Better Than Chance(15)

“Jay? I don’t feel so good.” Aaron’s voice sounded weak. He was inching his way down the brick wall into a crouching position. Muscleman backed away from Aaron, dually distracted by Peter’s sudden presence and Aaron’s proclamation. I would guess he was reconsidering whether what he thought was an easy lay was worth all the trouble it was turning out to be.

“Whatever, man. He’s all yours.”

“What did you give him?” I demanded. Now that I could focus on Aaron, I needed to know what he’d taken.

“Nothin’.” He gave me a smirk that doubled as a “fuck you” before stuffing his hands in his pockets and disappearing inside the club.

“Why you fucking…!” I jumped up and bounded toward the side door only to be stopped by a 210-pound wall of man. Peter gripped my arm firmly and pulled me back down the steps. I flashed him an angry look, and he held up a hand to stop my speech.

“Save it, Reynolds,” Peter said sharply. He looked at the side exit questioningly. “Where the hell is the bouncer? There should be someone out here.” There was no one but us in the deserted alley. He turned back to me. “Your friend needs you. You aren’t going to get anything out of that moron anyway.”

Aaron was now fully seated on the cold, damp ground, which had to be decidedly uncomfortable in his tight jeans. I nodded in frustrated agreement and went to Aaron’s side.

“Hey, honey. You okay?”

Aaron blinked up at me and offered a wavering smile before closing his eyes again.

“Aaron, please…,” I begged. My voice had taken on a panicky pitch. Shit. I was scared. I had no idea what to do.

“Did he have too much to drink? Drugs? He looks pretty out of it.”

“I don’t think he had that much to drink, and he doesn’t do drugs. Damn! I was wondering if maybe that fucker slipped something in his drink.” I pushed my fingers through my hair again in agitation. “I just don’t know. How can you tell?”

“Let’s get him out of this alley to start.” I studied Peter’s strong, handsome profile in the shadow as he looked over Aaron. He held his wrist in a firm grip, seeming lost in thought for a moment. “His pulse is strong. Do you need help? A ride or something?”

I looked down at my passed-out friend. Yes, I definitely needed assistance. Aaron wasn’t a big guy, but we had come by taxi. At the very least, we needed a ride. It was pretty un-fucking-believable that I was going to have to lean on Peter Morgan for any of this. Aaron was lucky he was passed out. He would certainly be hearing about this colossal mess when he came to.

“Well? Do you want to call someone else? I’m getting the idea that I’m not your favorite guy, but I’m here and I’m willing. Up to you, Reynolds.”

“My name is Jay,” I reminded him weakly. I saw a flash of humor light his dark eyes. I sighed. “Yes. I do need your help.” I explained about how we’d taken a taxi and was going into detail about how I’d picked Aaron up, when Peter once again held up his hand to halt my speech.

“Tell me all about it later. My car is close by. I’ll get it and then come back to pick you two up, okay?” He waited for my nod of agreement before he stood. “Don’t go anywhere.”

“Ha-ha,” I deadpanned. I turned my attention to Aaron, trying to coax him awake, so I could at least get him on his feet. It was hopeless. His head fell heavily to the side. Then suddenly his eyes popped open with a start. He wrinkled his nose in distaste and swiped at his face.

“Take me home, Jay.” His voice was weak but sure. I had a feeling he had heard some of my conversation with Peter.

“We’re gonna have them take a look at you at the hospital, okay?”

“No. I just wanna go home. I’m okay. I just feel tired. I didn’t swallow it. I’m fine.”

“Swallow what?” I gave him a shake, but his eyes had drifted shut again.

Thankfully Peter arrived quickly. He backed his luxury SUV into the alley and then stepped out to open one of the passenger doors. With his help, I was able to get Aaron to stand, not steadily, but enough so that we could get him into the backseat of the small truck. Once I was sure he was in safe, sound, and seat belted, I ran around to the other side and jumped in. Aaron immediately fell sideways into me; then Peter punched the gas and he swayed back toward the opposite door like a rag doll.

“Easy there, lead foot! You’ve got an unpredictable passenger back here. Surely you don’t want him losin’ his dinner on your fine leather seats!” Peter shot me an irritated stare in his rearview mirror, but listened pointedly as I explained Aaron’s wakeful state moments earlier and his request to be taken home.