Page 53 of Untamed

“We all have our bullshit, Ant,” she said gently. “I should know. Seems like you’ve just found the one who can deal with yours.”

Antony glanced at Simon. He had to admit that ever since Audrey had come into his friend’s life, he’d made a lot of progress wrangling his own demons. It hadn’t been easy for either of them, but once she got over her own crap, she’d been Simon’s lighthouse, keeping him from dashing to bits against the rocks in his own turbulent sea.

He was suddenly uncomfortable under their scrutiny like he was standing at the edge of his own cliff, about to take a header into the deep. He cleared his throat. “Yeah, well, let’s see if she sticks around after dealing with all of us at the club.”

To her credit, and his gratitude, Audrey let it go. She winked at him, and he spent the rest of dinner focusing on his food.

***

Lesley regretted showing up to the Warehouse alone. As soon as she’d walked in, she ran into Smith. He didn’t say anything but gave her an oily smile that set her on edge.

She decided to put some distance between the two of them and chose a stool at the small bar by the pool tables. She had a clear view of the front door, and because it was tucked away a little, Smith couldn’t sneak up on her without her knowing.

Lesley ordered a beer. As she waited, her phone buzzed. We’re on the way, but there’s traffic.

Well, shit. She briefly considered waiting in her car, but quickly dismissed the idea. Being alone in the parking lot would be a stupid move. She mentally shook herself. Enough. She had been letting Smith live in her head way too long and letting her feelings intimidate her.

She sent back, I’m here. Pool table bar. She turned toward the bar and found her beer and glass already sitting there. She slid a $20 toward him and he let it sit there while he tended to other patrons and cleaned up the area.

Lesley set the glass aside and took a large swig right out of the bottle while she watched people playing pool. Before long, she’d finished her beer and asked for a glass of water. She checked her phone. They should arrive any minute.

Smith kept staring, which only put her more on edge. She kept her features neutral and took a healthy swallow of water before turning back to the bar to put the glass down.

As she turned, her vision blurred slightly, and the world moved in slow motion. She watched in horror as she tried to set down the glass and it tipped sideways, falling from her fingertips, rolling away, and spilling everywhere.

The bartender, a consummate professional, and wiped up the mess with a smile. “No worries. Probably help clean the bar up a bit,” he said benignly. “I’ll get you another.”

“S-ssorry,” she slurred. It took forever to get that one word out, so she didn’t try talking again. Something was horribly wrong. Her thoughts were thick and soupy and her body was made of sandbags.

Smith chose that moment to approach. He leaned in and sniffed at her, chuckling at her attempt to get away from him. “What’s the matter, Prosser?” he asked. “You don’t look so hot. Need any help?”

She tried to shake her head but couldn’t tell whether she was actually moving.

“No? I think you do. I should help you.” He moved closer to her, “I’m going to help you, Lesley. I’ll take care of you. Real good care.” He slid one arm around her waist and pulled her off the barstool.

Lesley tried to protest, but couldn’t even get control over her body, much less speak. At that moment, the music in the club changed, and the strobe lights went off, making her dizzier. All she could do to stand and try to maintain balance in place. Her ability to focus on anything was almost gone, so all she could do was protest feebly while Smith did what he wanted.

He was about to loop her arm over his shoulder when a loud voice broke out. “What the fuck are you doing?”

It was Antony. The last thing she remembered before darkness overtook her completely was the look of rage on his face and the feel of his body as he pulled her to safety.

CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE

As soon as they walked into the bar, Antony smelled trouble. Lesley stood at an awkward angle, squinting at the lights strobing over the dance floor. Smith, that little shithead, had his paws all over her, trying to get her arm wrapped around his neck. Lesley had gone dead weight on him and dragging her wasn’t working. He tapped Simon on the arm to get his attention and broke away from the group.

Charlie turned and grabbed Jeff, the bouncer, pointing at the corner. Jeff yelled over the din to the other bouncers, who closed all the doors and stood in front of them, preventing anyone from leaving.

“The fuck you think you’re doing?” Antony’s vision had gone grey at the edges, and the rush of adrenaline buzzed in his ears. If he got his hands on that idiot, it’d all be over.

Smith looked up. Time for damage control. “Man, I just saw her sitting there, and she looked funny. I thought I’d help her outside to get some fresh air,” he said.

“Such a good Samaritan you are, Smith,” Antony snarled. “I’ve got her.” He reached toward Lesley. Smith jerked away from him reflexively, and Lesley lurched out of his grasp and into Antony’s arms. Before he could do anything, Smith had vanished into the crowd.

He stabilized Lesley against him and walked her toward the front of the club. Jeff stood near an open door, and waved him in. He guided Lesley into a small office the bouncers used to store their stuff. It had a couch and a couple of chairs inside. Audrey, and Charlie waited and made room for Lesley to sit on the couch.

“I’ve called for an ambulance,” Simon told him as he walked in. “They’ll be here in a few minutes. She okay?”

“I think so, but if she’s this out of it after such a short time, I’m worried,” Antony said, looking down at Lesley. Her skin was flushed, but her breathing and heart rate were steady.

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