Page 58 of Dare
Ican see the officer’s reluctance to arrest me, since they can see what’s goingon, but their hands are tied. “Do you have to cuff her?” Alex murmurs, when oneof the officers produces a set of handcuffs.
“It’sprotocol. We can take it outside, though.” So far, no one but Betty has beenwitness to all this, and I’d rather the few students and parents present notsee me get arrested.
Myheart speeds up as I’m read my rights, my hands are cuffed in front of me, andI’m put in the back of a cop car. I’m scared, but I’m trying not to let it getthe best of me. I’ve heard the horrible stories about the things that happen injail. Never did I think I’d get to see firsthand.
“Justa few hours, Ayda,” Alex swears. “Everything will be okay.”
Forcinga smile, I nod. “Don’t let Dare find out. He’ll leave the apartment.” Alexagrees, then goes back to talking to one of the officers while I’m driven away.
It’spretty much what I expect. I’m taken to a room, fingerprinted and photographedbefore being put into a small cell with three other women who obviously aren’thaving the best day either. I get a few odd looks, considering I’m still in aleotard, but they are too lost in their own misery to comment.
Along cement bench stretches along one wall, and I curl up in the corner of it,trying to get warm. It’s so cold in here, I’m surprised I can’t see my breath.A toilet sits in the corner, with a waist high wall separating it from the restof the cell. I’ve never been so glad to have a strong bladder, because no wayam I pissing in public.
Myteeth chatter as I tuck my arms around my knees. I can’t believe I’m here. Nomatter how hard I try to move on, Vicky and Talbot aren’t going to let me.They’re never going to stop fucking with my life. Now, I’ll have a criminalrecord. I allow myself a few minutes to wallow in self-pity before the sight ofVicky’s face flashes in front of me. The shock on her face when I hit her wasalmost funny. Through the fear and cold, I feel another emotion—satisfaction.
Ididn’t take her shit. And breaking her nose was totally worth a few hours inthis concrete sewer. Leaning my head back against the wall, I let myself getlost in a daydream of Dare and I alone on an island with no threats hangingover our heads. His hard, tatted body laid out in the sun, his arms around me,dragging me into the surf while I laugh and struggle against being tossed intothe water. Peace with the man I love. That’s all I really want. It’s not thatmuch to ask for, is it?
“AydaBrooks.” I jerk back to reality when an officer calls my name. He leads me outto the room where I was fingerprinted and hands me my coat and phone.
“What’shappening?”
“You’rebeing released on your own recognizance. Sign this and be sure to show up foryour court date.”
Myhands shake as I sign the paperwork. The officer leads me through a door to thelobby where Alex rushes to meet me. “Are you okay?”
“Y-yeah,”I stammer, relieved but overwhelmed.
Hislips press together, and he gives me a warm hug. “I’m so sorry, hun. Ishouldn’t have let this happen. Let’s get you home.”
Alexcranks up the heat in his car and drives me home. Well, back to Dare’sapartment. I’ve barely been home since we got back together. A lot of myclothes and toiletries have migrated next door.
I’mbarely inside when Dare rushes up to me. “What the hell happened? Is that yourblood?” he demands, taking in my stained clothes.
“She’sfine.” Alex speaks up before I can. “Victoria showed up at the studio, tryingto start shit, but your girl here handled it.”
Heavypalms fall on my shoulders as he looks me in the eye. “Ayda, are you hurt?”
“No,well, my knuckles are a bit sore.” Alex chuckles and heads to the kitchen.
“Whathappened?”
“LikeAlex said, she showed up and asked for me. Anyway, I sort of lost my temper andkind of…hit her in the mouth.”
Dare’slips curl up. “Kind of hit her in the mouth?”
“Andthe nose. That’s where the blood came from.” Wincing, I close and open my fist.“I didn’t think it would hurt that bad to hit someone. I’ve never done itbefore.”
Darelaughs, shaking his head. If I didn’t know better, I’d say it’s pride I see inhis eyes. Alex returns and hands Dare an ice pack. “Before you tear Alex a newone, she was dressed as a dancer. He had no reason to see her as a threat. Andhe got me out of jail as fast as possible.”
Darewhips around so fast it’s a wonder the breeze doesn’t knock me over. His jawhardens and he glares at Alex. “She was in fucking jail? Why the hell didn’tyou call me?”
“Becauseshe asked me not to and she was right. You would have been out the door andwe’d have even more problems to deal with. She’s out and safe, and the chargeswill be dropped as soon as the judge sees the protective order.”
“She’smy fucking woman! You don’t keep that shit from me!”
Iturn to Alex, giving him a quick hug. “Thanks for getting me out of there. Youshould go.”
“I’llbe right outside,” Alex replies, fighting a grin.
