A Time for Hope (Lexi, #3)(14)
“Lexi, what turned me on was seeing how happy you are. It’s not the dress or the hair or the fake tits.” His face suddenly became serious. “Actually, all that stuff kind of makes me feel like I’m cheating on you, with you. I mean I know it’s you, but it doesn’t look like you. Does that sound weird?”
Alex’s brow furrowed as he tried to reconcile whether finding me attractive or wanting to be with me in my current incarnation constituted as cheating. I don’t think I could love him anymore than I already did but the fact that he was even taking that into consideration was just plain adorable. Who would have thought that notorious ladies man Alex Stone, lead guitarist for Power Station would be so unwavering in his devotion?
“Well Mr. Stone, I won’t tell your wife if you won’t. What she doesn’t know can’t hurt her and I’m such a biiiiiiig fan.” I bit my lip seductively, secretly enjoying his little internal struggle.
“Jesus, I shouldn’t have said anything.” Alex rolled his eyes, as his grin spread, “It’s not like you to be an opportunist, is it?”
“Oh, please Alex,” I teased as I rubbed my breasts up against his chest. “I heard you have such a big cock. I bet your wife doesn’t suck it like I can.” I lifted my hand and fisted his t-shirt. “No one ever has to know, besides rumor has it she is such a bitch. She doesn’t deserve you.” I knew I was role-playing but there was a part of me deep down that meant the last part, I didn’t deserve him.
“She is a bitch but I love her.” He lightly touched my cheek as he moved his face closer to mine, “And no one has ever sucked my cock like she does.”
His lips came crushing down on mine. Whatever struggle he had going on seemed to have either rectified itself or he was making his peace with his perceived infidelity.
“Are you f*cking kidding me?”
I didn’t see Dan, my vision was obscured by Alex’s back, that and the fact his lips were firmly planted on mine. However there was no mistaking his voice or his annoyance.
Alex pulled his lips from mine as I buried my face in his chest to stop from laughing. Alex held me close as he angled to the side slightly so he could see Dan.
“I can’t believe what I just f*cking heard! Stone, you dumb piece of shit!” Dan bellowed, his anger not receding despite the end of our affectionate display.
“Dan. Calm down. It’s not what it looks like.” Alex smiled as I kept my face hidden. Yeah, I know. I probably should have stepped in and put Dan out of his misery but hearing him get so fired up, willing to defend my honour was kind of touching.
“Not what it looks like? I’m not f*cking blind *, and I heard you! You’re cheating on Lexi with this groupie whore! What’s wrong with you? I’m so going to kick your ass.” Dan lunged forward with his fist; Alex maneuvered us out of the way just before it made contact with his face.
“Dan! For f*cks sake!” I pushed away from Alex and threw my hands onto Dan’s chest. “Calm down!”
“What the f*ck?” Dan’s confusion was priceless. “Lexi?” His eyes widened as turned his head from side to side as he took in my appearance, breaking his fighter’s stance. “Is that…you?”
“Yes Dan, it’s me. He’s not cheating on me. It is me.” I repeated as turned to face him. “It’s me.”
“What the hell? Why? What? Dude… this is just messed up!” Dan’s eyes darted between Alex and I. He unclenched his fists and relaxed his arms by his sides. “Is this some kinky role play shit?”
“Dan,” I wrapped my arms around his still tense body and hugged him. “I just wanted to go out without everyone scrutinizing me. I thought it would be fun to dress up.” I released him from my embrace. “I wanted one night outside the fishbowl. I was just sick of people looking at me since the attack.” I watched Dan wince as I said the last part.
My trauma had had a kind of domino effect on the people closest to me. All the guys in the band had worn the same pained, angry looks when they’d seen my broken body in hospital. During those dark days, each one of them had given me their heartfelt pledge to be there for me and for Alex, and to do whatever needed to be done. James even broke protocol and made a statement to the press a few days later (despite me instructing him to let Matt handle it and to say nothing) insisting that they back the hell off and let Alex and I heal. I knew that during those times Alex struggled and wouldn’t open up to me, it was with his brothers he took solace. They grounded him, stopped him from getting on a plane and taking matters into his own hands. They had stopped being my job a long time ago and I loved each and every one of them. Without out a doubt, this was my family.
“Lex,” Dan’s voice softened. “You do whatever you need to sweetheart. Just maybe give me a heads up so I don’t go beating up this douchebag unnecessarily.” His easy smile lit up his face. Despite him being a complete and utter horn dog, underneath it all, (though I would NEVER admit it publicly) he was genuinely a decent guy. Questionable morality but hey, who was I to judge? I had more than my share of “questionable” before I’d fallen in love with Alex.
“Dan, I appreciate you defending Lexi’s honour but there’s NO CHANCE of you ever kicking my ass,” Alex laughed, his arms finding their way around my waist.