Fuck.
He wasn’t quite sure what to do. Should he go in after Alex, explain? But what could he tell her? He had to keep Emily’s secrets or risk the unthinkable. Despite their differences, what she’d done to him, he didn’t want anything bad to happen to her. He sure as fuck refused to be the reason she took her own life. In the end he decided to stay put and wait it out. He knew Alex well enough to know she’d need a minute. If he went after her now, she’d retreat—her default when something didn’t go to plan or she was hurt.
Alex came out a short time later, and thankfully the haunted expression was gone. “Well, that was fun.”
He grabbed her upper arm and pulled her into his side. “I’m so sorry. I had no idea they’d be here.”
“Why are you sorry? It wasn’t you calling me a gold digger.”
He tightened his hold, turning her so she faced him fully, and slid his fingers under her chin, tilting her head back so he could look in her eyes. “They don’t know what they’re talking about. They don’t know you. Now let’s forget about what just happened and get back to having a good time.”
She crossed her arms. “Spending your money?”
“Don’t.” He held her gaze and hated the distance he saw there. “Do not let her get to you. That’s exactly what she wanted.”
“I’m fine.” She held out her hand for her bag, and as he handed it back, accidentally upended it. “That’s the last time I leave you to hold my purse.”
Chuckling, he knelt beside her to help pick everything up. “You promise?”
She smiled, and relief washed over him. It was probably cheesy, but that’s all he wanted. To make her smile. He was leaning forward, handing her her phone, when her gaze moved over his face and traveled down his throat to his chest. Her smile vanished.
“Alex?”
She reached out and yanked open the first two buttons of his shirt. He’d completely forgotten about the scratches on his chest. “It’s not—”
“What I think?” She swallowed hard and looked down, shoving everything back in her purse. “You saw Emily this morning?”
“Yes, but—”
“She gave you those?”
“Yes, but—”
Alex stood abruptly, spun on her heel, and bolted for the door. “Alex, wait.”
“Your things, Mr. West?” the shop assistant called after him.
“Send them to my office.” Then he raced after Alex. She was striding down the street, shoulders and back stiff. He caught up, grabbed her arm, and spun her to face him. “Dammit, Alex, let me explain.”
“Whatever. You and your ex screw from time to time.” She shrugged. “I’d rather not hear the dirty details if you don’t mind.” She shoved out of his hold. “We also had a deal. No messing with anyone else, which means you forfeit and I win.”
“Win? This isn’t about…” He shook his head to clear his thoughts. “Right. I’m going to talk, and you’re going to listen. Do you hear me?”
“I’m standing right here. I have ears. So yes, Deacon, I hear you. Whether or not I listen is another thing entirely.”
“Would you cut the attitude for one damn minute?”
“Is that all you wanted to say?”
His brows shot up. “What the—”
“The answer is no. No, I will not cut the attitude.”
“Alex.” He made sure she heard the warning in his tone.
Martin pulled up at the curb beside them, and he could have hugged the man for following them.
“Deacon,” she said in a deep mocking voice, mimicking him. “Well, did it work? Are you intimidated?”
The woman was driving him insane. “Can you get in the car, so I can explain?” She didn’t move, just stared at him. “Alex?”
“You didn’t use the magic word,” she said.
“Please.”
She strode toward the car. “Fine, but only because I need a ride home.”
He climbed in after her, but she wouldn’t look at him. “So, Martin, how’s it going?”
His poor frazzled driver looked stunned. “Ah, fine, thank you, Miss Franco.”
“How’s the family?”
“They’re well. Thanks for asking.”
“No problem.”
“So, how long—”
“Alex,” Deacon barked.
She stiffened and turned to him. “Well, that was rude. I was talking to Martin.”
“Martin needs to concentrate on driving.” He grabbed her and slid her across the seat so she was plastered to his side. She didn’t struggle, she ignored him, and he realized that was so much worse. “Look at me.” She stared out the window, continuing to ignore him completely. “Well, at least you’ve shut up long enough to listen.”