Chapter 82: You got her into this, not me

Jackson calls from the other side of the booth. His hair is combed into a spiky mess on the top of his head and he smiles at me like I'm some strange hermit crab.

''No... I never felt the need to do that.''

Jake looks at me, very amused and he's smiling that wide grin I love so much.

''What?''

I say.

''Am I that weird?''

''No.''

He hooks his arm around my neck and brings his lips to mine.

''You're all right.''

Only we understand the double meaning of that word. When Lena returns with our drinks, Jackson drags us all from the booth into the elegant lounges in front of the expansive stage. The floor is lit up with white lights and three girls slow dance to the music, shaking and swaying everything.

''Which one of you is up for a good time?''

Lena giggles, leaning over our table.

Her eyes definitely flicker between Jake and Jackson. I really don't know how I'll handle Jake or Jackson with a lap dance. I'll have to tell Olivia...girl code and all that and maybe she won't mind. Jackson hands her the money and looks at me with eyebrows. I look at him, confused by his gesture. Once again, Jake laughs beside me as Lena looks at me. There's a seductive smile on her red lips and she leans into my ear.

''Relax.''

She breathes.

Immediately, I stiffen and stare wide-eyed as her cheeks move against my lap. Jackson and everyone else, including Jake, are getting a kick out of watching and laughing at my frightened expression. This isn't happening right now, what should I do, how long does this go on, when will it stop? The questions fill my mind one after another and I'm too afraid to voice them. He presses his back against my chest and rubs his hands around my neck. I swallow saliva, keeping my hands clenched into fists at my side. I don't like this. This isn't fun... not for me. He turns back to me. I look at Jake, who is still smiling.

''Jake...''

I say, giving him my best 'get me out of here' expression. He nods and shuffles his feet towards me. I followed him as far as I could, but a line has been crossed and I want to go home.

''Well well well.''

A skin-tingling deep voice laughs from behind me. A heavy hand lands on my hip, pulling me back slightly. I turn my neck to the side, immediately seeing Donny's bald head and scruffy jaw.

''That was quite a sight. I wouldn't mind seeing another one.''

Jake jumps to his feet and the rest of the team follows. Lena smiles sweetly and waves goodbye. Jake's gaze moves from Donny's hand on my hip to her face. Darryl speaks softly to Jake, but he doesn't seem to be listening to a word he's saying. He's furious. I can see his jaw work and clench, his fingers flex at his sides and his chest rise and fall in deep gasps. I try to step forward, but Donny increases his grip, limiting my movement.

''Donny.''

He is warned by one of his team members.

''Let the girl go.''

Donny laughs and I don't think he gives a shit about the tournament. He just wants to get back at Jake. Usually when I meet Donny in fights, he doesn't touch me and I can slip away before he does...but today is different and I'm worried that if I move, Jake will do something stupid. His thick finger moves my hair over my shoulder and I move away from his touch.

''She's a little shy, but if you leave her with me tonight, I'm sure I can fix her up for you.''

Jake lunges forward, but Jackson and Darryl stop him. His nostrils are flared, his eyes want blood.

''You heard your team.''

Growl.

''Let her go, this is between you and me.''

A deep laugh rumbles through Donny's chest, vibrating against my back.

''You got her into this, not me.''

I look around the club, some people are watching, but they're intrigued, not scared or worried. They want something to happen here. I try to step forward again and Donny's hand tightens. I wince at the pressure and Jake lunges forward, dragging Darryl and Jackson uselessly behind him. Donny shoves me aside and I fall to the ground. My clutched hip crashes into the tiles, sending a sharp pain down my leg. I rise up on my elbow and see Jake's clenched fist connect with the side of Donny's face. The strippers start screeching and calling for safety as Donny and Jake trade blows, blow for blow, their teams powerless to stop the two beasts. Soon, everyone is involved, team against team, beating each other senseless. My nerves are electrified and my heart rapidly drives blood through my veins. I'm dizzy with adrenaline and fear. That's it. Jake is out of the competition and it's all my fault.

''Jake!''

I call above the grunts and screams.

Tears threaten my eyes and I force myself to stand up.

''Jake!''

I call again.

The security guards are on them like flies, swatting them away from each other. Jake's eyes meet mine and when I see his face, tears spill over the edge of my eyes. He has a cut on his eyebrow and blood drips down his cheek.

''Jake, go away!''

Darryl yells.

''I'll take care of everything here.''

Jake rushes toward me, lifting me into his arms as if he has all the energy in the world. I wrap my arms around his neck and he's damp with sweat.

''I'm so sorry.''

I cry into his shoulder.

He pulls me tighter against him and I close my eyes tightly. Soon, the busy noise of the street and the cool night air convince me to open my eyes. The club parker brings Jake's car around and looks at us, but he's not brave enough to ask questions. Jake sits me in the passenger seat and slams the door shut, startling me. He climbs into the driver's seat and speeds off, saying nothing the whole way back to the hotel. I have no idea what is going through his head and want to pry, but I remain silent respectively. We enter the hotel and he jumps out of the car and stands angrily beside me. He opens the door and pulls me out of the car before leading me to the lobby. I feel silly because I am more than capable of walking. Other residents try not to look at us while some gawk at us and Jake ignores them all.

''Are you okay?''

He demands urgently and I nod.

Jake walks in front of me. He can't breathe. He doesn't want me to know, but I can tell. His chest heaves shallowly and his face is tense, almost desperate. He picks up an ornament of a Greek god and throws it against the living room wall. I jump as the porcelain shatters into hundreds of pieces and he turns to me, his eyes burning darkly though narrowed slights.

''Lie down.''

He orders.

I step back.

''But I'm not...''

''Damn it, I said, go to bed!''

He snaps, running his finger impatiently through his hair.

His eyes are dark, the darkest I've ever seen them and my heart breaks painfully in my chest. He's angry with me... I slowly back away from him, climbing the clear glass stairs to my left. My heels clack against them, echoing in the quiet hotel room. As I enter the room, I drop onto the bed and press my face into the purple satin pillow. How did tonight get so crappy? I know I should have stayed here in the hotel room. I was going to, but Jake insisted I keep him company. Look how that turned out.

Somewhere between crying, listening to Jake smash things and yelling at people on the phone, I fall asleep. When I open my eyes, it's still dark, but light from the living room filters through the cracks. I slide out of bed and wobble unsteadily on my heels. I grab the door handle and slowly pull it open. Hopefully Jake has calmed down and wants my company. As before, my heels click and down the stairs. I can't see Jake anywhere and I can't hear him either. At the bottom of the stairs, there's a pile of china strewn about. I walk up the short hallway and open the broom closet in search of a dustpan and brush. I bend down and scoop as much of the glass into the pan as I can. The floor, which is a lush white carpet, doesn't make it any easier.