Running From Destiny Read online

  I glance around the room and watch groups of people who obviously know each other laughing and having fun. I can see Heather amidst a small group, obviously flirting with a young man. She’s batting her eyelashes and touching his arm, giggling like a first grader. Heather at work. Guess I’ll be heading to the room alone tonight.

  “Miss, another glass of wine?” The bartender asked from behind me. “Um, no. Make it a bloody Mary, strong.” I ordered.

  “Salt or no salt?” He asked.

  “Salt and extra lime.”

  “Yes ma’am.” He turn his back to me and starts making my drink. Hell, if I’m gonna be alone tonight, I might as well drink my loneliness away even though I’ll probably regret it in the morning. Ally and alcohol don’t mix well, but tonight I’m going to live on the edge and take that chance. As long I don’t puke it all up in the middle of the dance floor, I’ll be fine. Yes, it’s happened before and I was so embarrassed I didn’t drink again for months. I was just now starting to dabble in it again.

  I spin back toward the bar and he catches my eye. Now, I’m not one for spotting hunky men in a crowd, but this guy stands out. Charcoal grey suit, deep blue tie. Dark blonde, or was it light brown, wavy hair that fell just above his eyes. He holds a high ball glass in his hand and is surrounded by beautiful ladies, one of them wrapped around his arm like she might fall if he moved.

  But his eyes aren’t on her. They’re on me.

  Holy shit. I quickly move my eyes away from The Suit. He must be drunk, or I just think he’s looking at me. Yes, that’s it. He’s looking at someone or something else, has to be. I look back to the bar and see my drink sitting there, so I grab it and take a long swig. Perfect. I set the drink down and glance to my right, trying to figure out what The Suit was looking at, seeing nothing special enough that might trigger a stare like that.

  I take another long sip of my bloody Mary and look back to my left again, toward The Suit. He’s gone, but the woman who had been draped over him was still there, smiling with her friends. She’s a classy broad, tall and blonde, but I bet not a true blonde like Heather, though I would never know for sure, unless she decides to parade around naked. I chuckle under my breath.

  “Something funny?” I hear over my right shoulder and I choke on my drink, coughing like I’m a heavy smoker. “Easy there.” A deep rich voice growled into my ear as he patted my back like a baby being burped.

  “Excuse me, I’m sorry. You startled me,” I say as I turn to see who is hovering over my shoulder, trying to keep me from drowning in my drink. As my eyes reach his, I suck in a breath. Countless romance novel characters come to mind. Christian Grey, Gideon Cross and Chris Merit all float through my mind. Along with the dark blonde hair, yes he was that close so I could now tell, he has crystal green eyes the color of emeralds.

  I can sense power and lust. Greed and guilt. I turned back to my drink and scoot my stool over a bit, so he can fit in between me and Humpty Dumpty next to me. I figure he’s here to refill his drink, so I allow space for him.

  As I sip my drink, no guzzle it as he stands over me, his manly scent overwhelming my senses. I don’t look back at him, but I feel him still there. The hairs on the back of my neck stand up like an electrical pulse blew through the room.

  The bartender came up and The Suit orders a drink, bourbon neat. “And another bloody Mary for the lady here.” He finishes.

  I turn to him and shake my head, “No, nothing for me, thanks.” I toss back the rest of my drink and set the glass down a little harder than needed. “I’ve reached my limit for the evening.”

  I turn to my left, since he’s to my right and make to stand up to go find Heather. As I turn to face the room, I come face to face with his chest. All I can see is his navy tie and broad shoulders. Holy shit. I slowly look up to those crystal green eyes and clasp on tight to my clutch. I blow out a breath and say, “Excuse me,” as I try to go around him to go find Heather. Only he doesn’t move. He stays right where he is, blocking my way.

  My internal alarm clock start raging in my head letting me know it’s time to leave and get away from The Suit before I do something really stupid, which I’ve been known to do after a few drinks. “Leaving so soon?” The Suit asked. No wait, that isn’t a question. I didn’t hear the question mark. He just made a statement and I’m sure how to respond.

  “Um, yes. I need to visit the ladies room and then find my friend. If you’ll excuse me.” I respond, trying to step around him. As I step to my right, he steps to his left. So I try to go to my left, and he goes to his right. Shit!

  “Shall we dance?” He chuckles low in his throat. And I started giggling because we look like two red necks trying to two step in a fancy bar.

  Those giggles, they’re exactly why I need to make a speedy exit. I can feel the fool coming out of me in a rapid pace, and I need to make myself invisible before I start looking stupid.

  “Um, no thanks.” I respond.No thanks? Geez, smooth Al. He finally steps to his left and I make my way around his right and head straight for the ladies room, not bothering to look back.

  “Ally! Over here!” I hear Heather calling my name. I look around and see her coming toward me, a sneaky look on her face. I wave, but don’t falter on my feet as I continue to the rest room. I can still see The Suit out of the corner of my eye, up near the bar, watching me.

  I heave my body on the restroom door and lunge into it, only the door isn’t as heavy as I think it is and it flings open fast and furious, slamming into the wall behind it. I barge into the room and toss my clutch on the counter and watch it fall into a sink full of water. I grab it before it completely submerges and slam it on the counter.

  “Ally? What’s going on? You flew in here like a bat out of hell. Did something happen?” Heather asks as her hand rests on the upper part of my back.

  “No, no, just me being an idiot. I’ll get over it. But I’m going to head up to the room, I’m bored and I’m getting a headache.”

  “Bored?? How in the hell are you bored? This party is fabulous!” She gleamed. “I saw you dancing with that man. Do you know who he is?” Heather smirked at me. Smirked!!

  “Of course not, he came to the bar to get a drink. And we were not dancing. I was trying to get around him......oh hell, what’s the use in trying to explain it. These are not my peeps, H. I don’t have a clue who anyone is. I just know I don’t belong here. So I’m heading up. How’s the schmoozing going with Prince Charming out there?” I nod my head toward the door exiting the restroom. Heather knows me so she knows who I’m nodding at, even though we can’t see through the door. My ex-ray vision subscription expired years ago.

  “Oh, ya know.” Was all she said, but she’s twirling her hair around her index finger.

  “Okay, well,” I glared at her. “I’ll see you later tonight, or not.” I smile wickedly at her.

  “McKay. But come back down later for the party. The dance floor will open up and the drinkage will begin once the silent auction is over. I’ll text you.” Heather whines.

  I do my business in the rest room, because that’s what I came in here for, really. I wash my hands and freshen up my lip gloss, taking a deep breath and head for the door. I weave my way through the crowd toward the exit to the lobby and the elevators. To safety.

  Before I can get away from the crowd, a hand grabs my arm, halting my steps almost slinging me forward. Hey, I’m on a mission to escape and once I have my mind set on something, I’m a goner.

  I turn on my heel and see him. The Suit. Damn! What does this guy want from me? He’s so out of my league and I frankly don’t feel comfortable standing in his shadow. He’s tall. I mean really tall. 6’2” or 6’3”. A good foot taller than my 5’3” frame, so I’m literally in his shadow. “Excuse me, I didn’t mean to run into you. Again.” I whisper, barely even able to look at him. His eyes are hypnotic and my tongue decides its cast under their spell and stops working.

  “You didn’t run into me, I ran into you.” His voice
is still low, gravely and entirely too sexy. I really feel like I’ve been swallowed up in a cheesy romance novel. I didn’t think people like this really existed. “Excuse me?” I ask.

  He laughed, “You keep excusing yourself. But you’re still here.” His hand, still on my arm, is warm and strong. He’s not hurting me, but he’s not letting me go either.

  “I was just leaving.” Was all I can get out without tripping on my tongue.

  “Why? The party hasn’t even started yet.” He says as he looks down at me.

  I don’t have an answer for him. The proverbial cat has my tongue. All the moisture in my mouth dries up and my jaw refuses to work.

  “I was here to watch my friend in the fashion show. Now that it’s over, I am going to my room. There’s nothing more for me here.” I reply as I pull my arm out of his grip and he drops his hand.

  “Nothing here for you, no? I’m here and I would like it if you would have a drink with me.”

  “What? Why?” I ask like the idiot that I am. I have no idea why a man of this caliber would want anything to do with me.

  “Ally!” I cringe as I hear Heather’s heals clicking on the marble floor, headed my way. “There you are! I thought you were going, well hello there.” She swooned as she saw The Suit. Swooned! Gah!

  “I’m heading up, just got... sidetracked.” The Suit just smiles, with a look on his face like I need to introduce him. Of course, THAT’S why he keeps coming around me. I am his one way ticket to Heather Land.

  “Um, this is my friend Heather Langley. Heather this is......” Shit, I realize I don’t even know this guy’s name. Probably a good thing.

  “Jackson Bentley, I know who you are. Very nice to meet you.” Heather purrs while extending her perfectly manicured hand. She’s such a slut. But I love her anyway.

  “Well, since you two know each other, I’m going to head up. Good night Mr. Bentley.” I nod at Heather and make a hasty escape.

  I walk. No. I run to the elevator. I push the button over and over hoping that would make it come faster, which realistically I know won’t happen. After what seems like hours, the doors finally open and I step inside. Thankfully, I’m alone.

  “Whew, what the hell was that?” I ask myself. Oh wait. Heather. That’s what the hell that was. I shake my head in disbelief, even though Heather is totally believable. Whatever. Like I said, she’s a gold digging.....never mind. I love her and that is all that matters.

  I push the door open to our suite, the door slamming closed behind me. I drop my still wet clutch on the dresser and flop on the bed. “Why did I come here? I don’t belong in this world. I need to be at work, keeping myself busy and making money. Heh. Money. Bet The Suit has plenty. No wonder Heather couldn’t wait to get her grimy little claws in that succulent slab of beef.” I fold my arm over my eyes and take a deep breath.

  I’ll always be Heather’s sidekick. Why I bother anymore I don’t know. We can be in with a big crowd and the guys flock to her side. I just kind of hide in the back and pretend I’m not there.

  After a few minutes, my phone beeps indicating a text message. I debate ignoring it, but since it may be important, I’d better check. I reluctantly slide off the bed, kick my shoes off and grab my clutch off of the dresser and crawl back on to the bed. Eww, still wet. At least I know the water didn’t screw up my phone.

  I swipe the unlock button on my iPhone, my favorite splurge. The text there is from Heather.

  H - Get your ass back down here! It’s party time! Oh, and Jackson has been looking for you.

  A- No, staying in. And he was not looking for me, he has you. Cya later.

  Then silence. No reply at all. Hey, wasn’t that a song by Genesis? I shrug my shoulders and drop the phone on the bed next to me. I change into my sleepwear, brush my teeth and wash my face, then settle into the amazingly comfy bed.

  Chapter 4

  Heather is always playing the matchmaker. One of these days she’ll figure out that I’m just not guy material and that I’m not interested. Humph, not real interested anyway, but she claims I have self-esteem problems. Maybe she’s right, but my history backs it up. Take Ryan for instance.RyanfuckingParker, douche bag of the century. Thought he had it all, tried to take it all too and when he got kicked in the nuts, he went ballistic.

  Before I even got out of his way, the back of his hand whacked across my face, spewing blood to the ground. He shoved me down to my knees and pressed my face to his crotch. “You will suck my dick you whore! No one. I mean NO ONE says NO to Ryan Parker!” He screamed at me.

  Ourrelationship had started out well enough. But ended tragically. We met at the Apple Store, waiting for a Genius to assist us with each of our purchases. I was splurging on the iPhone 5 and he was getting an iPad. We had started talking and once we were both done, we headed down to Ruby Tuesdays at the mall for dinner.

  We laughed and had a good time. I should have known that something was wrong. No guys ever strike up conversations with me in public places. Maybe it’s my personality and the fact that I don’t look anyone in the eyes. I’m not a personable person. I get along with women but freeze up around dudes.

  Secretly I had hoped he was gay.

  Anyway, we finished dinner and he walked me to my car. He leaned into kiss me and I backed off. I never kiss on the first date. Just my mantra. Keep them waiting, it’ll be worth it.

  He seemed okay at the time, understanding even. We exchanged numbers, though I had no intention of calling him and I knew he wouldn’t call me. Since I hadn’t put out on the first date, that usually signified the first date was the last date. He only got my number to be polite.

  Surprisingly enough though, he called two days later and asked me out for Saturday night. I reluctantly agreed, figuring I had nothing better to do and I didn’t feel like working late again. Instead of having him pick me up, I offered to meet him at Temptations, a club not far from the mall. They had a Def Leppard cover band that night and I had really been wanting to see them.

  We enjoyed the show, screaming like girls, dancing around and drinking heavily. Once the show was over, we walked out to my car. We stood at my door and Ryan leaned his head down, slanting his mouth over mine and captured a kiss. It wasn’t a bad kiss, but it wasn’t a melt your panties kinda kiss either.

  In all my life, I’ve learned one thing; if the kiss doesn’t send fireworks through your body, then you won’t be compatible sexually. And there were fireworks all right, duds. Nothing, zero, nada. I pulled away from him and thanked him for a great evening. He had this look in his eyes, like a devil or something. I don’t know, but I wanted no part of it. He pushed his rock hard cock into my abdomen and whispered in my ear. “Your place or mine?”

  I thought immediately,CHEESY!!Guys really use that line?

  “Um, Ryan.” I looked up at him. “Thanks for a great evening, but this really isn’t working for me. I like you, you’re a nice guy, but I’m just not that into you.” Yeah, I know. Another cheesy movie line, but it was all I could come up with at the time. That’s what I get for sitting at home alone in front of the television. Movie quotes were as suave as I got.

  He pushed into me again, harder and grabbed my hair behind my head and jerked it back.

  “Ouch! What the hell?” I screamed and pushed on his chest, trying to push him back. “Back off!” I continued. “What didn’t you understand about the words NOT INTERESTED?” I screamed back at him. By this time, others were filing out of the bar into the parking lot, but so far no one had looked our way.

  Ryan then put his hand on the top of my head, trying to push me to my knees. “Bitch, after the money I spent tonight, you will suck my dick!” I tried to squirm out of his grasp but he was so much stronger than me. “You know you’ll never get it anywhere else. I happen to like chunky bitches, they give the best head.” He continued to push me down.

  I couldn’t hold myself up anymore and ended up on my knees on the concrete at his feet, the gravel digging in to my skin. He reached for
his zipper and started to pull his dick out, right in my face. I turned away and screamed, “NO! Get off me!!” I managed to stand up and planted my foot directly on his crotch, when he bucked over I punched him in the face. Yeah, I know. Real lady like, but I was tired of putting up with his shit. He lunged after me, grabbing my hair and I screamed as his fist met my nose with a crack, blood spewing through the air.

  Thankfully, the bouncer at the door heard me and came running to save me. Like I needed saving. Yeah, I guess I did. He was so much stronger than me and I didn’t have the strength to fight him off. Between the alcohol I had consumed during the evening, and fear, I was sunk. The bouncer pulled him off me and shoved him toward the door, toward an off duty cop waiting just a few steps away. He was cuffed and escorted off the property.

  “Are you okay?” The bouncer asked, joined immediately by another cop.

  “Yes, thanks.”

  “Come on back in, Officer Heard here needs to take your statement.” He said as he handed me a towel to place on my nose in a futile attempt to stop the bleeding. I never knew a nose could produce that much blood! “Do you need an ambulance?” He asked, but I just shook my head.

  I followed them in and finished up, before I went home. What a way to end the night. “You may get a call during the week to come down to the station and file an official statement.” I nodded as I left. The excitement and fear totally sobered me up and even the officer didn’t question my ability to drive.

  I take a deep breath and close my eyes, rubbing my temples. Damn these headaches. Why tonight of all nights to get one?

  I was just about to drift off to sleep when the door to the suite swings open. In flocks Heather and a hand full of folks, obviously from the party downstairs. I’m warm and snuggly in the bed and in my jammies. Shit!