A Time for Hope (Lexi, #3)(4)
Alex folded his arms, his delicious half grin flirting on his lips, while I wrapped my arms around his waist.
“You heard the woman.”
“Alex...” I breathed into his chest. “Thank you.”
Alex unfolded his arms as he absorbed me into his body. “Baby, I realized that while it kills me to let you out of my sight, it’s not healthy. We both need this. That doesn’t mean I want you taking unnecessary risks or that I won’t be losing my mind until I know you are home safe, but I want you to go and have fun. Get back in the game.”
“And it’s not like Godzilla isn’t coming with us,” Taylah interjected. “Which incidentally I’m not that pissed about. ‘Cause let’s face it, the man has major arm capacity to help us carry shit.”
“Yes, DarNell will be joining you.” Alex laughed, “It’s the only stipulation. Like Taylah said, think of his carrying capacity.”
I pushed my lips firmly against Alex’s mouth as emotions flooded through my body. It was like finally exhaling. I was going out, doing something normal... Well as normal as it was ever going to get for me.
“Look Lexi if you’re going to be showing your gratitude, I’ll be happy to step out as long as you make it a quickie,” Taylah coughed.
Alex lightly grabbed my chin as he pulled away. “Go, we wouldn’t want to plunge into another GFC.” He playfully swatted my ass as he turned to walk away.
“Ok Tay, give me a few minutes to get decent.”
“Just put clothes on girl, if you are going to try to get decent we’ll be here awhile,” Taylah smirked as I passed her.
I ran into the bedroom and attacked my wardrobe in search of something to wear. I hadn’t had much interest in clothes lately. My post-hospital daily wardrobe consisted of jeans, yoga pants or shorts, topped off with one of Alex’s t-shirts. In all honesty there hadn’t been any need or inclination to “dress up.”
I slipped on a bright green maxi dress; its cool flowing fabric falling gently around my curves. It dipped low at the back so I was unable to wear a bra, but its halter neck provided ample support for my assets. My mane of brown curls tumbled down my naked shoulders and it was both weird and nice to feel attractive again. A small feeling of dread washed through me as I applied my make-up. I wondered if I was going to be hounded by photographers while we were out. They’d ask questions, ask me about him, ask me about what had happened. Was this a mistake? NO, I wouldn’t hide. I needed to get on with my life. Like a Band-Aid, I just needed to rip if off.
Taylah called out to ask me if I was ready as I pulled on my favourite Mimco wedges and grabbed my handbag, leaving my hair loose but grabbing a headband to keep it off my face.
“Wow!” Alex’s lips twisted into a delicious half grin as he handed me my phone and sunglasses. “I think I’d rather come out with you than head to this meeting.”
“Sorry Stone, but she’s mine today.” Taylah protested “And we are going to spend an obscene amount of money, so best you aren’t around to witness it.”
“Sounds good to me.” I pulled on my glasses before threading my arms around Alex’s neck as I gently kissed him goodbye.
He hesitated a minute before letting me go. I knew it was hard for him to let me out of his sight. His fiercely protective urge simmered as his jaw tightened, the unspoken concern clouding his beautiful blue eyes. “Have a good time baby.”
“I will baby. See you in a few hours.” I waved as Taylah pulled me through the doorway.
DarNell was patiently waiting on the other side, ushering both Taylah and I toward the elevator. “Ladies.” He held the doors open for us as we entered, before joining us.
“So Lex, where to first? Gucci? Armani? Versace? Or do you just want to start at the top of 5th Avenue and work our way down?” Taylah pushed her Jackie-O glasses back up the bridge of her nose.
“Everywhere!” I breathed as DarNell pressed the button for the basement car park, shaking his head. I could tell this was not going to be nearly as exciting for him as it was for us.
The doors flew open as we reached our destination, the shiny black Escalade parked just to the right of the elevator. TJ waved as we approached.
“TJ, I hadn’t expected you to be here?” I smiled as I slipped into the back seat beside Taylah.
“Hey Lexi. Yeah, we figured it would be easier for me to drop you guys off. I thought I’d save D the aggravation of gridlock,” TJ winked.
I knew TJ’s presence had more to do with DarNell not wanting to be distracted from his “assignment” rather than him not wanting to deal with rogue motorists. I wasn’t sure if the directive had come from Alex or if he’d made the decision on his own, either way our entourage had grown. I tried not to let it irritate me, the fact that either of them thought that it was now necessary.
This was my new reality. It wasn’t just that I was now married to a celebrity, it was because an animal (who I had once thought I’d loved) had torn the perception of safety from me. That relationship, which I had been certain I had left in the past, had come back to haunt me a few months ago when he had forced his way into my old apartment. He had taken such joy in my torment, not only sexually assaulting me but beating me senseless, leaving no doubt that his intention was to kill me. And while I had survived, there is no way Alex would allow even the slightest chance of it happening again.