Chapter 3 – Never give up hope
Things begin to look clearer, but not before the fight!
Note from Buzzlegirl – Here's part 3. Another part which builds more by way of story than sex, but things with Alex and Draven really start to develop.
With lots of thanks to luvtaread for her superb editing skills.
Alex turned away from Jamie and her past and walked resolutely back down the street. She may not like this, but she had to try and sort the mess out rather than running away. As she got to the house, she could hear the sound of voices from the street. The front door was slightly ajar. She slipped inside and soundlessly dropped the catch.
They were fighting. One problem with this house, poor sound insulation – you could hear pretty much everything.
"How could you just stand there and let her talk about me like that? I mean, what in the hell is wrong with you? We're having a great time at the bar with all the girls, and then suddenly you see HER with that poor guy, lucky escape if you ask me, and you jump up and run off to her. Then...THEN she leaves and suddenly you're not in the mood and want to go too..."
The ranting just continued, she didn't even seem to take a breath!
Alex stood stock still. Clearly she couldn't talk to Draven, apologise to him, now. Suddenly she heard a thud and a moan like someone had been hit. She didn't think Draven would ever hit a woman, but well, that sounded painful, what if he'd lost his temper?
She gingerly walked up the stairs just as the sounds of things being thrown around the room got louder. She couldn't hear him shouting, only Rachel, but damn, she had to do something, she'd feel terrible if things got violent and she stood by doing nothing. Alex hesitated, poised outside Draven's door to knock just as it flew open.
"YOU..." Rachel screamed, flying out of the door towards her. She looked wild, mad and spitting like an angry cat. "How dare you..." Rachel stepped forward as Alex backed away until her back was pressed against the wall. "You're just jealous that he wouldn't look at a dumpy little slut like you and yet you think you have the right to go round bringing me into your sordid little affairs. I'm not surprised Jamie dumped you! Oh yes, I know all about you and the evil Jamie... Poor little Alex begging for the scraps of attention from a man who feels nothing but pity for you" Before anyone could move, Rachel's hand connected with Alex's cheek in a slap so hard that rattled her back teeth.
"Rachel no!" Draven roared as her hand raised again this time using her fist. Alex tasted blood long before the ringing in her ears stopped. "Get the fuck out Rachel, I mean it...I've had it with you, seriously, you are fucking insane!" He grabbed the blonde's swinging arm, spinning her away from Alex and pushing her up the corridor.
It could have been minutes, could have been hours later, she felt him crouching down over her, gently tilting her chin up with one finger so he could look at her face. Alex looked up at him. He had a cut on his cheek and he looked rough; bloodshot eyes and an ashen pallor on his tanned, handsome face.
"God Alex, I'm so sorry. Fuck..." he looked crestfallen.
"You didn't hit me, did you" Alex reached out and touched his face "and anyway, I'm the one who should be apologising here. I realise that you were just looking out for me. You come back to find me crying and Jamie standing there, and I realise what you think of him. I mean, I've thought it too before now. And you really have been the best friend I ever had, could ever wish for. You helped me pick up the pieces and get my life back together and, well that gives you a right to know what was going on. But I was embarrassed at what had happened so I lashed out at you. I am sorry Dray really I am."
It surprised her to realise that she felt so much worse about this than she did about Jamie.
She found herself sitting in Draven's room – the usually neat clutter was strewn all over the room. She caught sight of her face in the mirror; she'd have a nice black eye in an hour or so if she didn't get some ice on it. He disappeared for a minute then came in with a bag of peas wrapped in a tea towel and pushed it firmly on her eye. "Are you ok, you didn't pass out or anything did you?"
"No I'm fine really. Look, I have to tell you, I didn't sleep with Jamie."
"Alex, look, I'm the last person you have to explain yourself to. I'm sorry too you know. I saw you with him and I just saw red" he looked unsure of himself, confusing marring his beautiful features.
"You're not going back to him Al, are you? Please no..."