Shadows in the Dark (Dark Lotus #1)

35. Brynn

My mood was mixed when I entered the bar, and I was trying to decide how long I intended to stay. Colleen was so excited about her new life and her new career and I was excited for her. Well, most of me was. There was that part of me that would really miss her terribly, though I would downplay that part of it. The worst thing to do was make someone feel bad for making a life decision that was right for them.

“Brynn!” I turned to find Colleen making a beeline for me and smiled genuinely when she captured me in a tight hug.

She had become the closest thing to a friend I’d had at the office, and while I hadn’t shared a ton of personal information about myself, Colleen had never taken offense to that. She’d been warm and welcoming and had always invited me into her space with an open heart and open arms.

“I’m so glad you came. I’ve got us set up in the corner over here and just have a few tapas and stuff ordered,” she explained.

“Is everyone else here?” I asked.

“Sherri texted and said she was on her way. She had to stay and finish up something that you-know-who just had to have tonight.”

Sherri was Randall’s interim assistant until HR could find someone else to replace me. So far, every applicant that had interviewed with the man had declined the position when offered. I felt bad for Sherri, but I thanked my lucky stars I didn’t have to deal with him anymore.

“What the fuck… she didn’t. Dammit.” I turned in the direction Colleen was staring and felt myself freeze. Randall was walking in the door behind Sherri, who looked like she wanted to fall into a hole in the floor.

Spotting us, her expression was apologetic to Colleen and I saw her mouth “I’m sorry” to me. I’d never said a word to anyone about Randall, but then again, I never had to. I kept my mouth shut and let my silence do the talking as far as he was concerned. It was an open secret that he was a scumbag. No one could accuse me of spreading lies or rumors because I said nothing at all.

“Brynn, we can just go to another bar.”

“He’ll just follow us. I’m not going to have him chase us all over town. I’ll stay for a bit, but when I’m ready to leave, I’m leaving, okay?”

Colleen nodded. “Deal. I’ll have Chris and Daniel stick close to you, okay?”

“That works. Thanks, Col.”

I watched as she talked to both male co-workers. Randall made a beeline for the bar and Sherri slowly approached me. She looked so uncomfortable.

“Brynn…”

“Not your fault. Don’t even apologize.”

She let out a breath and her shoulders relaxed. Colleen, Chris, and Daniel joined us and soon enough we were enjoying ourselves and the delicious tapas that the bar was known for. Surprisingly enough, Randall stayed at the bar, but he kept his eye on our group. While I didn’t let on that I was tracking him, I could see him out of my peripheral vision… he was making sure he had an eye on me at all times.

Even though I was surrounded by friends, I trusted no one. I’d heard too many stories about things being slipped into women’s drinks in crowded bars, so I’d gotten into the habit of carrying glass covers in my purse. I drank nothing but water while I was out, I kept a cover on my glass and if I had to leave the table for any reason, I would request a new drink once I returned.

Any male that made fun of me being cautious never heard from me again. I didn’t play games with my safety, especially not now. Not after my sister was killed and not after my house had been entered.

After a couple of hours, I was ready to go home. Randall was still watching from the bar and I was just weary of him being there. It was also beyond time for me to walk the dog and I didn’t want him to have to wait too much longer.

Excusing myself to go to the bathroom, I weaved through the crowd, and while I waited for an open stall, I ordered a ride share. I had enough time to take care of business, say my goodbyes and get out the door before the car arrived.

Once finished in the bathroom, I began to walk against the sea of bodies again when I felt a hand on my arm.

“Brynn.”

Feeling my anger flare, I turned on my heel to see Randall to my left.

“Remove your hand.”

“So feisty. I like it.” He released my arm and I made an evasive move disappearing into the crowd as best I could. I heard my name but ignored it continuing to make my way to the front door. I wasn’t feeling well now and was thankful I had called for a ride share. My head had started to hurt and I was feeling a bit woozy and nauseous. What the hell was going on?

By the time I made it outside, I was having trouble standing upright. Thank god my ride share had pulled up to the curb, the black sedan rolling up smoothly and stopping right in front of me. As I reached for the handle and opened the door, I felt a presence behind me.

“Get in the car, Brynn.”

“R-Randall?! Get the f-fuck away from me. I’m not going anywhere with you, you piece of shit.”

“Come on, Brynn. That’s not very professional of you. Get. in. the. car.” He shoved me in the back seat following close behind me. I still felt like shit, but the adrenaline beginning to course through my system was counteracting whatever else was going on.

“Get. away. from. me!” I yelled. Randall had a firm grip on my arm and as I wrenched it away, I heard the sound of fabric tearing.

“You are such a fucking bitch,” Randall said evenly. I detected the undertones of fury in his voice though he hid them well. “This should keep you quiet.” He shoved fabric in my mouth and when I went to grab it, he captured both of my wrists easily in one of his hands. A frisson of fear began to course through me then, especially since the driver didn’t seem to be willing to help a woman who obviously didn’t want to be with this man.

Turning awkwardly in the backseat, I began to kick at the car window then, trying to draw as much attention to the car as I could. I saw a few heads turn, but sadly, most just went back to staring at their phones, or went back to conversations. Is this what society was reduced to now? People didn’t get involved when a woman was in danger?

I struggled against Randall, feeling my stomach roll when his hands began to wander. It was then that the passenger door was snatched open and Randall was yanked out of the back seat practically by his shirt collar.

“I do believe the lady can get home on her own,” a man said. Holding Randall at bay with one hand, he then reached in with the other, offering me assistance. I spit out the fabric and balled it in my fist, accepted the offered hand, then carefully made my way out of the car, spitting out a few choice words for the driver who sped off as soon as my feet hit the sidewalk.

Craning my head upward to get a good look at my rescuer, I had to hold in a gasp. He had to be at least six foot four inches and he was built like a professional football player. Randall actually looked pale which brought me a huge amount of pleasure.

“Run along. She’ll be fine.”

Randall’s gaze went from the man, to me, back to the man before his face turned red and he stalked off, muttering under his breath. After waiting a couple of beats to make sure he had actually left, my savior turned back to me, raising a hand to touch to torn material at my right shoulder.

“Did he hurt you?”

I shook my head. “Not really. He copped a feel in the back seat but that was it.” I shuddered. “This may be nothing, but when he touched my arm inside, I started to feel a weird sensation. Is that even possible?”

Some emotion I couldn’t describe crossed over the stranger’s features and I found myself almost feeling sorry for Randall. I suspected that anyone who crossed this man, or angered him would pay a dear price for doing so.

He nodded his head once. “There are some drugs that can be transferred topically, which I suspect is what you just described to me. More than likely, he had some type of sealant on his hand or he would have been affected, too. Do you want to go to a hospital to be checked out?”

“No. I-I need to get home to my dog. And I want to go home, you know? I need to be in my own space. Thank you for your help. Could I maybe buy you a coffee sometime as a proper thank you?”

The corner of his mouth tipped up in a smile, and it reminded me of someone else for the briefest of seconds. “I appreciate that, but knowing I was here and able to send that asshole on his way alone is enough thanks for me. Would you let me secure another ride share for you?”

“I can get my own, but would you just stand here until it arrives? I don’t want you to leave and then I find out Randall is lurking around the corner.” That comment actually got a chuckle from my rescuer.

I ordered another ride share, we made small talk for the ten minutes it took to arrive and then he made sure to close the door to the car himself after I got in. As the car pulled away from the curb, it was then I realized that I never bothered to get his name.