and go up to Stacey's ex. Stopping right in front of him, I'm met with the narrowed eyes of the girls around him and worst of all..his disgusting leery smile.
'Well, what do we have here?' He drawls.
Does he not recognise me?
I glare at him, hard. 'What did you do to Stacey?'
His eyes flash in recognition at that.
'Oh..that bitch. She's old news.' He looks me up and down,
'How about you join me over here?'
I'm about to blow his head off when an idea strikes me.
I raise an eyebrow, 'what are you suggesting?' I try to appear seductive by batting my lashes.
'Are you asking me to betray my friend?'
He stands up, albeit on wobbly legs, and towers over me.
'Who cares about that?' He whispers in a husky tone. His hand hold up my chin and I have to stare directly in his face. Disgusting.
I struggle to hold down the bile rising up my throat and smile up at him. He leans down, ready to kiss me, and just before his revolting lips can make contact with mine, I pull my knee up and strike.
Right in his groin.
He reels back abruptly, letting out a startled yelp and I use this chance to nail him one square in the face. My wrist throbs just as I make contact, but I don't care.
I would do this much for my friend.
The commotion has his wasted friends rising from their previous places and while he's still down- I turn on my heel, and run like hell.
Panting hard, I reach my bike outside when two hands grab me from behind and pull me back. I struggle wildly, knocking at the hands with my fists until their grip loosens and I free myself.
I turn to my bike only to have chills shoot down my spine when I find that the tires have been slashed by a guy who is standing over it with a knife.
It's the guy from the poker game, joined by two more who emerge from the house and run over.
Shit.
There are three in front of me and one behind. Before I can react, Stacey's ex pulls back his fist and just as he slams it into my face, a strong hand is clasped on his wrist and breaks his motion.
I wheel around to meet intense and angry blue eyes. Dominic.