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I glanced between Alexander and James, feeling the tension crackling in the air despite their outwardly calm demeanors. Emilia shifted beside me, looking like she was thoroughly enjoying the drama unfolding.
“I appreciate the assist,” Alexander said, his hand still gently holding my wrist. “Not many would step in like that.”
“Please,” James waved dismissively. “Ryan was being an ass. Someone needed to shut him down.” He glanced at me with a hint of concern. “Are you sure you’re alright? Those marks look painful.”
“I’ll be fine,” I assured him, resisting the urge to rub my wrist again. “Nothing some ice won’t fix.”
Alexander’s eyes narrowed slightly at James. “Well, we won’t keep you from your evening. Thanks again.”
“Actually, I was just heading in for a drink myself,” James said, gesturing toward O’Malley’s entrance. “Flying solo tonight.”
“What a coincidence,” Emilia chimed in. “We’re having a girls‘ night. Or were, until these two showed up.” She nudged me playfully.
Alexander seemed to consider something, then surprised me by saying, “Why don’t you join us for a drink? It’s the least I can do to thank you for helping Olivia.”
James raised an eyebrow, clearly as surprised by the invitation as I was. “You sure? I wouldn’t want to intrude on your evening.”
“Not at all,” Alexander replied smoothly. “One drink.”
“Alright then,” James agreed. “One drink it is.”
The four of us headed into O’Malley’s, the warm glow of the bar a welcome contrast to the cool night air. The place was packed with Friday night revelers, the sound of laughter and clinking glasses filling the space.
Emilia led us to a high–top table in the corner where Claire and Ariana were already seated, drinks in hand. Their eyes widened comically when they spotted not just me, but Alexander and James trailing behind.
“Well, well,” Claire said, her gaze flicking between the two men. “The night just got interesting.”
A waitress appeared, pen poised over her notepad. “What can I get you folks?”
“I’ll have a whiskey, neat,” Alexander said.
“Same for me,” James added.
“Another round of cosmos for us,” Emilia declared, gesturing to herself and the other girls.
“Just water for me,” I said. After the confrontation with Ryan, I wanted to keep a clear head.
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“Boring,” Ariana sang, nudging me. “Live a little, Liv.”
I rolled my eyes. “Fine. A glass of cabernet.”
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As the waitress left, I couldn’t help noticing how Alexander and James sized each other up, like two alpha wolves determining territory. Yet their interaction remained oddly friendly, like competitors who respected each other despite their rivalry.
“So,” Claire leaned forward eagerly, “what brings you two here tonight? Rescuing our Olivia from exes?”
“Something like that,” Alexander said, his hand finding mine on the table. “Though James beat me to it.”
“Barely,” James replied. “Another minute and Olivia might have handled him herself. She looked ready to throw a punch.”
I laughed despite myself. “I was considering it.”
“Ryan never did know when to back off,” Emilia said, sipping her cosmo. “Remember when he showed up at your apartment at 3 AM after you broke up the first time?”
“Oh God,” I groaned. “Don’t remind me.”
“He brought a guitar,” Emilia explained to the table. “Tried to serenade her from the parking lot. Security almost called the cops.”
“That’s… dedication,” James said with an amused smirk.
“That’s harassment,” Alexander corrected, his thumb absently stroking the back of my hand. “Some men can’t accept when a woman moves on.”
“Speaking from experience?” James asked with a raised eyebrow.
“I prefer to let the past stay in the past,” Alexander replied smoothly.
The waitress returned with our drinks, momentarily pausing the conversation. I took a grateful sip of wine, feeling the tension in my shoulders begin to ease. Around us, the bar pulsed with energy, but at our table, it felt like we were in our own bubble.
“So, James,” Ariana leaned forward, her eyes glinting with a predatory gleam, “are you seeing anyone?”
“Ari,” I hissed, kicking her under the table.
“What?” she asked innocently. “I’m making conversation.”
James laughed, seemingly unbothered. “Currently unattached,” he answered. “My schedule doesn’t leave much time for dating.”
“That sounds familiar,” Alexander said wryly. “Until this one came along.” He nudged me gently, and I felt a blush rise to my cheeks.
“You two are disgustingly cute,” Claire declared. “It’s almost offensive how perfect you look together.”
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“Oh, please.” I scoffed, “We fight like cats and dogs half the time.”
“Passionate debates, Alexander corrected with a grin. “Besides, making up is the fun part.”
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The girls burst into laughter while I felt my face heat even more, I grabbed my wine glass, taking a generous sip to hide my embarrassment.
“You two are shameless, Claire teased, tipping her cosmo toward us. “We’re in a public place, you know.”
“Don’t mind them,” Emilia said, waving her hand dismissively. “They’re still in the honeymoon phase.”
James cleared his throat, an amused smile playing at his lips. “I’m starting to feel like the fifth wheel at this gathering.”
“More like sixth wheel,” Ariana corrected, gesturing to our group. “But who’s counting?”
“I should probably head out anyway,” James said, checking his watch. “Early meeting tomorrow.” He finished his whiskey and placed the glass on the table. “Ladies, it’s been a pleasure.”
“Thanks again for stepping in earlier,” I said, genuinely grateful despite the awkwardness of the situation.
“Anytime,” James replied, his eyes lingering on mine for just a moment too long before shifting to Alexander. “See you later, Alexander.” He extended his hand.
Alexander shook it firmly. “Likewise. Drive safely.”
As James walked away, Claire leaned forward conspiratorially. “Okay, now that he’s gone, spill! What happened with Ryan?”
I sighed, not particularly wanting to rehash the encounter. “He cornered me in the parking lot, spouting nonsense and getting grabby. James intervened, then Alexander showed up.”
“Ryan grabbed you?” Claire’s eyes widened, glancing at the fading marks on my wrist. “That bastard! I would’ve scratched his eyes out.”
“Trust me, I was considering something similar,” I admitted, taking another sip of wine.
Alexander’s arm settled around my shoulders, a possessive gesture that felt surprisingly comforting. “Fortunately, it didn’t come to that.”
“My hero,” Ariana swooned dramatically, batting her eyelashes at Alexander before dissolving into giggles.
“You should file a police report,” Claire suggested, suddenly serious. “That’s assault.”
I shook my head. “It’s not worth the drama. He was stupid. Besides, I think he got the message.”
The conversation drifted to other topics.
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Chapter 174