by Twyla Turner
“Oh shit! What branch?” Derek said, his eyes becoming wary, picking up the warning.
“Marine Corp,” Sloan answered.
“Thanks for your service, Sloan,” Derek said. “So I’ll let you get back to your day. Sorry to hold you up. I’m new around here and haven’t met a whole lot of people yet.”
“No problem, man. It was nice talking to you.” Sloan said as they shook hands one more time, before he slid into the driver’s seat.
As he drove off, heading back to the house, a shiver of unease traveled down his spine.
~~~
Eric watched the scarred man and his guard dog, as they drove off down the street. It took all he had not to pull the gun he had in the waistband of his jeans out, and shoot a hole through Sloan’s skull. Especially after he called Lexi his girlfriend. But he knew it wouldn’t do him any good to act now, and risk being thrown in prison before his plan was accomplished. Besides, I’d rather her watch, as I put the gun to his temple and hear him beg for his life.
Though Eric knew, he had to tread lightly. Finding out that Sloan was a former Marine and the dog was military trained, he knew that it complicated his plans. This guy isn’t some random pussy. So he had to wait a little longer and adjust his plans.
Eric turned and started to stroll back to his rundown motel like he didn’t have a care in the world. A sinister smile spreaded across his face. The idea of lying in wait, while Lexi relaxed and got comfortable thinking that she was safe, filled him with a twisted kind of pleasure. He imagined that pretty smile he had seen on her face from afar, disappear as he drained the life from her unfaithful body.
~~~
Lexi was set up on the back porch, working. She was deep in thought as she worked on her painting of the stunning weeping willow and flowing river that made up her back yard, that she just barely heard the knock at the door. It didn’t help that there was continual hammering, and heavy footsteps around the house from the men working overtime on the renovation.
Lexi set down her paintbrush and grabbed her rag to wipe her hands as she walked to the door. She peeked out the side window and saw that it was her realtor Dominique, who had sold her the fixer upper cottage house. Dom was a stunning light-skinned black woman. Tall and graceful, the classic Southern Belle. Every time Lexi had seen her, she was dressed impeccably. And today was no different, Lexi noted as she swung the door open wide for her new friend.
Even though it was the weekend, the realtor was dressed in an adorable wrap dress that was in a deep royal blue. She was in fun leopard print sky high heels, that made Lexi’s four-feet-eleven stature seem even smaller. And her blonde asymmetrical pixie cut, had a sassy spike to it.
“Hey, Dom. What a pleasant surprise.” Lexi said sincerely though the last time they were together, Lexi had nearly had a nervous breakdown over the blind date Dom had set up for her.
“Lexi! It’s so good to see you.” Dom leaned in to hug Lexi affectionately, always ignoring Lexi’s obvious ‘Don’t touch me’ body language.
“So what brings you by?” Lexi asked.
“Oh, I just wanted to come see how things are going with the renovation. I remember you saying that the contractor you hired was relatively unknown. And I just wanted to make sure he’s doing right by you.” Dom said in her sweet melodic southern accent.
“Sure. Come on in and I’ll show you.” Lexi stepped aside to let the tall woman in. Though Lexi knew that seeing the progress of the house, wasn’t the only thing that the pretty woman had come to see. Lexi knew she was curious about the man that she was willing to let into her private world.
Dom looked around curiously at all of the workers bustling about, working on the main floor of the house. Lexi noticed that she was trying to figure out which one was her contractor. But Sloan had ran to the store to get more supplies that they were running low on.
“Hey Dom, come follow me. The upstairs is done already. And it’s heaven. My very own sanctuary.” Lexi said, with rare excitement in her voice.
Lexi led Dom up the stairs to her room. She opened the door to the bedroom that first led into the sitting area that Sloan had decked out, then into the main part of the master suite, the walk-in closet and finally the master bath. Dom gasped, oohed and ahhed at the beautiful work that Sloan and the workers had done.
“This is nothing short of amazing!” Dom exclaimed. “He really does know what he’s doing. I had my doubts. But I must admit that I was dead wrong. I have to meet this guy!” Dom said, nearly rubbing her hands with glee.
“Sloan ran to the hardware store really quick to get more supplies. But he should be back any minute.” Lexi explained. “Here let’s go downstairs and get some iced tea while we wait,” Lexi suggested as she motioned for Dom to head towards the stairs.
As the women walked down the steps, the door opened, and Sloan in all his rugged sexiness walked through the door, Tank following closely behind. Lexi had noticed lately that he was gaining back some of the confidence that he’d told her he once had, now that he was finally doing what he was meant to do. Finally having a purpose again.
He was dressed in low-slung jeans and a plain black t-shirt that hugged his lean muscular body just right. His hair, as always was gorgeous. With his hands full of bags, his jet-black silky hair had come loose from behind his ears and swung over his face, hiding his scars.
Sloan bent over to place the bags on the floor near the doorway. Standing back up, he did that thing that Lexi loved, where he ran his fingers through his luxurious hair to get it out of his face. Her heart stuttered every time he did it. And to seal the deal, Sloan looked up spotting them and smiled radiantly as he tucked his hair behind his ears, silvery blue eyes sparkling.
Apparently Dom wasn’t unaffected either. She came to a sudden stop, and Lexi heard her whisper, “Oh my!” right before Lexi crashed into her back. Both women had to grasp the railing to stop from tumbling down the stairs. Sloan stepped forward, ready to help them or to provide the cushion for their fall.
“Are you ladies alright?” He asked in his light southern drawl, dipped in the deep rich molasses that was his sexy baritone.
“Good. We’re good.” Lexi said as both women straightened up and walked down the rest of the steps.
Once they were both safely on the main floor, Lexi made the introductions. “Dom, this is my contractor and…and friend, Sloan Stryker.” Lexi stuttered out, not sure what to label him. “Sloan, this is Dominique Preston, my realtor,” Lexi said, noticing the skin around Sloan’s eyes tighten, realizing he was meeting the very woman that had caused Lexi to rip out his heart a few weeks ago.
But Sloan’s impeccable southern manners kicked in as always, and he wiped his hand on his jeans before extending it to gently shake Dom’s. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Ms. Preston.”
“Oh, call me Dom.” The realtor waved off the formality. A little too breathless and flushed for a woman of her age and relationship status, Lexi thought. “And the pleasure is all mine, I’m sure, Sloan.”
Uncomfortable with the attention and for lack of anything else better to break the awkward moment, Sloan pulled Lexi in for what had now become his customary peck on the lips, whenever he came back from being out of the house. Lexi looked down at the floor bashfully after he released her lips, not very comfortable with public displays of affection. Though she was finding that Sloan had no such hang-ups about PDAs.
“So Sloan, Lexi just showed me what you did with the master suite. And I must say that I’m beyond impressed. You have a true talent and eye for design.” Dom complimented.
“Thank you, Dom. It’s been a while since I’ve done any construction. So I really appreciate that.” Sloan said, flushing red with pleasure and embarrassment.
“No problem. I’d only say it if it was true. And it is.” Dom paused, either for emphasis or gathering her thoughts. “As a matter of fact, I have connections with a home décor magazine and they’d probably love to do an article and photo spread of this renovation.
That is if you don’t mind Lexi.” Dom asked, looking down at Lexi with an excited smile.
“Oh no, not at all, anything to help Sloan’s career! He may not have done any home construction in a long time, but his talent is undeniable.” Lexi reassured her.
“Agreed. Perfect! I’ll contact them as soon as possible.” Dom said, pulling out her cellphone from her designer handbag. “Do you mind if I take pictures of the master suite?”
“No, go right ahead,” Lexi answered.
“Fantastic! And I still have the before pictures of the house from when I posted them on my realtor website. I’ll send them the before and after pics and I’m sure they’ll be calling.” Dom said as she started back up the stairs to take the pictures of Lexi’s bed and bath. She stopped and turned back to look down at them. “Oh and if you don’t mind me asking, what were you doing for the last several years that you weren’t working in construction?” She asked Sloan as an afterthought.
“I served in the Marines. I was enlisted for several years and served three tours in Afghanistan. I had a medical discharge about two years ago. Lexi gave me my first shot at restarting my career.” Sloan answered without shame.
“Whoa! You just sealed the deal for sure! They can’t resist American hero/underdog stories. I’ll be right back.” Dom’s heels clicked excitedly up the stairs, leaving Lexi and Sloan a little disoriented.
“I think I’m finally understanding why you couldn’t say no to her about that double date. She’s kind of a ‘won’t take no for an answer’ type of person.” Sloan said, a huge grin spreading across his face, realizing it really wasn’t that Lexi hadn’t cared for him. “Man, I bet she sells a shitload of houses. She could probably sell water to a drowning man.” Sloan joked, making Lexi burst out in laughter.
“You’re probably right. I told you she’s a force to be reckoned with.” Lexi said, stifling her giggles.
“Yes, she is.” Sloan agreed before leaning down to kiss Lexi’s forehead. “Alright, my break is over. The guys need help. I’ll leave you to deal with your friend.” Sloan smiled and then walked over to pick up the shopping bags.
Lexi turned back to the stairs when she heard the sharp clip of Dom’s heels as she came back down the stairs.
“Okay, I got the pictures and I’ll be sending them in an email later today. They probably won’t get it ‘til Monday. But I doubt that it’ll take long for them to respond, not with the before and afters, plus his story.” Dom rattled off, not letting Lexi get in a word as she continued. “And then with getting your art exhibition organized, I swear I’ll make you two the ‘It’ couple of Savannah! Oh, and speaking of, he is gorgeous! I didn’t know that you liked a little cream with your coffee. But I wouldn’t mind some cream like that! He’s definitely yummy. And with that sexy scar, he looks a little dangerous too. Woo!” Dom finally finished, fanning herself.
“It wasn’t really a race, thing. It was more of a damaged souls recognizing each other, kind of thing.” Lexi confessed, knowing that if Dom knew what he looked like when Lexi first met him, she wouldn’t have looked at him twice.
“Well, you two definitely look good together, and I can tell you’re happier. You smile a lot more now. I’m glad.” Dom said sincerely.
“Thanks, Dom,” Lexi said, her face heating up with embarrassment.
“Oh, I almost forgot!” Dom exclaimed as she went into her purse and pulled out an envelope with fancy writing on the front. “I wanted to invite you to my wedding. It’s in two weeks, and you and Sloan are welcome to come. I know its short notice, but we finally decided to stop worrying about everyone else and did what we wanted to do. So the ceremony and reception will be a bit smaller than we started out with. Only immediate family, and close friends.” Dom explained as she handed Lexi the invitation.
“Me? But you barely know me.” Lexi said looking down at the beautiful calligraphy.
“Oh don’t be crazy! Of course, you’re invited. I know we’re not super close or anything, but I like you. Besides, it’ll be a great way for you and Sloan to meet some people, and get your names out there. One thing is certain about high society people they are always looking to remodel and then redecorate their homes out of pure boredom. So with his skill at renovating, and your paintings to fill their walls, you both could make a killing! I’m not taking no for an answer.” Dom coerced Lexi.
“I wouldn’t expect anything less.” Lexi conceded, barely containing her laughter at the tenacious woman. “We’ll be there.”
~~~
“There is no way in hell I’m going to some high society wedding! I left that kind of life behind years ago, and I don’t plan on going back. I’d rather be water-boarded.” Sloan said adamantly, later that evening.
Lexi brought up the subject sitting in bed while she massaged the circulation back into his left arm, and the left side of his back and neck. He often lost sensation on his left side, from where he had been hit by shrapnel during combat in Afghanistan, especially after a long day of work. Massaging him often helped get the blood flowing again.
“But Sloan, it really is the perfect opportunity to get our names out there. Don’t you want your name to flourish? Besides, it’s not just you that you need to think about now. You now have a crew of men that would follow you to the ends of the earth, like Robin Hood’s merry men. They need to get paid too.” Lexi implored.
“God! I really can’t stand stuffy rich people. I was so glad to get away from that lifestyle.” Sloan continued stubbornly.
“Sloan, you have to come with me! I know that Aaron is going to be there and if you’re not, I’ll have to deal with him all night.” Lexi pleaded.
“Who? That dick you went on the double date with?” Sloan said with a scowl.
“One and the same,” Lexi said with a raised eyebrow, knowing she had him.
“Fuck! Fine. I’ll go. But I don’t have to like it.” Sloan pouted like a little boy.
“At least we’ll be together. We can make fun of all the stuffy rich people together.” Lexi held back her laughter as she brushed back his hair with a gentle finger and planted a soft kiss on his temple. “Come on. Let’s go to bed, grumpy.”
Chapter 5
Eye of the Tiger
Lexi tossed and turned in bed, her sleep restless and a bad feeling in the pit of her stomach. She slowly opened her eyes, taking a moment to adjust to the semi-darkness. She flopped onto her back and stared up at the sheer canopy. A loud click made her glance at the foot of the bed quickly.
There at the end of the bed stood Eric. His arm was extended and in his hand he held a gun that glinted dangerously in the moonlight streaming from the window. Most of his large, stocky frame was in shadows, but she could see his face clearly. And his already sinister gray eyes, glowed with pure evil.
“If I can’t have you…no one can.” Eric’s voice rumbled darkly.
“NO!” Lexi screamed as she sat up rapidly, held out her hands protectively, and squeezed her eyes shut.
An ear deafening bang, rang through her ears and she screamed. She heard Sloan’s voice shouting her name from far away as if he was in a tunnel. And she felt hands on her shoulders, shaking her.
Lexi’s eyes flew open and instead of darkness, the room was filled with bright morning sunlight. The foot of the bed was empty, except for Tank, who was staring at her with ears pricked, at her ear piercing screams.
Finally realizing that the danger was only in her nightmare, as she looked into Sloan’s worried face, Lexi’s screams finally subsided. He rubbed her shoulders and arms soothingly. Gradually her breathing went from near hyperventilation to slower rasps. But the tremors coursing through her body, failed to diminish.
“Wanna talk about it?” Sloan asked hesitantly.
“It w-was Er-ric. He w-was at th-the f-foot of the b-bed. He had a…a g-gun.” Lexi forced the words past the uncontrollable shakes.
“That’s it! I’m teaching you some self-defense, starting today.” Sloan ground out in helpless frustrat
ion. “It’s Sunday and the guys aren’t coming today and I was going to work on the house a little by myself, but this is more important. And we’ll continue to practice each day after the crew leaves for the day, until the moves become second nature.”
“But h-how is self-defense g-gonna help m-me with a g-gun pointed at my f-face?” Lexi asked, equally frustrated.
“For now, if I can train you to protect yourself, that alone will give you more confidence. And at the very least a sense of comfort that your safety isn’t completely out of your hands. It might give you some peace of mind.” Sloan said passionately, gripping her hands in his tightly. “And as to the other problem, like I said before, we can get you a gun and I’ll make sure that you know how to use it.”
“O-okay,” Lexi said nodding her head and blowing out a deep calming breath.
“Come on. Let’s get dressed. Put on something comfortable and easy to maneuver in.” Sloan instructed as he slid out of the bed naked.
“Alright,” Lexi said to his back as he walked into the bathroom to brush his teeth. Her eyes traveled up and down his bare backside in admiration. Never able to get enough, even in crisis.
Sloan walked back into the bedroom to get dressed. Tank jumped out of bed and sat obediently in front of him as he pulled on his jeans and slipped his feet into the flip flops Lexi had gotten him. “I’ll be outside waiting for you. This big guy has a date with a patch of grass, in his near future. And I shouldn’t keep him waiting.” Sloan joked before winking at her, and leaving the room with the big black Shepard at his heels.
Lexi closed her eyes, took another deep breath through her nose, and expelled it quickly through her lips. Steadying her jittery heart, before walking into her closet. She hurriedly threw on a pair of black yoga pants, a bra, and a yellow tank top. She stuffed her feet into her only pair of tennis shoes.