Page 55 of Alluring

"Look, I don't see a ring on her finger. And until that's the case, a man's gotta do, what a man's gotta do, to get that lady's attention. And right now, I'm asking for a dance to get that chance." Smith made a show of looking around. "If she has a man, I don't see him around. I guarantee if he's any kind of a real man, he knows not to let a woman like her out of his sight. And, if he does, he knows a guy like me is gonna try a sweep her away."

At this point, two things happened. The guard made some sort of finger motion over his head to someone, and Steph joined the fray.

She stood her whole 5' 6" (four of those inches coming from the heels she was wearing) frame in front of GI Joe, hands on her hips, glaring. "Now you listen here," she pointed her finger at his chest, "her man doesn't need to keep an eye on her 'cause she isdevotedto her man. And, just in case you missed it," she poked him with her finger, "he does have eyes on her or did you not notice she has a guard." Steph said, very sarcastically.

Alexis grabbed Steph's arm and pulled her closer to her. "Steph, hon, I don't think you're helping." Alexis noticed they had a ring of people surrounding them, watching the action play out. She also noticed she was no longer tipsy. She was stone cold sober. GI Joe was literally a buzz kill.

Steph turned to Alexis. "Listen, I don't care what Mr. Beefcake over here thinks," she pointed an exaggerated thumb at Smith (Steph was obviously still drunk). "Jack has eyes everywhere, and I bet they're all pointed at you. Also, I bet if you called him, he would be here in one minute flat."

"Let's not test that theory, shall we. I'm sure we can work this out, by ourselves, without involving Jack."

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

"Too late." Alexis heard Jack's voice behind her as she felt his hand clamp the back of her neck. "Take your hand off her,now."

God he sounded menacing. She tugged at Steph's arm to bring her near as she inched herself closer to Jack.

Smith looked evenly into Jack's eyes. They were the same height, but Smith was bigger than Jack, more muscular. She didn't want Jack getting into a fight with him. She wasn't sure if Jack would win.

She craned her neck up and around. "Let's just go." Jack's face was just as menacing as his voice, as he stared at Smith.

"I'm giving you one more second to let go of her arm. One."

Jack was so quick, Alexis didn't see it happen, but she blinked, and Jack had his hand wrapped around Smith's wrist. He squeezed it tight, releasing Smith's fingers from her arm. A second later, Jack had shuffled Alexis and Steph behind him.

He released Smith's wrist with a small shove. "Are you going to leave peacefully?"

Smith held his hands in the air and took a step back. "Can't blame a guy for trying. You of all people should know why that is."

Alexis had no idea what the guy was talking about, but she saw Jack give him a slight nod, as if acknowledging his statement.

Smith's friend walked up to him. "Let's get out of here Trey."

Smith looked over at Alexis one final time. "Remember the name Trey Smith, darling. If anything should happen," he nodded his head Jack's direction, "know I'll always be interested in hearing from you."

Jack gave a growl at which Trey tipped his head back and laughed as he turned and walked away. Jack watched him go out the exit before ushering Alexis and Steph off the dance floor and to a table.

"Sit down. I'll get some water."

Alexis watched Jack as he made his way to the bar. She turned to Steph and with big eyes asked, "What the hell just happened?"

Steph laughed. "Little fish swimming in a pond. Big fish comes and eats the little fish. Big fish swims away with the girl." Steph laughed again. "That whole scene was so caveman."

Alexis looked at her friend as if she had grown two heads. But, before she could say anything, Jack returned carrying three bottles of water. He set them down on the table then sat himself. He ran his fingers through his hair, a sure sign of his frustration, gave a deep sigh, put his elbows on the table, and cradled his chin in his hands. He closed his eyes.

Alexis started to feel antsy. He still looked pissed. His jaw was clenched and he was breathing heavier than usual.

The silence was maddening. She needed to end it. "I didn't encourage that."

Jack took a calming breath but didn't open his eyes. "I know."

Alexis kept talking. "I told him I didn't want to dance. I don't know why he wouldn't go away."

Jack opened his eyes and stared at her. She flicked her gaze to Steph, but she looked at Jack.

He turned his attention to Steph. "Does that happen, often?"

Steph shrugged. "She never went out a lot but when she did, it did. Just with different results, now that you're in the picture."

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