The memories aren’t good but I decide to give him the benefit of the doubt. We only crossed paths for a short time when we met earlier.
“I’m Kyle.”
He gives me the once-over. As his eyes rake my body, I wonder what he thinks of my outfit of dark jeans, a button-up shirt, and my trusty RM Williams boots. He must like what he sees because he winks. I blush at the scrutiny, and I’m glad when the bar tender interrupts to take my drink order.
Once the order is placed, I try to make polite conversation asking Derek what he thought of the show. As he speaks, his words slightly slurry, he leans in closer, and I feel uneasy. His breath smells of alcohol, and his hand rests on the bar, close enough to touch mine. I pull my hand away. He’s invading my personal space and it feels creepy.
When I politely decline his offer to pay for my drink, he doesn’t take the hint. He leans in closer, his hand now resting on my arm. “Come on, let’s get out of here,” he says, his voice low and breathy.
My stomach plummets, my earlier happiness fading away. It’s not as if I’m against a hook-up, it’s just I have no interest in him. His advances become more aggressive and I try to extricate myself from his grip, but he doesn’t take no for an answer.
He leans in closer, his breath hot on my ear. “Don’t be like that,” he says, his voice laced with innuendo. “I promise I’ll make it worth your while.”
“I’m sorry, but I’m not interested,” I say firmly.
But Derek doesn’t back down. He leans in even closer, pressed against me. “Come on, don’t be a tease,” he says, his voice now a low hiss.
Panic rises in my chest despite being in a crowded public place. I take a deep breath, trying to calm myself. My heart races and palms start to sweat. I don’t know what to do. I look around for help, but the bar is crowded, and no one seems to notice.
I take a step back, putting some distance between us.
Chapter Nine
Axel
I’mstandinginadark corner of the bar, almost hiding behind a potted palm. The music is loud, the room dim, with coloured lights flashing brightly to the beat. All the tables are full, the dancefloor is packed, and people are mingling everywhere. It’s a strange feeling, being here, surrounded by people yet feeling alone. It looks like people are having fun, but I’m not tempted to join them. I’m comfortable in my corner watching the activity.
I notice Kyle at the bar. He’s talking to some guy who’s had one too many drinks from the looks of things, as he’s unsteady on his feet. I watch for a while trying to ignore the surge of jealousy. The guy leans into Kyle, getting too close for comfort. Kyle looks uneasy, his eyes darting around the room as if looking for an escape route. I feel a surge of protectiveness that surprises even me. Something about him, a sense of innocence, draws me in, makes me want to protect him from everything and everyone.
Kyle steps back from the guy, his expression angry. I can’t see the guy’s face but when he moves to step forward, Kyle puts out an arm.
I take a deep breath and push myself off the wall. I walk towards them, and as I approach, I see the guy’s hand wrapped around Kyle’s wrist. I clench my fists at my sides, anger simmering just below the surface.
“Hey, Kyle,” I say, interrupting whatever the guy was saying, keeping my voice low and steady. “I’ve been looking for you.”
Kyle’s eyes widen in surprise, but he quickly recovers. “Axel, hi.”
The guy looks up at me, surprised by my sudden appearance, but he drops his hand from Kyle. “We’re in the middle of a conversation,” he says.
I lock eyes with him, my gaze unwavering. “And now it’s over.”
The guy glances at Kyle, then back at me.
“Kyle isn’t interested,” I continue, my gaze fixed on the other man. “So why don’t you move on?”
His eyes narrow, but he takes a step back. Then his expression changes. “Hey, you’re—”
“I’m nobody you need to worry yourself with,” I say, stepping up to Kyle and putting my arm around his shoulders. He immediately sags against my side.
The man scoffs, but I can see the hesitation in his eyes. He knows he’s not wanted. He mutters something under his breath before disappearing into the crowd.
Kyle sighs, and I feel the tension in his body ease. He turns and looks up at me, the relief evident on his face. “Thanks, Axel,” he says. “I didn’t know how to get rid of him.”
I’m struck by how vulnerable he looks in this moment, how much he needed someone to come to his rescue, and I’m glad that person is me.
I smile, hoping to put him at ease. “No problem. I couldn’t just stand there and watch.”
“Well, I appreciate it. I was out of my depth. The guy was a dickhead and wouldn’t take no for an answer.”
