Chapter Thirty
Alyssa
I agreed to stay late to stock supplies and place the order for the month, but I wasn’t expecting to be confronted by Bruce on my way out. He’d shown up there twice that week, both times during office hours, and he gave up and left when I stayed in for lunch instead of going out.
Now, it was after hours, and there was no one there with me. I wasn’t sure what he wanted; since I’d blocked his number, he had no way of leaving me any messages, and if he texted, they didn’t get delivered thanks to modern technology.
But, there he was, parked outside the office, the only vehicle in the lot besides mine.
I’d heard he had a new girlfriend, just days after we broke up; hell, probably more like hours. She must’ve caught on to his mooching ways and dumped him, and now he was back to me. No thanks.
I was happy, for the first time in a long time. I was happy with Liam.
I started to dial his number, have him come rescue me, but I knew Holly was probably still with him. She’d already been subject to one of Bruce’s outbursts; she didn’t need to be a part of another.
My fingers clenched over my phone as I peered out the window, careful to not let him see me. I dialed Aiden, figuring he could shew him away long enough for me to get to my car, and away from his clutches.
“Hey, Alyssa,” Aiden’s voice sounded cheerful.
“Aiden, I need a favor,” I blurted, deciding small talk was a waste of time at this point.
He’d rescued me before, plenty of times. He was like a big brother, and honestly, the only friend I had in town.
“Absolutely,” he said, his voice turning concerned.
“Bruce is outside my work,” I sighed.
“What the fuck is he doing there?” he scoffed.
“I have no idea. I blocked his number. But everyone’s already left for the day, and I’m here alone,” I added,
“Say no more. Don’t go outside, and don’t open the door if he knocks,” he warned.
I hung up the phone and took a seat in the lobby, sifting through magazines while I waited for Aiden to come rescue me once again.
I checked periodically for Bruce to leave, but he just sat there, waiting. I heard the roar of an engine, pulling me from the article on how to properly floss. I jumped up, looked out the window and noticed not only Aiden’s truck, but Liam’s as well. What the hell?
I didn’t want Liam involved in this.
My heart raced, fearful that the anger in Liam would end up getting him in trouble. I just wanted Bruce to leave; I didn’t want a fight. They both stepped out of their trucks, walked towards Bruce’s, and stopped at the driver’s side window.
I couldn’t hear what they were saying, but it was obvious they weren’t happy as hands raised, arms flailed, and then Bruce peeled off, leaving tire marks in the parking lot.
Whatever they said, it worked, and for that, I was relieved. I was still upset that Aiden called Liam. If I’d wanted Liam to come, I would’ve called him myself.
I pushed open the door and then turned to lock it.
I was ready to march across the parking lot, thank Aiden, and then pull him aside to chew him out for calling Liam, but he was already gone before I had the chance.
Liam stood in the parking lot, leaning against my car. I walked towards him, dreading the anger I knew I’d be confronted with as he approached, but thankful he’d not brought Holly along.
His face was red, and his hands shaking as he stared at me with irritation. I didn’t like this look. I knew I should’ve called him.
“Why did you call Aiden and not me?” he questioned, his voice shaky with anger.
“I’m just used to calling Aiden. I’m not used to you being in my life yet, and besides, didn’t you have Holly?” I questioned, looking towards the truck to make sure she wasn’t in the cab.
“I wouldn’t bring Holly here,” he sighed, frustration flowing freely in his tone.
“I’m sorry. Aiden’s been my go-to here, and my only friend, really,” I explained.
It was obvious Liam wasn’t satisfied with the explanation.
“I’m here now, so when you need someone, you call me,” he insisted.
“I will,” I promised.
“Has he been contacting you?” he asked.
“I blocked his number,” I shrugged.
“And this is the first time he’s shown up here?” he pushed.
My stomach flipped as I realized I couldn’t lie, not to Liam.
“He’s been here twice before, but during office hours, and I didn’t come out,” I confessed.
“You should’ve called me,” he insisted.
“I know,” I sighed.
“You need to get used to me being in your life. I’m not going anywhere,” he said sternly, leaning in to kiss me on the cheek.
I knew he was still mad, and that partly turned me on.
“Got it,” I smirked playfully.
“I’m not joking, Alyssa. I want you to call me when you need help, with anything. I’m here, and I’m yours. Don’t forget it,” he winked, and then walked towards his truck.
“Where are you going?” I questioned.
“Following you to your mom’s where I dropped Holly off,” he chuckled.
My gut had flipped when he took off towards his truck, fearful that he was really mad, mad enough to just leave.
It felt good to know, even though mad, he would rescue me, protect me, and still love me.