“I don’t want to hide,” Alex said. “I’ve never done that.”
“Only until we find those responsible, Alex,” Liam said. “And we will. It will be safe for you to do what you want.”
“You can study,” Roman said. “There are online courses you can take. I will talk to the school personally and have it arranged for you to do that.”
She frowned as she looked at him. “Why?”
“It is what you want, and regardless of what you think, I am not that cruel.”
Alex didn’t believe him. She wrapped her arms around herself and stared at the room full of men. There was way too much testosterone tonight, and she knew she was nearly killed.
“Okay.” She looked at her dad. “Can I … stay home tonight?”
“I’m taking you home,” Roman said.
“I mean in my old bedroom.” She didn’t want to be with Roman. He didn’t make her feel safe. She missed her old home, her old house, and Millie. The only way for her to feel strong right now was to enjoy a nice big bowl full of Millie’s comfort soup. She didn’t even know what was in the soup, she just knew that she wanted it.
“I’m not letting you out of my sight,” Roman said.
Her father snapped back, and then they were arguing again. Of course, they were arguing.
“Fine!” Alex yelled, raising her voice loud enough to be heard. “You can stay. I’m sure my dad has plenty of rooms.”
“I will stay in your room,” Roman said.
He was just doing this to rile her dad.
“I don’t care,” Alex said, looking at her dad. “Can I go?”
“Yes, I will drive you,” Liam said.
“And I’ll be there.” This was from Roman.
“Actually, Mr. Smith,” Lucas said. “I would like for us to have a word. I think it is only fair that we give Alex and my son some time. They have, after all, had an awful experience. We can talk.”
Alex wasn’t in the mood to argue.
“I will be home soon,” Liam said.
She went to her father and wrapped her arms around his waist, holding him close and breathing him in. Whenever she hugged him, she always felt safe and warm.
Nothing and no one could get her. No imaginary bogeymen or scary, real hooded men. Nothing. She was safe.
As with all things, she had to pull away. She kissed his cheek and stepped toward Roman, who took her hand. Antonio also followed, and then she found two other men outside.
“Alex, this is Marlo Guerra and Cash Vitale.”
She held her hand up in greeting. They were his other two friends. She had seen them at the wedding, but they hadn’t been introduced.
They left the strip club out the back entrance, where a car was already waiting for them. Antonio and Marlo took the front seat while she sat in the middle between Roman and Cash.
She stayed tense. No one spoke on the journey, and she wanted to be near a window just so she could look out. To see the city passing her by, and not to be afraid of anything.
She hated feeling fear. The spiraling twist in her gut was not a welcoming feeling. She wanted it to stop.
“Are you okay?” Antonio asked, filling the silence.
“I’m fine. Thank you.”