02

Lexi was paralyzed with unfiltered anger and tried to make sense of what she was seeing. Completely unfazed by Lexi’s presence, Asher didn’t even bother to loosen the grip on the woman’s breast as Lexi entered the room. « We’re done, » she finally bit out after processing the scene. She turned to leave, but before she could take one step Asher snatched her by the bicep hard enough to make her yelp in pain. « We’re not done until I say we’re done, » he screamed down into her face. Small voices could be heard echoing from Lexi’s phone and she knew Nate and Claire had to be losing their minds with worry.

Attempting to wretch her arm out of his grasp was no use and only caused him to tighten his hold. Knowing he was insanely high Lexi tried to talk him down realizing he could seriously hurt her in his irrational state. She swallowed her fear as best she could and tried to keep her voice even. « You’re hurting me Asher. Let go ». His eyes burned into hers with an emotion that she hadn’t seen before – hatred. Lexi held his gaze and prayed that she could conceal how utterly terrified she was. Her determined gaze only caused him to yank her up higher as he leaned in close to Lexi’s ear. « You’re fucking mine. Do you hear me ? »

He released his hold on her with such force it sent her flying back toward the marble floor. Scrambling to her feet she ran toward the door and lowered her shoulder to push her way through the crowded party. She brought the phone to her ear and heard Nate’s booming voice. « Lexi answer me right now or I’m sending the cops ! »

« I’m here, I’m here. I’m okay, » she reassured them as she ran down the front steps toward her car.

« You scared the shit out of us Lex, » Nate said releasing the tension from his voice.

Lexi could hear Claire’s shrill cries in the background. « Is she okay ? »

« She’s okay, » Nate reassured her.

« It’s done. Over. My stuff will be gone before he gets home, » Lexi said flatly and she meant it.

That was the last time she had spoken to Asher and she intended to keep it that way. He had caused enough harm in her life and she wasn’t about to let that continue any longer much less drag her friends back into that drama. This week was about Nate and she didn’t want to take one ounce of attention away from his well earned success with her relationship problems.

No, she needed to put her big girl panties on and deal with her own problems. I got myself into this mess all on my own and I can get myself out. Asher Thompson is not going to control my life any longer.

If she could just wait it out, Asher would eventually tire of the mind games and lose interest. Just be strong and wait him out.

She nodded along with her inner pep talk and tried to tamp down the fear that still resided in the corners of her mind. The reality was, she knew what Asher was capable of and it scared the hell out of her.

Declan~

« Well, well, well, look what the cat dragged in, » Nate sneered as Pierce and Declan pulled up two seats next to his at the bar.

« It’s only 10 :30, what happened Pierce ? None of your pickup lines work in Vegas ? »

« Oh they work just fine, » Pierce said with a smile « And the night is young my friend. »

« You strike out too, Dec ? » Nate said with a laugh.

« You have to step up to the plate before you can strike out, » Pierce interrupted as he playfully slapped Declan on the back.

« Where’s Claire ? » Declan asked as a quick subject change, not wanting to talk about his dry spell.

« She’s a cheap date, » Nate laughed. « Had a few too many at karaoke and is already asleep in the room. »

« Why aren’t you up there too, you know…sleeping, » Pierce said as he waggled his eyebrows.

Pierce was definitely the playboy of the group and had the ability to work a sexual joke into any conversation. It was a skill he prided himself on.

Nate chuckled to himself as he finished off his beer. « I would be, but I have to go pick up Lexi at the airport at 11 :00. I was just about to head out. Either of you want to come with ? »

« I’ll go, is she hot ? » Pierce said eagerly.

« Allll right then. That’s definitely not happening. Dec, you interested ? » Nate asked

« Yep, that means she is, I’m goin’ » Pierce declared.

« Like hell, » Nate said flatly.

« Dec you in, or are going to cruise some more clubs with this animal ? »

« Sure I’ll tag along. Pierce’s pick up lines are shit anyway. »

Pierce clutched his chest and let his jaw slack open pretending to be offended.

« Marcus and Caleb are upstairs in the room watching the equipment and playing some cards. Feel free to crash that party, » Nate said as he stood and closed his tab at the hotel bar.

« Thrilling » Pierce shot back with an eye roll as the three men parted ways.

They took Nate’s Tahoe to the airport. Normally they’d take a cab, but Nate brought some heavy duty equipment to Vegas and needed his vehicle to cart it around. Nate was a technology genius and was being spotlighted at a conference in Vegas for some of his « tech toys » as he calls them.

He was showcasing some military grade drone technology that was worth shit ton of money and asked Declan’s private security company to run security during the week long conference in Vegas. The men jumped at the opportunity mostly because Nate is a close friend to the team and does contract work for Knight security, but also because working a job in Vegas was like a mini-vacation for Declan’s team.

The agreement was to watch the equipment in shifts and escort the cases to and from the convention center with Nate. Nate’s new bride, Claire had come on the trip as well.

Claire had been talking about their friend Lexi nonstop all day. Apparently Lexi lived out of state and they didn’t get to see her very often, but Declan could tell they were close.

« So Lexi is one of Claire’s friends ? » Declan asked on the ride over.