Thirty minutes and two more beers have left me more upbeat than ever. I feel nothing. I barely feel my legs moving and the hands touching me. I’m drenched in sweat, eager for more-wanting to jump, dance, sing, and… cry.
I knew it was only a matter of time before he’d show up if he was still in Seattle. Although I never imagined he’d find the place so quickly.
My lungs tightened and my chest began to ache. My vision, previously blurry, now focused intently on one thing. Henry’s glare, full of anger, started to destabilize my legs.
Given my message of “How are you doing, asshole?” accompanied by the photo, he clearly didn’t take it well. I can infer he got out of bed quite hastily. He was only wearing faded grey pants and a thin white t-shirt, far too light for this time of the year. He was barefoot, his hair all messy. I’d say he looks freezing, but his entire demeanor radiates a very heated fury. God, he’s hot as hell.
He glared at me threateningly, then shifted his gaze to Marcus… or was it Logan? Henry gritted his teeth, showing them clearly. This isn’t going to end well for these guys, and thanks to my good friend, alcohol, I don’t care.
I probably should have warned them when Henry began striding toward us, but my tongue was stuck in my mouth, and my body went completely still.
The punch that connected with one of the guys’ face sent him crashing to the ground. The other looked at Henry in confusion, but that didn’t stop him. A kick to the groin took him down just the same. Both were on the ground, groaning in pain, and the surrounding crowd couldn’t take their eyes off us.
“Anna! What happened?” Demetria shrieked behind me. I hadn’t seen her all night, but I’m certain she was lurking around.
Initially, I wondered why she didn’t step in. I mean, she’s friends with my fiance. Why, when she saw me with those two guys, didn’t she put me in my place?
I can’t say I stuck with those two guys because of Demetria. I did it because I knew it would drive Henry mad. And that’s what I wanted, to drive him mad. I wanted him to feel, in one night, the craziness I felt during those damn five days without witnessing all his crap.
Damn it! If I had known alcohol would let all my guarded thoughts loose, I would never have started drinking.
Demetria approached us, eyeing Henry while sensually wetting her lips. I dare not focus on Henry’s expression because if he’s looking at her with that lust-filled gaze, I swear I’ll break down in tears.
Arms encircled my bare thighs just before Demetria could lay her filthy hands on Henry’s arm. It took me a few moments to realize I was pressed against the broadest back in the world, and a few more seconds to recognize that this back belongs to the asshole.
With a kick, Henry flung open the club’s door, and I felt the chill encompassing my entire body, especially uncomfortably on my backside. Okay, wearing the dress wasn’t a good idea, but I swear when I decided to wear it, I hadn’t imagined ending up over the shoulder of the one man I vowed to hate for the rest of my life.
“What are you doing?!” I yelled and laughed. Damn, I’m too drunk.
He strides with force and fury. Seeing his bare feet dragging over the pebble-strewn street makes me wince. Doesn’t it hurt?
“I’m holding back the damn urge to throw you in the trunk of the car because right now, Anna, I don’t even want to hear your voice,” he hissed.
The tone of his voice made me shiver. Right, hearing him speak like that brings back a flood of memories I’d rather not dredge up.
“Ooh, ooh, ooh. Someone’s upset, huh?” I slurred as I felt him open the car door and place me in the passenger seat.
He grunted and slammed the door so hard I’m surprised the glass remained intact.
“Where are we going?” I tried to ask, but it came out more like, “Where… we goin’?”
“I’m taking you home,” he growled, not looking at me and fumbling to insert the key into the ignition. His hands were shaking, making it difficult.
I grabbed his wrist, and he froze instantly. Great. A jolt of electricity coursed through my arm, reaching every sensitive part of my body.
“I don’t wanna go home. Jeremy… can’t see me like this…” I mumbled, attempting to sound as insistent as possible.
“Why the hell did you get drunk then?! Why are you even here? And what were you doing with those jerks?!” he yelled, his voice seething with rage, before letting out a string of curses.
“Because I hate you,” I rasped. I wanted to scream it at the top of my lungs, but all that came out was a hoarse whisper.
His face contorted upon hearing those words, and he stared at the steering wheel. He removed my hand from his wrist and ran his fingers through his hair, gripping it so hard his knuckles went white. Abruptly, he let go of his hair and pounded the steering wheel with force, making me jump in my seat.
“How could you let them touch you like that, Anna?! Why would you do that to yourself?” he roared, his voice raw with emotion. He clenched his teeth and studied my face, waiting for an answer.
“I don’t want to go home.”
He muttered a curse under his breath and started the car. In less than five minutes, we were parked in front of a gorgeous, modern apartment complex. My mouth hung open in awe. He parked swiftly and stormed out of the car. Opening my door, he took hold of my arm, assisting me to stand. He wasn’t hurting me, but he gripped me tightly enough to ensure I couldn’t escape his hold.
When we entered, the lights turned on automatically, nearly blinding me. The apartment was spacious. The living room and kitchen were seamlessly integrated, and from the entrance, you could see a grand living area with a fireplace. The decor was a blend of vintage and contemporary, featuring unique carpets. There were two sofas, a state-of-the-art stereo system, and a high-definition television. Contemporary artworks livened up the colorful walls, and a hallway led to what I assumed was the bedroom and bathroom.
The kitchen boasted a marble countertop, vintage-style tiles, a microwave, dishwasher, and oven. It was fully equipped with appliances and utensils.
Henry led me to a sofa and gently urged me to sit, while he took a seat on the one opposite me. The rage in his eyes hadn’t diminished; in fact, it seemed even more intense.
“Are you ready to answer my damn questions, Anna?” His jaw clenched, and his hands came together, gripping each other tightly.
“Where were you these past five days?” It was the only thing I could articulate clearly.
“Don’t you dare change the subject on me!”
I shook my head and leaned back against the sofa, staring at the ceiling. I silently pleaded with some higher power – if one existed – to help me through this because I was at my wit’s end.
“Why didn’t you come back…?” That’s when I broke down.
I bit down on my lower lip so hard I could taste blood seeping into my mouth, and tears welled up in my eyes. I couldn’t hold back the sobs that followed.
I wasn’t sure if my question was about these past five days or about why he hadn’t returned five years ago. I didn’t know why I was asking now, and why I felt so wretched not knowing the answer.
“Damn it, don’t cry. Anna, please don’t cry,” he pleaded, his voice breaking, making my tears fall even harder.
When I felt his hands trying to envelop me, anger surged in my chest. I began to hit and kick him, wanting to hurt him as much as I could. Henry managed to lay me down on the sofa, capturing my wrists in one hand and holding them above my head. He used his legs to pin mine down.
I tried desperately to break free, but he was just too strong. He was so close that the tips of his hair brushed against my forehead and cheeks.
“Damn it! Self-control, self-control, self-control.”
Our breaths were equally ragged. His warm breath fanned my face, causing my skin to prickle and tense up. He smelled of mint and beer. Well, it seemed I wasn’t the only one wanting to drown my sorrows tonight.
“Listen to me, I’m sorry. Truly sorry. I couldn’t bear to see you with that jerk Dave any longer, couldn’t stand him touching you… It was pure agony watching him get something I’ve craved deep in my soul. I know I’m the world’s biggest bastard. And not seeing you was killing me, believe me. I was coming to see you today, I swear, right before you sent me that damn picture. I was just ten minutes away from getting dressed and rushing to your place just to see your face,” his breath grew heavier, struggling as much as mine was.
The features of his face now looked more mature. He’s no longer the twenty-year-old I remember, and I can vouch that he’s even more handsome now. Tears continued to stream as I gazed at him.
“You say… you say you love me, can’t live without me, and then…,” I hiccuped, “and then you leave and don’t come back…,” I sighed, took another hiccup, “and now I don’t know what to do with myself…,” I sobbed, hiccuped again, and sighed, “I’ve been numb for so long and then you come back, and feelings inside of me rush faster than my blood, you do this and then you leave because you don’t like seeing my fiance touch me?! Why the hell did you come back in the first place?!”
I said it. I let it all out. I’m well aware I said “and” more times than my inebriated self could count.
“Didn’t you want me to leave? If that’s the case, then why did you send me that picture? Why do you care about my disappearance?” he whispered hoarsely.
I didn’t answer because even I didn’t know.
“Do you still love me?” There was undeniable hope in his eyes.