Six days, five hours, and twenty-three minutes have passed since I last saw her.The address Emma slipped me this morning burns in my pocket like a lifeline.When she'd handed me the note during breakfast at their place, her words echoed what I already knew: "She misses you both."
My fingers drum against the steering wheel as I navigate through the suburban streets.Each turn brings me closer to Alex, and my heart pounds harder with every mile.These past days have been torture—reaching for my phone a hundred times to call her, only to remember she asked for space.The nights have been worse, plagued by dreams where she walks away for good.
The GPS chirps, announcing another turn, and I ease off the gas.What if she doesn't want to see me?What if I'm making everything worse by showing up?But then I remember Emma's knowing smile, the way she'd squeezed my arm and whispered, "Go get her."
A familiar ache spreads through my chest as I think of Samantha's face lighting up at the mention of Alex's name this morning.My daughter misses her too—probably as much as I do, though for entirely different reasons.
Movement on the sidewalk catches my eye, and my foot slams the brake pedal.Alex.But she's not alone.My blood turns to ice as I watch an unknown man’s hands wrap around hers, his smile too intimate.
Before I can think it through, I'm out of the car, moving on pure instinct.Her eyes widen as I approach, surprise and something else—hope?—flashing across her face.
"Cole?What are you doing here?"
My gaze fixes on where the guys hands still hold hers, and possessive rage burns through my veins."Protecting what's mine.So keep your goddamn paws to yourself."
The man simply raises a brow before sending me a mocking grin and replying, "Who the hell are you to tell me if I can or can't touch Queenie?Do you see her complaining?No.So, mind your own damn business."
Queenie?Who the fuck is this guy?
I'm so close to wiping that cocky smirk off his face."Alex is my business.And I know she hates it when dipshits like you touch her.So last warning.Keep your hands to yourself."
The guy takes a step back and crosses his arms."Her name is Alisha, not Alex.That's more of a man's name," he says with a snarl."And for your information.We have known each other for years."His lips curl into a pompous smirk again."And as long as Queenie doesn't tell me to stop touching her, I will keep touching her."He places his hand on her back, and when this action makes Alisha flinch for a split second, it's enough for me.
I launch forward, and as soon as my fingers claw into his shirt, I pull him up until my face is inches from his."I told you.Don't touch her, you jackass."
"Cole.Let Steven go.Right.Now."
From the corner of my eyes, I catch her pissed off face.I try to ignore it, but then I remember our first encounter and how she doesn't like anyone fighting her battles without her permission.Mentally grumbling, I let the schmuck go.But not without shoving him back.The guy stumbles, and when he finds his balance, he irons his now wrinkled shirt with his palms.
"Alisha, please tell that bull to go back to his den."
I cock a brow at him."That's always better than being a dickless rooster."
Alex rolls her eyes and shakes her head.When the asshole opens his mouth, she interferes."Don't."He closes his mouth, and we both watch how she sends us both a warning glare."You two goddamn peacocks need to calm the fuck down and listen."We both blink at her words."First," she starts, flicking a finger between us."Nobody touches me...without my permission."She makes this statement, while lifting her chin and looking us straight in the eyes.
Fuck, I love this sassy, confident attitude of hers.
"Queenie, I'm sorry, but come on.This man comes barging in like a bull and attacks me when I did nothing wrong.You can't be mad at me."
"Shithead," I mutter under my breath.She gives me a warning glare before turning her attention to Steven.
"Steven, thank you for the walk.I've really loved catching up with you, but I need to talk to him."She nods her head my way.
"Are you serious?You're sending me away?"
"Yes, I am."
He opens and closes his mouth."Fine.But if you need me, you know where to find me.And don't forget to call me, so I can take you out to dinner."
I grind my teeth.As he walks away, my attention lands on Alex, who has her back towards me.My eyes wander over her backside.Damn, she looks smoking hot.The thin, dark blue fabric hugs her ass perfectly, and the elastic band accentuates her hourglass figure.But when she spins and faces me, I'm gawking at her front side.
This view is equally flawless.
"Hey, Alex..."
She rubs the bridge of her nose and meets my gaze."You haven't answered my question?What are you doing here?How did you know where I was?"
"Huh?What do you mean?You told Emma to give me this," I reply, pulling out the note from the back pocket of my pants.
