Page 13 of My Billionaire Boss Crush

They all falter, every single one of them, taken aback by Alexander's sudden appearance, the weight of his words, and possibly his physique as well. Their bravado deflates, replaced by a sense of unease. They exchange uncertain glances, realizing that their actions have not gone unnoticed.

Alexander's presence beside me offers an immediate shield of protection. The two men seated beside me rise to their feet, their hands raised in surrender as they appraise Alexander.

“We were just having fun with the lady,” one of them says, but Alex simply glares in response, his nostrils flaring and his stony expression giving nothing but cold menace away. “Fine, jeez, we’ll leave,” the man rolls his eyes, and they all walk away, their demeanors changing from aggressors to hesitant retreaters.

I let out a shaky breath, my gratitude for Alex's timely intervention overwhelming me. His arrival has spared me from an encounter that could have easily become something more dangerous and scarring.

"Thank you, Alex," I whisper, my voice filled with gratitude and admiration as I rise to my wobbly feet. "I don't know what would have happened if you hadn't stepped in."

He offers a reassuring smile, his eyes reflecting a mix of concern and relief. "No problem, Blair. I couldn't stand by and watch that unfold. Are you okay?"

I nod, my voice filled with appreciation. "Yes, thanks to you. You truly saved me."

He takes his time, taking in every inch of me before nodding in satisfaction. Dipping his hands in his pockets, he rocks back and forth on his feet, both of us unsure of what to do now. “Do you need anything, a drink, perhaps?”

I shake my head, totally done with this place. “I just want to go home.”

Alexander nods in understanding, and as we make our way toward the exit, I can't help but feel a sense of connection with Alex. In the chaos of the club, we found each other, and his courage and protective nature have left an indelible impression on me.

Outside, the cool night air washes over us, a welcome respite from the confines of the club. Alex's presence continues to provide a comforting anchor, a reminder that there are good people in the world who wouldn’t just turn a blind eye to the horrors happening around them.

"Blair," he says softly, his voice carrying a hint of vulnerability. "If you don't mind, I'd like to make sure you get home safely."

His offer warms my heart, and I find myself nodding, a smile forming on my lips. "I would appreciate that, Alex. Thank you."

So, I let him lead me toward his car at the parking lot and slid inside, shutting the door and the noise from the club out.

Chapter eight

A Painful Past-Alex

I stand in the center of the living room with my fists clenched. The past few days have been stressful, with me trying to secure the Anderson deal even after punching David McCrae in the face. The bastard deserved it after the way he spoke about Blair.

I could have easily let go of that deal and moved on. After all, I have several other business dealings in the palm of my hand. But I couldn’t let all my hard work go down the drain, and if I wanted something, I tried my hardest to get it.

It turns out David’s boss was well aware of the kind of man he was because he had put him on probation after many complaints from the female employees at their company. So, when I went over to the Anderson firm and told the President what happened, he fired David right then and there and offered me the deal.

And just when I thought my week was at least about to get better, Summer received yet another email from her mother saying practically the same thing. Now isn’t the right time for a visit.

I had tried to cheer Summer up and distract her from her mother’s unfeeling response, but our conversation turned into my daughter lashing out at me.

Anger courses through my veins, fueled by the conversation that has escalated into a full-blown argument. Summer stares back at me with defiance in her eyes, her voice dripping with frustration and hurt.

"You just don't understand, Dad!" she exclaims, her voice laced with anger. "You're always defending her, but she's never been there for me. I don't want to hear about her excuses anymore!"

My heart clenches at her words, the pain of her absent mother slicing through me like a knife. I take a deep breath, desperately trying to keep my emotions in check, but the resentment I've harbored for years starts to unravel.

"You think I defend her? Summer, I've spent countless nights picking up the pieces, trying to shield you from the reality that she chose to walk away," I reply, my voice quivering with suppressed emotion. "I've tried to protect you from the pain. And it's not fair to blame me for her absence."

Tears well up in Summer's eyes, her anger momentarily giving way to a raw vulnerability. "I know, Dad. But it hurts. It hurts knowing that she's out there, living her life while I'm left wondering what I did wrong."

Her words strike at the core of my own frustrations, reminding me of the nights spent questioning where I went wrong as a husband and father. But this is not the time to dwell on my own pain. Right now, I need to be there for Summer to help her navigate through the storm of emotions.

"I'm sorry, sweetheart," I say, my voice softer now, filled with a mix of regret and empathy. "I can't change the choices your mother made, but I can promise you this, I will always be here for you. I will do my best to fill the void and be the parent you need."

Summer's gaze softens, and I see a glimmer of hope in her eyes. The tension in the room starts to dissipate, replaced by an unspoken understanding between us. It's a fragile truce, but one that signifies a step forward in our healing journey.

As the weight of the conversation hangs in the air, I feel an overwhelming surge of emotion. I turn away from Summer, unable to hold back the tears any longer. The room feels suffocating, the walls closing in on me. In a desperate attempt to collect my thoughts, I make my way to the front door.

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