“Anywhere,” he smirked.
“Why?” I nibbled my lip as I watched him.
“Maddie,” he sighed as he crossed his arms over his chest. “We’re going back to court next week, that’s what Sebastian wanted to talk about; Richard isn’t willing to take a deal. Things are going to get shitty when we go back. All my crap is going to get brought up, and drag us down.” He moved to stand in front of me and quickly petted Zeb’s head. He pulled me to a standing position, and cupped my cheek as he leaned closer, “I want to take my girlfriend out for a night of fun before that happens.”
“Is this an open invite, or do I have to stay here?” Angela’s voice rang out with annoyance.
“You can come,” Cole shrugged. “I talked to Wes on the way home. He’s game,” he moved closer to my ear as he whispered, “Invite Erin, too, but remember…you promised me some one-on-one time tonight, and I intend to cash in on that.”
I shivered at his insinuation before pulling back, “I haven’t forgotten. I need to get ready though if you’re being serious.”
“Then get ready,” he chuckled as he pushed me toward the bedroom and smacked my butt as I began to walk away.
After spending entirely too long in the bathroom, I’d shaved, primped, and smoothed every surface on my body. We hadn’t really gone out since the accident that started all this mess we were currently in. I wasn’t sure if Cole realized this or not. My nerves were on edge, but knowing that the group with me tonight all loved and wanted to protect me helped.
It was a warm evening, so I dressed in a pair of skinny jeans and a loose silk top. I pulled my hair back on the sides, and attempted to go for that sultry look with my makeup. I don’t know if I succeeded or not, but by the look on Cole’s face when I emerged from the bathroom, I’d say he liked it.
Angela had gone for a dressier look, and when she stepped out of her room and Cole saw her, I knew we were in for a long night.
“No way!” he shook his head at her and pointed to her room. “You are not going out looking like that.”
“Um, you don’t get to tell me how to dress,” she shook her head. “I’m not a kid, Cole. I can wear what I want.”
“I don’t care how old you are,” Cole growled. “You’re not dressing like a hooker. Now go change,” he pointed at her bedroom door again.
“No!” she tapped her foot, and when she crossed her arms over her chest, the bottom of her dress rode up her thighs slightly. “I’m not going to have this body too much longer. I’m gonna get fat soon, and you, big brother, are not going to order me around,” she rolled her eyes and I couldn’t help but giggle as I watched this standoff. “I already can’t drink, and we’re going to a club. If I can’t have fun, why did you ask me to come?”
“I give up,” Cole groaned just as a knock sounded at the door. He turned to open the door just as Angela stepped into the room grabbing her purse off the kitchen table.
“What the…” Wes’s mouth dropped open and the comment on the tip of his tongue was forgotten as he stared at Angela. “No, just no,” Wes shook his head.
“Not you, too,” she grumbled. “I’m going out with Maddie. If you guys would like to be adults and join us then great, if not, see you later,” she marched over to me, grabbed my elbow, and began tugging me toward the door.
I smiled at Cole as we passed, and watched him let his head fall back. “Fucking great,” he muttered. “I thought tonight was gonna be fun, but now it looks like I’m going to get to play body guard for my little sister who thinks that guys aren’t going to spend the evening trying to grab her ass.”
Wes shook his head, and followed silently behind us. I couldn’t help but notice the way he stared at Angela’s hips as they swayed in the sequined dress. “It’s not too much, is it?” she leaned in next to my ear and whispered.
I glanced over at her and shook my head, “No. You look great.” She had on something that I never could have pulled off, but she did and it looked fantastic on her. The black halter dress clung to every inch of her body. Pregnancy had caused her breast to swell, filling in the top better than I could ever dream of. The low cut back exposed her pale skin, and was a deep contrast to her chocolate hair. The kicker was the shoes. Heels had straps that circled her ankles and made her look like she was walking on the tips of her toes graced her feet. Angela was short, but in the heels, she looked so much taller. Guys were going to notice her, and it appeared that one of them was with us tonight. Wes hadn’t taken his eyes off her, and I wondered if she’s noticed, too.
When we reached Vibe, Cole parked and the four of us climbed out. I was surprised that we didn’t have to wait in line, but Wes walked right up to the front and nodded at the bouncer as he moved the velvet rope and let us in.
“How’d you do that?” I tapped his shoulder as he led our group up a set of stairs.
“I’m a VIP,” he yelled over his shoulder.
“There’s perks to knowing him,” Angela grumbled from behind me.
Once we reached the top, a place I’d never gotten to see, we found a round booth off to the side. It was quieter up here, more intimate. Cole motioned for me to have a seat while he and Wes went to get us all drinks. I mentioned that he better leave Erin’s name at the door or she’d never find us when she arrived. He’d nodded and given the message to one of the bouncers at the top of the steps.
“So do you come here often?” Angela glanced around as she shifted in her seat.
“I used to,” I glanced nervously around the room, “but I haven’t been back in a while.”
“Oh,” Angela nodded just as the guys reappeared and slid in beside us.
“Here,” Cole handed me some sort of fruity drink as he wrapped his other arm around my shoulders. He leaned in next to me and murmured, “I remembered that you had a hard time deciding last time so I thought I’d give it a try.”
I blushed at the memory and leaned into him. “That was different. I was afraid. I didn’t know you,” I hissed.
“Relax,” his fingers brushed the top of my bare shoulder. “Tonight is about enjoying ourselves, not worrying about the past.”
“The past,” Angela quirked a brow.
“This is where it happened,” Wes’s voice was low but I was able to make out what he was saying.
“Oh, sorry,” Angela cringed.
“No worries. Fun night, remember?” Cole smirked, but then narrowed his eyes at Wes, who seemed like he found Angela’s chest very interesting. “She’s gonna make me work tonight,” he grumbled as he gave me a gentle squeeze.
“Well, while you guys sit up here with all the important people, I’m gonna go dance,” Angela stood, tugged at the bottom of her dress, and then waved flirtatiously as she turned to make her way downstairs to the dance floor.
“She’ll be fine,” I rolled my eyes when Cole shook his head. “You worry too much.”
“Um, have you forgotten what’s been going on lately?” he pressed a kiss to my temple as he stood and made his way over to where the windows for viewing the lower floor were.
“He’s just on edge. Give him a break,” Wes shrugged before he joined Cole at the windows.
I knew better than any of us what was going on. I’d been dealing with this bullshit for years. I’m the reason it was all happening to them now. I stood up and headed over to the men standing at the window. “Don’t treat me like I don’t know what’s at stake,” I tapped him on the shoulder. Cole didn’t answer me, so I squeezed his arm. “Hey,” I tried again.
“What the fuck is she doing?” Cole muttered to himself. His head snapped up as if he’d just realized that I was standing beside him. “I’ll be right back. Stay here with Wes,” his eyes darted over to Wes’s as if he was silently pleading with him before Wes nodded his acceptance.
“What’s wrong?” I could see the distress on his face even though he tried to mask it.
“Nothing,” he shook me off. “Just stay here. I’ll be right back.”
ooooooooo
Cole
What the fuck is she doing dancing with him? I couldn’t help all the thoughts that were racing through my mind when I saw my sister grinding all over that asshole. He had his hands on her hips, and she was leaning back into him like he was providing the most exhilarating feeling. Her eyes were closed, and her hair stuck to her neck and face with sweat. When I saw them through the glass, his eyes connected with mine. It was as if he knew I was watching them. He stared for a moment as one of his hands practically slid up her dress.
“Get the fuck away from my sister!” I bellowed when I reached them and yanked Angela out of his grip.
“Cole,” she scowled at me before her face fell and she scurried off.
I knew things were getting ready to go bad, and fast, but I didn’t care. All I saw at the moment was red, and my fists clenched at my side as I fought to control the rage.
“You’re sister’s a hot piece. I didn’t realize she was so willing and inviting,” he smirked as his eyes trailed off in the direction Angela had retreated.
“You stay the fuck away from her,” I grabbed a handful of his shirt and growled in his face as he sneered at me.
“Or what?” he grinned. “What are you going to do?”
I glanced around us and noticed we were garnering a few looks so I released him. He brushed his hands down his shirt, straightening it, just as I felt a hand clasp my shoulder. “It’s not worth it man. Let the courts take care of it,” Wes’s voice was low beside my ear. I could feel the tension radiating off of him, and I nodded.
We turned to head back upstairs just as Richard called out behind us, “I can’t wait to sink into that sweet piece. She wants me, and I’ll teach her how to please a real man.”
“Go the fuck upstairs,” Wes warned. “I’ll take care of him,” he pushed me toward the steps, and when I reached them, I turned back to see him dragging Richard out the back door.
I knew whatever was going on out there was bad, and that I should go after him, but when I glanced upstairs and saw Maddie watching me, it propelled me to listen to my best friend and go to her.
Chapter 20
Maddie
Moments after Cole disappeared, I heard Wes growl. He muttered something under his breath before he turned to me and ordered me in no uncertain terms to stay put. I didn’t know what was going on, but seconds after that, Angela came barreling into the room.
“I’m sorry,” she sobbed. “I didn’t know.”
“Didn’t know what?” I wrapped my arm around her and guided her back to our table.
“It was him,” she bit her lip. “He was touching me, and Cole, he saw it,” Angela’s eyes lifted to meet mine.
“Who?” I leaned closer. “What happened? Who saw what?”
“Your ex. He’s down there, and now Cole’s going kill him,” she placed her elbows on the table and let her head fall forward.
“What?” I gasped as I stood up and began to move toward the stairs. “I’ll be right back.”
“No!” she screamed. “Stay here!”
“I can’t let him do this,” I reasoned as I began rushing across the room. Before I could reach the steps, Cole emerged.
“Where are you going?” he growled.
I lifted my hands, and began backing away from him. “I was coming to find you.”
“I told you to stay here,” he was so tense I thought he might snap. “For once, listen to me!”
“Where’s Wes?” Angela’s timid voice came from behind me.
“Fixing the problem,” Cole growled. “You and that fucking dress,” he slammed his fist down on the table. “I told you something like this would happen.”
“This isn’t her fault,” I screamed at him causing several patrons to turn and stare at us. I was angry, and Richard was an asshole. It wouldn’t have mattered what Angela had worn. He was trying to get to Cole, he would have pursued her no matter what.
“Hey, what’s going on?” Erin appeared at the top of the steps and began darting her eyes between us.
“Nothing,” Cole shook his head. “Get your things,” he pointed at Angela and me. “We’re leaving before they throw us out.”
“What? Why?” Erin’s brow crinkled. “What’d I miss?”
I blew out a breath, and gently shook my head signaling for her to drop it. “It’s a long story. I’m sorry you came all the way here just to leave.”
“No worries. I invited some friends, too. I’ll just go back downstairs and hang out with them. Are you sure you’re ok?” she leaned in close to my ear and whispered.
“Yeah, we just need to stay away from here. Nothing good ever comes out of nights at this place,” I sighed as I grabbed my purse and hugged her bye. “I’ll call you later this week.”
“Alright, see ya,” she waved before going back downstairs to grab a drink.
When we reached the bottom of the stairs, Cole began leading us out to the car. He kept his eyes down, and didn’t say more than two or three words. I didn’t even notice that Wes wasn’t with us at first.
“Where’s Wes?” I looked around as we climbed in.
“He told me he’d find a ride home, and to just go without him,” Cole’s mouth pressed into a firm line as he held my door open.
“We can’t just leave him,” Angela seemed frantic, but Cole didn’t care at the moment.
“Get in the damn car, Ang. He can take care of himself,” Cole ordered.
The ride home was silent. No one uttered a word about what had transpired at Vibe, and I was afraid to bring it up. The thicker the tension got, the more I wanted to run. My baggage was drowning a family that had already been through so much. If I hadn’t let Cole in, he wouldn’t be dealing with this. It seemed I couldn’t escape Richard, no matter how hard I tried.
When we arrived at Cole’s apartment, we silently climbed the steps. Angela retreated to her room, and within seconds, I could hear her quiet sobs. Cole stared at her door for a few moments, but then grabbed my hand pulling me into his room.
“Don’t you want to talk to her?” I questioned as I slipped out of my shoes.
“Not right now,” he murmured. “I’m too mad at her right now, and I know she knows I was right. She’s still young and does dumb stuff. She’s more embarrassed than anything. I’ll talk to her in the morning.”
“Are we ok?” I whispered as I stared at the floor.
“Yeah, why wouldn’t we be?” “I love you Maddie. I could never stay mad at you even if I was. I’m mad that our evening was ruined, but you didn’t have anything to do with that. I’m mad that my best friend is cleaning up my mess right now, and he wouldn’t let me help him. I’m mad at a lot of things, but you’re not one of them,” he leaned in and pressed a soft kiss to my lips. “What’d ya say we climb into that bed and snuggle up while we watch a movie?”
“Sounds perfect,” I smiled at him.
After stripping out of my clothes, I slipped into one of Cole’s t-shirts, and climbed into bed. He slipped in right behind me, and pressed his chest against my back as he patted the bed signaling that Zeb could join us. I giggled as he jumped up, and tried to weasel his way in between us. We shifted to make room, and Cole laughed for the first time that night.
“Hey buddy,” I scratched behind Zeb’s ears. “Think you can give us some room?” I pushed on his side to try and get him to move over. “You don’t own the bed.”
Zeb lifted his head, and looked at us as if to say, ‘you asked me to come up here’. Cole chuckled as his arms tightened around me, and he began kissing my neck. “I like it when he spreads out,” he whispered in my ear. “It means you have to get closer to me.”
“You’re terrible,” I giggled as I burrowed closer, and kissed his arm where it crossed my chest.
“Hey, Maddie,” Cole nudged me and leaned closer.
“Yeah?” I yawned as I let my eyes drift close.
“Wanna move in?” I felt his body tense behind me like he was preparing for the worst as he waited for me to
answer.
“Do you mean that, or are you just wanting me here because you think it’s safer?” I murmured.
“I love you. You practically live here now. Why not finish moving your things here? Zeb’s here. He misses you when you’re not around…” Cole’s voice trailed off.
“Are you trying to guilt trip me with the dog?” I teased as I turned my head to peer up at him.
“Maybe,” he teased. “Is it working?”
“Maybe,” I nibbled my bottom lip. “What about Angela? She lives here too, now?”
“She’s been looking for her own place. She’ll be moving out soon. Please?” he skimmed his nose up the side of my neck stopping right by my ear.
“If I do this, you can’t boss me around. I’ve done that route before, and I will never go back to that,” I warned as I turned in his arms. “I know you’re nothing like him, but I won’t live with someone that thinks they can always tell me what to do,” I watched his face for understanding and smiled when I saw acceptance.
“Deal,” he mumbled as he brushed his lips across mine.
Watching a movie was long forgotten as hands began to roam. Our bodies called to one another as we celebrated moving to the next step, the night’s earlier events pushed to the back of our minds. After several mind-numbing orgasms, we fell into a deep sleep, not thinking about what the morning would hold. That night forever changed more than one of us, and no one really knew how much until months later.
ooooooooo
Cole
After the night of lovemaking Maddie and I shared, I didn’t think anything could bring me down. I hadn’t planned to wake up to the scene in my living room, and if I had, I might have gone back to sleep.
When I rounded the corner still rubbing my eyes, I found my sister sitting on the couch with her head in her hands. My best friend was sitting beside her talking in low whispers, and I don’t think either of them heard me when I entered the room.
“What’s going on?” I sat in the chair across from them.
“Nothing, don’t worry about it,” Wes muttered.
Saving Us Page 14