Page 88 of Tamed By You

He sinks back into the couch, resting his ankle on his opposite knee, blowing into his coffee cup. “Well, I’ve got all day and I’m a great listener.”

I let out a little laugh. It’s not my usual laugh, but it’s better than the tears I want to let out. “Really? You don't seem like the one for deep and meaningful conversations.”

“I said I was a good listener; I didn't say I was good at the talking part.” I laugh again, and sniff, wiping my eyes, the tears now freely flowing.

“Ali, whatever it is, you can trust me with it. Sometimes it's easier to tell someone who’s an outsider to it all.”

“I appreciate that, I really do, but if I say it out loud, then it makes it real, and then I have to acknowledge it. Does that make sense?”

“Yeah, it does, but what doesn’t make sense is trying to find the solutions in the bottom of a bottle or pill pot. You’re a smart girl, Ali. Promise me you won’t do that again. It doesn’t solve your problems. Trust me on that.”

I can’t speak, can’t find the words, because I can’t promise him that. I wish I could, but I can’t. My demons are far darker than he will ever be able to understand.

“Look, I get it, more than you know. That need to quieten the noise, forget all the fucked-up things you’ve lived through. But what I can tell you for certain is you’ll never quieten that noise unless you face it head on and deal with it. You can bury it, but it will find a way to come back to the surface.”

His words ring with so much truth. I know he’s right.

“You are a fighter, Ali. Fight it. Don't let it win.”

“Can we keep this between us, please? I don’t want Gabby and Ria or Harry finding out about this. I don’t need them worrying about me more than they already do,” I plead.

“I think they should know. They would want to help you if you are struggling.”

“I know they would, but they are doing good. I don’t want them worrying. This was just a blip. It won’t happen again.”

He eyes me suspiciously. “Okay, I won’t say a word if you at least tell me a little. You don’t have to go through this alone, Ali.”

I twiddle the string of my teabag, contemplating his request. And then I do something so unexpected. I open up and share some of my demons with him.

Chapter Thirty-Nine

Harry

Ali needs you.

Those three words have repeated over and over in my head the entire flight back to New York. I got the first flight I could, which annoyingly was a few days later. I headed straight for her apartment, but she wasn’t there.

I tried calling Ali again and again, but she screens all my calls. How can she dismiss me like that after what we experienced together? I've not really done the relationship and feelings thing, but I know when something has meaning to it.

I know something is up with her. I can feel it in my bones. By the time I land and make it to my apartment, it's 6 pm. I order some takeout, shower, and get ready to head to the club to see Brad, so I can find out what the hell is going on. He was brief on the phone a few days ago and has been every call since. Hesays he’s been round to her apartment to check on her, and all he says is , she wasn’t herself and I should get back. I know him, he wouldn’t want me to worry, so likely left out the main details which honestly only adds to my anxiety. But Ali is so good at hiding her emotions, he may not know the full extent of what’s going on. But if Brad was concerned enough to call me, it must be serious.

The club is packed; the doormen have started turning people away and the girls behind the bar haven’t stopped. I have had to slip behind the bar to help, and I am yet to talk to Brad.

“How was London?” Kate yells over the music.

“Good, it's no New York though,” I yell back to her.

She leans in a little closer, lowering her voice. “I’ve got some paperwork I need you or Brad to sign. The paramedics need a signature.”

Paramedics?

My vacant stare must say it all, because her eyes widen. “I’m guessing Brad didn't tell you.”

“Tell me what?” I ask, clenching my jaw. All my senses are telling me something bad happened, and it involves a wild blonde I happen to be struggling to get a hold of.

“Look, I don't know much but something happened the other night and I think Brad should be the one to tell you.”

I turn on my heel, storming towards Brad who’s working at the other end of the bar, clamping down on his shoulder and squeezing a little harder than necessary. “We need to talk,” I say through gritted teeth.

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