Page 84 of Tamed By You

“Think about what you want, Harry. Life passes by so quickly. We aren't promised tomorrow. We aren't promised anything. If you feel some type of way for her, don't dick around. Just tell her. I saw how you were when she was here and whether you want to admit it to yourself or not, I can tell she’s your person and if you are here for me, you are wasting your time. I am good, better than good.”

I look at her, giving her a knowing look. Seeing my sister the way she was when we lost Scotty is something I never want to see or let her experience again. I should have stayed with her and helped her through it all.

She picks up her mug of tea and walks past me, patting me on the shoulder. “I am thirty-three, sober and thriving, so you don’t need to be here babysitting me. I know you like to bury your feelings and ignore them, but don’t do it now. Tell her, tell her before you lose her.” She presses a kiss to my forehead and heads in the direction of her bedroom.

I stare at the white marble countertop, dragging my finger along the fine black lines that run through it, my sister’s word going over and over in my head. My phone vibrates and dances across the counter, interrupting my internal battle. Brad’s name flashes across the screen, anxiety pooling in my stomach. He would only call me at this time if it was urgent.

I swipe the phone, pressing it to my ear. “Brad, what’s up?” I ask, my heart hammering in my chest.

“It’s Ali… you need to come home. She needs you.”

Chapter Thirty-Eight

Ali

Flashing lights and smoke swirl around me, the music a faint echo as I sway my body. I take a swig of my drink, welcoming the burn of the vodka down my throat. It’s the only thing I feel. I feel numb, lost, and it feels good. It’s the first time in weeks the voices in my head have quietened.

I don't want to think about the letter; I don't want to think about Harry or the hole he’s left in my heart. I just want it to be silent, just for a little bit. So, tonight, I drink until I lose count and act like tomorrow doesn’t exist because the idea of spending another day without him in my life is becoming unbearable. All I can do is think about getting through tonight. Rough hands rub against my thighs, and I grind into them. Hot lips press against my neck, and I lean into it. The stench of whisky swirls around me and it makes my stomach churn.

“You are so fucking hot. This pink dress would look better on my bedroom floor,” a husky voice moans into my ear, and it has every hair standing on end, but I ignore it, I need to forget. I turn to face him. He’s a little taller than me, blond hair with stubble, hooded eyes and an ill-fitting shirt. But he’ll do.

“Let’s get out of here.” I take his hand and head for the exit.

“Ali.” I stop, turning to see Brad hot on my heels. “I need to speak to you.” His jaw is clenched, eyes narrowed. Oh, he’s angry.

“I’m a bit busy right now,” I say, holding my hand in the air that’s linked with my new friend.

“That's exactly what we need to talk about.” He eyes the man beside me. “I’m gonna need you to fuck off,” he says through gritted teeth.

The guy scoffs, “Excuse me, she’s mine tonight.”

I recoil at his words. Fuck this guy is a creep. What the hell am I doing?

“I don’t think so.” Brad leans in taking me by the hand and dragging me towards his office, leaving the drunk stranger standing alone, utterly dumbfounded.

“Get off me” I shout, trying to free my hand from Brad’s grip. He opens his office door and pulls me in.

“What the fuck are you doing?” he barks.

“Excuse me, what the hell was that?” I bite back, stepping in to his personal space.

“I wasn’t about to let that guy fuck you in a back alley.”

I grin. “Oh really, did you want the job instead?” I slur, moving closer, pressing myself against his chest. I know I'm out of control here, but I don't care.

“What the fuck?” he says, eyes widening.

“Come on, let’s have some fun. God knows, you need it. You are wound so fucking tight most of the time.” I reach for his button on his pants, and he grabs my wrists, stopping me.

“Ali, I am not going to fuck you, nor will I ever, and I’m not going to let you go with anyone else either. Not on my watch.”

“Since when did you become my keeper and have a right to tell me what to do?” I spit.

“Since you started fucking around with my friend, that’s when. What the hell Ali?” He growls, letting go of my wrists and I stumble back.

“Well, for your information, we are done. Over. No more fucking around so I can fuck around with whoever I want.”

“Does he know that?”

---