Freed by Him Page 6

  I quickly showered and changed into a pair of black skinny jeans and a silver, backless top. I didn't have much time to fuss with my hair, so I just left it loose. I was just finishing my make-up when I heard the taxi beep outside. I gathered my bag, earrings and shoes and rushed to meet her.

  We gave the driver our destination, and I turned to look at Maddie. She looked beautiful. Dressed in a long black maxi dress teamed with silver sparkly sandals and a silver hair clip in her dark wavy hair, she looked understated, classy and sexy as hell. She wore a little make up but her eyes had been made to look smoky, drawing you in.

  "Oh, Mads, you look simply stunning." I beamed at her. "You're gonna have him eating out of your hand tonight!

  She laughed and grinned at me devilishly. "My hand's not exactly where I want him" she whispered to me softly, before we both erupted into laughter, I knew some time with my girl would help me to feel better.

  We ordered our drinks and sat at a table by the window. We were early, so there weren't too many people about. I asked Maddie to bring me up to speed on the story with her and Christian and drank as she filled me in.

  He was a doctor from the hospital where she worked and she'd been keen on him for a while. They’d been on a few dates and I was thrilled for her. He seemed like a nice enough guy from what she'd said, but I'd yet to actually meet him.

  She asked me about my week and I briefly explained the few issues I'd had with work before she suddenly piped up, "Actually, I just realised - how are we here? What happened to your class?" She frowned at me, and I knew I was busted.

  I shrugged and threw my hands up. "Paul threw me out. He spent the first 15 minutes throwing my arse to the mat then told me to get out, get my shit together and come back"

  I must have been getting tipsy to have divulged so much so easily. A sure sign was that I'd started using my hands to over-express myself, becoming animated as I spoke.

  I purposefully put my hands under my thighs to sit on them.

  Maddie grinned at me sensing weakness. "Where's your head at then, baby girl?"

  I blew out a long breath and put my hands in the air to order more drinks.

  "Woah now! Slow down! I'm gonna be frazzled for my date at this rate, and you've already had two more than me," she scolded me.

  I rolled my eyes and she fixed me with a no-nonsense stare, her expression demanding that I speak.

  I tried to look at her innocently as if I didn't know what she was referring to, and she raised her eyebrows. "Don't make me ask you again!"

  I laughed at her tone and sarcastically answered her. "Ok Mother," The look on her face had me continuing, gesturing again with my hands as I spoke. "Ok, Ok, my head wasn't in it. It's been a crap week in work. I'm tired and pissed off. I just wasn't concentrating."

  Our next lot of drinks arrived, and I took another huge gulp. I was definitely starting to get a buzz. I’d have to slow down a little. It wasn't like me to drink much when I was out and especially since Maddie would be leaving very shortly.

  She'd arranged for Christian to meet her here, so I'd get the chance to say “Hi” - best for that not to be when I was pissed and incoherent.

  The only time I ever let my hair down and had a drink was when I was with Maddie and that wasn’t a regular occurrence.

  Maddie had only ever seen me drunk twice, and both times had been when we were having a night in together. I couldn’t afford to lose it out in public, and getting drunk wasn’t my thing anyway; control was much too important.

  The waitress suddenly appeared with another two drinks for the table, and I looked at Maddie, confused, but she had the same look as me.

  "We didn't order another two. We've just had these..." Maddie indicated the most recent drinks that had been delivered moments before. "Oh, these have just been sent over from the two gentlemen just there." The waitress pointed out two men sitting towards the middle of the pub, who waved over in greeting to us.

  They were both dressed in suits with briefcases beside them. I smiled politely back, but put my hand out to reach the waitress.

  "We don't want these, thank you." I heard Maddie groan next to me.

  "You can't return them Lee....just leave them there."

  I shook my head at her. "We're not drinking these."

  She put her hands up. "I didn't say we were, chill! Look, it's 8.30 now, anyway. Christian should be here any minute, and you my baby girl, are going to be put in a taxi home." She pointed her finger at me and spoke in a playful tone.

  I loved that she called me “baby girl.” It had started from when we were young children, playing pretend games, but had somehow the endearment had stuck over the years.

  I poked my tongue out at her and turned to glance back at the bar. My eyes swept over it, not really focusing on anything in particular, until they saw him.

  Lena

  Everything seemed to freeze for a second as our eyes met. My heart stopped before suddenly starting again, but it seemed to be beating at double speed. I felt like I had a million butterflies in my stomach. My breath seemed to have frozen in my throat.

  I could hear Maddie calling my name, but I couldn't tear my eyes away from his.

  His face broke out into a slow lazy grin, and he dipped his head in greeting.

  It seemed to break my trance, and I turned to face Maddie, feeling breathless and disorientated.

  She was looking at me as if I was crazy. "Lena ... are you Ok?"

  I tried to answer her but just seemed to stutter. I shook my head, trying to break the spell that seemed to have been cast on me.

  For goodness sake, how much had I actually drunk?!

  I tried again, "Yeah, sorry, I just saw someone" I had to fight the urge to turn back around to look at the bar, and it was then I noticed there was a guy standing next to Maddie.

  "Oh God! Hi! Sorry, jeez I'm totally oblivious! Sorry!" I was completely flustered and barely making sense.

  Maddie clearly realised that it was to do with something other than my alcohol consumption; she was looking at me in amusement.

  She turned to Christian, "Sit down a second, babe. Christian, this is Lena." She motioned with her hand, "Lena, Christian," then she grinned at me in a way that told me I was doomed, "So ... what's got you so turned upside down?" She looked at me with interest, and I tried desperately to think of something to say.

  Glancing back at her, I saw that she was looking past me, a look of appreciation on her face, and I knew he was behind me.

  I heard his voice and I could feel goosebumps breaking out on my skin before I even turned.

  "Hey there, Xena."

  I couldn't help the grin that spread across my face as I turned to face him, my stomach flipping as I looked at him.

  If I'd thought he was hot in his police uniform, he was fucking scorching standing in front of me in his low slung jeans and shirt. His shirt sleeves were rolled up past the elbows and his top button was undone.

  I could see the outline of his chest beneath his shirt and the bottom part of what looked like a tattoo sleeve on his right arm.

  It was taking every bit of my willpower not to stare.

  I tried an unaffected, "Oh, hi!"

  From the snigger that came from Maddie behind me I'm not sure I pulled it off.

  Suddenly remembering her I turned and introduced them, happy to have the focus on someone else for a moment to try and gather my composure.

  "Maddie, Christian, this is PC Masters, the policeman from the other night," I explained and saw Maddie's grin spread even wider.

  He came and stood next to me, so close that I could smell his cologne, an oaky masculine scent that made me want to inhale deeply. He leaned past me holding his arm out to shake hands with Christian.

  "You remembered!” he smirked at me before adding, “It's Nate, I'm off-duty."

  I felt like a teenage girl with a hormone overload.

  Oh for God’s sake Lena get a grip! I chastised myself.

  I heard Maddie speakin
g and forced myself to listen to her.

  "Are you sure you won't join us for one? We're going to have to go in a minute, though. I'm not sure what your plans were, Lena?" She smiled sweetly at me, knowing damn well what my plans were. I could throttle her sometimes.

  He chuckled as if realising that a set-up had been attempted.

  "I was just dropping someone off, actually. Let me just check that they found who they were looking for and I'll come right back." He turned to look directly at me, "If that's OK with you Lena?"

  He sounded sincere, but there was a glint in his eyes that told me he knew exactly the effect he was having on me.

  I didn't trust myself not to embarrass myself, so I just smiled dumbly and nodded.

  He grinned at me, and tilting his head at Maddie and Christian, said goodbye.

  I tried to resist the urge to watch him as he walked away but failed miserably.

  I could hear Maddie laughing and turned my head to look at her.

  I’d held it together so much better at the refuge. I was annoyed with myself for having drunk so much; I needed to be able to hide my feelings better.

  I was shocked at how alien they felt to me, it wasn’t like me to be so affected by someone.

  She was actually wiping tears from her eyes she was laughing so hard, and I grumbled at her feeling defensive, “Grow up!”

  Christian looked between us, confused, but it just seemed to make Maddie laugh harder.

  I huffed at her and leaned back in my chair, crossing my arms before realising I couldn't get my drink. I reached for it and sat back nursing it and glaring at Maddie as she struggled to get herself under control.

  "Sorry, sorry, I shouldn't..." She paused and took a deep breath, trying to calm herself down. She placed her hands on the table.

  "Sorry, I'm just really shocked." She looked at me genuinely looking surprised, her eyes wide.

  Christian coughed. "Am I missing something?" He looked completely baffled at the both of us.

  Maddie turned to him, her hand moving to his knee.

  "Lena here," she indicated needlessly to me, "is my bestest friend in the whole world. She has a million wonderful, incredible qualities," she smiled fondly at me before continuing, "but she is an absolute ice maiden when it comes to guys. Nobody gets through; nobody gets close; and nobody sure as hell gets her flustered."

  With each nobody she gestured with her hands to emphasise her point.

  She smirked at me, "So what the hell was that hey 'Xena'?"

  I deflected by snapping back at her, "I'm not a bloody nun, Maddie!"

  She just laughed, nonplussed. "Nun ... oh God, no, I'm sure you'd burst into flames if you were, with the thoughts you were just having." She giggled like a schoolgirl and leaned back against Christian.

  They both looked amused at me and I felt irritated, more at myself than them.

  I threw the rest of my drink down and looked at them in annoyance, "Aren't you leaving?" I muttered.

  Maddie grinned and they stood to go, just as one of the suits came over. She looked at me questioningly and I shrugged, telling her to go. She looked torn, and I shook my head indicating for her to leave, but she didn't look convinced, glancing back towards the bar as if she thought Nate would be the better option.

  To be honest I was happier with this guy - someone I had no feelings for at all; a guy I could tell to get lost and not think about again.

  The last thing I wanted was to be sitting making small talk with the guy who had been lurking in the back of my mind for the last few days, the only man in the last few years who had reminded me that I had a libido, who made me think crazy thoughts and got me so flustered I couldn't think straight. No, I was much happier and safer with this guy.

  Maddie reluctantly came over and gave me a kiss on the cheek, making me promise to text her once I got home.

  I waved goodbye to Christian and told them to have a good evening.

  Turning back to the suit, I saw he'd made himself at home, sprawled on the chair next to me.

  Once he saw my attention was back on him, he pulled himself back up to sit straight, but he still looked dishevelled despite the expensive suit. He'd clearly been drinking since he'd finished work and looked to have been on more of a mission that I had.

  I smiled politely at him. "I'm sure you're lovely…"

  He moved in closer to me and cut me off, talking over me.

  "You wanna get out of here and let me show you just how lovely I can be to you?" he leered at me, and I leaned back in my chair, trying to put some distance between us, not wanting to make my disgust apparent.

  "Thanks, but no thanks"

  Aww, come on now baby," He tried again, trying to look appealing. "I've got a penthouse apartment, and I can run you home tomorrow. I bet you’ve never been in a Porsche!"

  He was like an enthusiastic schoolboy, practically bouncing in the seat, clearly impressing himself.

  I shook my head and tried again to be polite but firm.

  "I'm sorry, I'm really not interested. Have a good night." I reached across for the drink that Maddie had left on the table, but he reached out and put his hand on mine.

  "C'mon, baby, let me show you..." He didn't get the chance to finish.

  My temper exploding, I snatched my hand from under his and sat bolt upright in my seat, leaning forward so that I was in his face now.

  "Let me guess..." I ground out coldly, my voice dripping with sarcasm. "You'll show me pleasure like I've never experienced; I'll have the best night of my life; my toes will curl; and I'll be screaming your name..." I paused and he looked unsure but still half grinning. "Are you that fucking stupid....really?!" I snapped, "Go away. Get lost. Fuck off! I said I'm not interested."

  I snatched the drink up off the table, leaned back in the chair and downed the rest of it in one.

  He shot me a filthy look as he stood up. "Miserable frigid bitch," he muttered, as he stormed off back to his table.

  I took a deep breath and was just about to get up when an arm reached around me, placing a drink directly in front of me.

  I flinched for a second before his scent reached me, wrapping around me like a comfort blanket and I instantly felt myself relax.

  Ridiculous, since I didn’t even know him.

  I watched his arm place the drink down. Tanned, toned and tattooed, it looked strong and manly - sweet lord, if just looking at his arm caused butterflies to start deep down in my stomach, how was I going to get through this evening?

  I couldn't help the small smile that played on my lips.

  He walked around and sat in the chair opposite me that had just been vacated, a smirk on his face.

  "I'm starting to see what that poor bastard had to contend with last week."

  I snorted, and his face split into a grin.

  He took a swig of his drink and put it back down on the table. He looked over, openly appraising me.

  I raised my brow at him and frowned despite feeling myself glow inside.

  "You realise leering at me is what got the last guy his marching orders, right?" I muttered crossly, and he laughed.

  "I thought it was him making promises he couldn't keep…though I wouldn't have you down as the type of girl whose panties get wet for a Porsche." He looked at me as though challenging me. I just rolled my eyes and focused on my drink. "Besides, the Audi R8 is a beast of a car, that’s the second time you’ve impressed me!”

  I snapped my head up to meet his face, which was now grinning at me; my mouth gaped open in shock. "How the hell?" I asked, confused, and he smirked back at me.

  "I checked you out, had to, as a witness only of course." He winked at me and I tried to scowl at him, fighting to keep my lips from smiling. "Beautiful girl like you, couldn't talk your way out of it?" It was his turn to raise his eyebrows at me in question.

  "Bloody camera!" I grumbled, complaining about my recent speeding ticket which he'd obviously uncovered, "and you're a bloody stalker," I joked, looking at him and he laug
hed again.

  He asked me how I'd been since the incident at the refuge, and I brushed it off.

  We chatted easily about nothing in particular; conversation flowed as if we'd known each other for years. He was easy to talk to and clearly comfortable and relaxed in his surroundings. He asked me if I wanted another drink, and I declined, realising belatedly that I'd had more than enough. He waved his hand in greeting to someone and told me he'd be right back before going to talk to a girl by the bar.

  I took the time to study him properly, unhindered by his presence.

  His shirt sleeves were bunched tightly around his arms just above the elbow where they'd been rolled up. His arms were strong and toned. He obviously worked out and kept himself in good shape. I could see that his right arm had tattoos on his bicep, running down slightly lower than his elbow, though I couldn’t make out the design clearly. His dark hair was thick and curled over just by his collar. As he moved, I could just make out the play of his muscles beneath his shirt. I couldn’t stop myself undressing him with my eyes, and I sat there and shamelessly stared at him.

  The pub had filled up considerably since I'd arrived earlier, so he was having to lean close to speak to her. I could see his arm holding onto hers as he talked to her, and I felt a twinge of jealousy.

  What the hell was wrong with me? I didn't even know him.

  I caught her looking over at me and tried to act nonchalant, taking a swig of my drink and fiddling with my hair.

  I was just starting to think about going over to say I was going to leave when I saw him lean over and kiss her cheek, before he then walked back towards the table.

  Just as he sat down I blurted out, "I'm going to have to go myself now. Sorry, I should have said. You can go back to her."

  I cringed inwardly and hoped it didn't sound as juvenile and jealous out loud as I thought it did in my head.

  He cocked his head to the side, the corners of his lips turning up in amusement. "No worries, if you've finished your drink, I'll give you a lift." He followed my eyes as they flicked to his drink and intercepted me. "It's coke; I haven't drunk anything. Come on let's go!"

  I paused for a moment, nervous. I never got into a car with someone I didn't know. He sensed my indecision and smiled at me. Holding his hands up, palms facing me in surrender, he playfully teased me, "You can trust me, I'm a cop."