Thomas only smirked before turning the gun to Alexis. Her life flashed before her eyes, and a gunshot rang out as she squeezed her eyes shut. The surrounding noise was deafening, and her arms were cut loose. She opened her eyes to find Lonnie in front of her, pulling her into his chest. To the side, she couldsee Thomas’s slumped body on the ground. The other men were being restrained.
“What the hell happened?” a voice roared.
Alexis looked down to find the cell phone face down on the ground. She picked it up and held it so Vic could see her. Lonnie peered over her shoulder and raised an eyebrow at the screen.
“You didn’t win this time.” Before Vic could respond, she ended the call.
The police camein and cleared the scene after taking statements. The U.S. Marshals were set to fly in to debrief Alexis in the morning, but for the night, they turned her over to the security of Lonnie, Cass’s agency, and the local police with her agreement. They would have around-the-clock protection until the Marshals arrived.
After transferring to a safe house with the promise of protection, Lonnie turned toward Alexis. The two of them stood in the living room of the small house as several men were strategically placed around the neighborhood, monitoring the property. Lonnie’s first priority was making sure Alexis was okay.
Lonnie took her hand and led her to the couch, taking a seat with her and grasping her hands with his.
“Talk to me. What’s on your mind?” Lonnie asked.
Alexis shrugged. “Nothing.”
He released a hand and rested his fingers below her chin, tipping her face up to his. “I think you might be in shock.”
Her eyes flicked between his, and she started laughing. He raised an eyebrow. That wasn’t the response he had expected. Crying, screaming, panic—that’s what he expected. But laughter? Nope.
“Alexis, it’s okay to be upset.”
She only laughed harder, resting her hand on his shoulder as she doubled over. He continued to watch her, concerned about her well-being. Who should he call? Did she need a doctor? A psychiatrist? Was this a trauma response?
“Lonnie, I’m okay. Really,” she finally said. Her laughter subsided as she wiped her eyes, where tears were coming out. She sighed happily. “Do you know how good it was to tell Vic he lost? I feel amazing.”
Lonnie smiled hesitantly. “It’s also okay to be scared.”
“Oh, I was. Trust me. I was terrified out of my mind. But I knew you would come, and you did in the nick of time. It was so satisfying how it all played out. They thought they'd won, and then you and your badass friends came busting in there and showed them what’s up. It was so hot.”
Lonnie snorted. “So you’re okay? You don’t need me to call someone?”
She shook her head. “No. I’m great. Don’t get me wrong. I know there’s still a threat to my life, and he’ll likely get desperate. But it was so great seeing that look on his face when he realized he'd lost. All I have to do is survive until the trial next week.”
Lonnie chuckled. “Baby, I can promise you, you will survive. I will be your permanent bodyguard until then.”
She scooted closer to him so their thighs pressed together. “Oh, yeah? My personal bodyguard, huh?”
“Yep, I’m at your service.” He groaned when her hand rested on his thigh as his cock thickened and strained against his pants.
She looked up at him with a coy smile on her face. “So perhaps you can service me.”
Their eyes met, and then they both burst out laughing.
“Sorry,” she said between fits of giggles. “That was so corny. I told you I’m not good at dating… or seducing for that matter.”
He stood and hauled her up into his arms at the same time. Her laughter died down as she stared into his eyes. “I don’t know. You’re pretty good at it in my opinion.”
He carried her to the bedroom and kicked the door shut behind him. Of all the rooms in the house, this room and the bathroom wouldn’t have cameras. Instead of giving the security team a show in the living room, he opted for privacy.
Alexis still wore her gown, and she still looked gorgeous despite it being torn and scuffed in a few spots and her hair being messy.
“Have I told you how gorgeous you look?” he asked, still cradling her in his arms.
“Yes, but say it again.” She giggled.
He chuckled. “You look gorgeous. The most beautiful woman at the ball tonight.”
