Page 21 of Verses Of Us

The manager had the store cleared out when they arrived, and much to Alexis’ amazement, had locked the doors for the VIP guest. But it wasn’t until she’d spotted the crowd of fans at the front window, growing with each passing minute, that Alexis fully grasped the precariousness of their situation. And now, frightened, she understood the cost of their fun afternoon out.

The cabin door flew open and Ciarán popped his head out. “I can never get a break.”

He’d changed back into his pair of black jeans and a long-sleeved grey shirt, but his pants remained unbuttoned, showing off some blue Calvin Klein underwear that made Alexis’ mouth run dry. She tore her eyes away. He stepped out, zipping up his jeans, without giving the mountain of clothes behind him a second thought.

“Was nothing to your liking, Mr. Jones?” the store clerk asked, gathering the clothes.

“Oh, yeah.” Ciarán circled a finger in the air. “Ring it all up.”

The clerk’s face brightened as she mentally calculated her hefty commission.

They waited by the register. The sound outside grew louder, more insistent, more feverish. Alexis glanced over and a prickle of fear ran through her when the chanting turned into screams and the gentle knocking turned into banging that made the window shake.

“This should be interesting,” Ciarán said casually, with a perched eyebrow.

Alexis struggled to understand how he could be so calm, but also how they’d leave the store without being mauled.

As if sensing her concern, he took her shoulders, hunching himself down to her eye level. “Don’t worry, Lex. It’ll all be fine.”

“How? They’re like hungry zombies,” she said. “One girl’s sobbing.” The window bowed and Alexis’s stomach turned. “They’re going to get hurt.”

Not only worried about their safety, Alexis grew concerned about the damage these fans might inflict on the store. The clerk, equally anxious, hurriedly bagged Ciarán’s purchases and handed them over, throwing worried glances toward the storefront.

“Do you trust me?” he asked Alexis.

She considered him while working her lip. She didn’t know him at all. Didn’t know if these feelings she had included trust. But she knew this was his day-to-day, so, if anyone could handle it, it would be him.

“I guess.”

“Great,” he replied.

He asked the clerk to show them the back door. She shoved away from the register and led them through the store.

“Go on, I’ll meet you,” Ciarán said, pushing the metal security door open.

Lex stopped in her steps, turning to face him. “What? Aren’t you coming with me?”

“I’ll meet you,” he repeated.

“Are you nuts?” She gripped his hand. “You’re not staying here.”

He grinned, bringing her hand to his lips. “Lex, go. I’ll be fine.”

A profound worry sank in and she frowned, doubting she could leave him.

As if finding her concern cute, he smiled and then winked. “Trust me. Now, go.”

With his gentle shove, she moved through the open door into the alley and found Steve waiting beside the parked SUV.

“Take her,” Ciarán ordered. “Pick me up out front.”

Steve nodded, opening the car door for her, but Alexis’ feet were solid blocks of cement. She did what he asked and got in despite everything inside telling her she shouldn’t leave Ciarán behind.

Steve shut the door, and she watched Ciarán disappear back inside the store. Within seconds, roaring screams boomed from the opposite side of the building.

“He’s going to get killed.”

“He’ll be alright, Ms. Stanek.” Steve smiled at her from the rear-view mirror, the image of pure calm.

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