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“He's getting good at this…”
“Oh, he's good at many things… he was a fabulous help, settling Kyle and I into our place the other week,” Max said grinning as he gave a quick squeeze of Freddie’s shoulder and a small smile.
“Oh, I've missed out on so much gossip.” I chuckled as I pulled out my chair and sat down before I slid myself back under the table. I placed my elbows on the tabletop and cupped my cheeks before I leaned in towards them all. “Now spill…”
“Only if you do too… you've been holding out,” Isobel replied, giving a high five to Chrissie as I scowled. “You'll create worry lines if you carry on doing that.”
“Never, that's what botox is for,” I joked as Max brought the drinks to the table and passed the frappe to me. “Am I that predictable?”
I dropped my hands down onto the table and tapped with my recently manicured nails. I took a slurp from the drink, raising my brows in retaliation.
“No, Chrissie is,” he replied jokingly. “At least you wanted something fun.”
“Calling me boring, Max? I'll get you back for that,” Chrissie shouted as he began walking over to other tables, swinging his hips. Freddie leant back in his chair and rolled his sleeves up. “Now, forgetthem two… you know nothing is going on between them, just banter. Freddie has his eyes set on that new guy and when he’s ready to talk about it, he knows we’re here for him.” Her eyes flitted between Freddie and Max before she turned her gaze to me. “Stop trying to bide time. Spill girl. I want the gossip on Mr. Parker.”
“Do you ever give up? Dawson and I are…”
“Yes, I think I'm interested to know more about the connection shared between Dawson and you, Miss Acton. Have you a moment to have a discussion?” the man who appeared behind me said. All three of us turned to face him.
My mouth dried up, the world came crashing around me as I discreetly reached into my blazer right hand pocket and slipped my cell out. I was glad the last screen I had been on was the messaging service to Dawson. Still seated at the table, I unlocked it with my fingerprint and made a swift glance to the right, checking I had put the numbers setting on and wrote '911' and clicked send. I hoped he'd understand that something was wrong.
If you weren’t blind, you would've known who this man was in front of us, the stark likeness in features was a big enough giveaway. Add in the Prada suits he was known for, but to top it off, he was plastered numerous times across the front cover of The New York Times Magazine. He was easily recognizable. Stone Parker wasn't a man to be dismissed but I had to bide my time, anything to not be alone with the bastard who only cared about himself.
“I'm sorry, I'm busy at the moment. Maybe we could arrange a meeting when it is more convenient,” I forced myself to say, ensuring my tone stayed even. Although I felt the crack in my voice about to happen as I turned my head to face him and slid my phone back away, I took another taste of my drink, hoping to calm the nerves. “So… Dawson, guys.”
I turned back around but I could feel his eyes burning a hole into the back of my head. My friends facial features morphed into an unusual grimace as the tension lingered and turned thick and palpable. Whispered words invaded my ear and I gripped my thighs to control the visible shaking of my hands.
“It wasn't a request, Everleigh. Now, let's try this again.” He dug his hand hard into the top of my shoulder. I felt the tears beginning to form. I breathed them away and hoped my pain wasn't visible. He directed me to stand from the chair as my friends stood at once in challenge.
My voice became mute as I focused on keeping my emotions in check. I wouldn't allow this bastard to see the effect he was having on me. I pulled back my shoulders and prayed Dawson was turning into a possessive dick currently in search of me. Stone had balls turning up in Dawson's territory but then, from what I'd been told, everyone was meant to bow down to his beck and call. Except his son was the anomaly of the equation; a thorn in his side that remained stuck, unable to be removed, refusing to fall in line as expected.
Freddie stood by my side with his feet firmly planted and his arms folded against his chest. He spoke in a wobbly tone that grew stronger with each word. “Look man, Everleigh said another time, we’re about to start our shift so…”
Chrissie nodded along in agreement, joining him in solidarity.
All eyes glared at Stone, a challenge that both men seemed intent on winning. Stone’s lip curled and he stepped forward as he dug his fingertips harder into my shoulder, causing me to wince.
“And I don’t take no for an answer,” he sneered as I dared to move forward, causing his grip to loosen slightly.
I gave Freddie a firm nod and a kiss on the cheek before whispering into his ear that I was okay. I wasn’t going to give this prick room to become any more riled up than he already was. The calmer he was, the better chance I’d have of getting out of this without incident. Acceptance seemed the better option right now.
“It's alright.” I looked at the three of my friends and attempted a slight smile, focusing on Freddie the longest. I knew how protective he was of me as I attempted to reassure him I was fine. His jaw ticked, showed me that I hadn't eased him at all, and he wasn't happy in the slightest.
“Seems you like to play around with multiple dicks…” Stone bellowed, scrunching his face up in disgust. He eyed up and down the length of my body before he menacingly focused on Freddie. “Oh no, he likes being fucked by them too.”
“Get out now… you're banned!” Max shouted as he came around from the serving hatch and placed a hand on Freddie’s shoulder, holding him back.
“My bad… He's already good and whipped.” Stone chuckled loudly as he stepped towards the main reception area and cocked his head to the side. “Everleigh.”
“Fuck you, Stone!” I spat out as he marched straight back towards me with a menacing sneer and roughly pulled me into his side. I was certain I was going to have bruises from his rough manhandling. I bit hard into my cheek in an attempt to divert the excruciating pain. “Guys, do as he says. I will be fine. Just cover for me and let everyone know I'm busy.”
I hoped they understood the importance of backing off. If my friends didn't do so quickly, then I knew Stone's past proceeded him and he wouldn't hesitate in ensuring I walked away with him. No matter the consequences. No holds barred; if he commanded my presence, then Stone would have it, whether that meant silencing them in the process or not.
“Of course, call me… yeah,” Isobel uttered quietly, keeping her eyes narrowed and downcast.
“Now, are you going to stop making a mockery of me?” Stone asked. “Does my son allow this bullshit? What shall I call you… Belle?” he asked wickedly, leaning closer into my side so I felt his breath on my face. I jolted backwards, my breathing fast and sharp as his eyes lit up with a smirk. “I know everything. From how lovely your apartment looks, to how you struggled to cross a road properly and nearly got run over.”
“The dark, green Bugatti?” I felt my eyes widen, unable to hide the fear he had opened up.
