Scarred (Damaged Souls) (18 page)

Sloan had finished ripping up the tiles in record time, focus and anger putting a fire under his ass. And though he was done, he refused to make his way downstairs. He was afraid that if he saw Lexi he’d, either say something he would regret later or carry her into the bedroom like a caveman and fuck her into submission. Either way, he had a feeling he’d lose and end up hurting them both in the process. So he decided to wait it out upstairs until she was gone.

Hearing a knock on the front door, Sloan got up from where he had been perched on the edge of the claw-footed tub. He slowly walked over to the dome shaped window that faced the front of the house and looked out.
He couldn’t see who was at the door because the roof extended over the front porch. But he could see the fancy douche bag sports car parked behind Lexi’s Mustang.
Fantastic! He’s wealthy.

For the first time in his entire life, Sloan wished that he hadn’t thrown away his privilege and wealth that he had been born into. He knew the thought was irrational. The circumstances of his past was what brought them together in the first place. Who knew where he’d be, if he had of
bent to his parents will. And if they would’ve crossed paths and he wasn’t so damaged and scarred from the war, would he have even noticed her wounded spirit.

Lost in thought, Sloan barely noticed the deep baritone of a male voice downstairs and Lexi’s soft melodic voice in response to whatever her date had said. Sloan clenched his fists at his sides, pulling every ounce of restraint he had not go down and punch the unknown man in the face.

He then heard their footsteps as they walked out the door. Sloan watched as they came into view. The man was a tall, fit, light-skinned black man dressed in slacks and nice shirt. And as always Lexi took Sloan’s breath away. She was in a black halter dress that luckily didn’t expose too much of her ample cleavage and the full skirt ended demurely at her knees. Her curly afro was a glorious dark cloud around her beautiful heart-shaped face, pulled back on one side with a large red silk flower.

Sloan’s jaw flexed
as he watched the man open the car door for Lexi and place his hand on her lower back, helping her in the car. As the man walked around to the driver’s side door, Sloan saw his big shit eating grin.

They backed out of the driveway and Sloan felt his control slip as his heart ripped out his chest. Before he even knew what happened, his fist went through
the drywall next to the window as he shouted out an expletive. Completely losing it, he punched the wall several more times till his knuckles bled. He slid down to the floor, raking his fingers through his hair praying that she didn’t fall for this guy.

Not wanting to sit around wallowing in self-pity or think about how her date was going, Sloan jumped up from his crouched position on the floor, needing to get out of the house. Even if he had to walk till his feet bled. He just needed to do
something to occupy his mind.

He quickly walked downstairs and into the kitchen to grab a bottle of water, when
he spotted Lexi’s car keys and her debit card on the table next to a note. Sloan stopped short and picked up the note reading it.

Sloan,

I’m sorry.

If you need anything, feel free to take my car and use my debit card.

Lexi

Sloan grabbed the keys, her card and a bottled water and headed towards the door whistling for Tank to follow. He had no idea where he was going or what he was doing. He just knew he had to get out before he went crazy.

Chapter 14

“Back at One
”

Lexi sat quietly in the passenger seat while Aaron drove to the restaurant.
Lexi had been pleasantly surprised at how handsome he was. Caramel skin, pretty brown eyes, nicely dressed and hair cut to perfection in a close fade with shiny waves on top. Lexi knew he probably brushed his hair within an inch of its life to get those waves so perfect.

And then seeing his sleek sports car when they’d walked out of the house, pulled the whole perfect picture together. To all outward appearances, he was the perfect package. And she hated it. All she could see was a mental picture of a wounded and scarred man, who was her idea of perfection.

A guy like Aaron probably wouldn’t understand her issues or be as patient with her. And showing him her scarred thighs would be totally out of the question. She knew she wasn’t giving him much of a chance, but guys like him usually went for debutantes, and debutante she was not.
Why the fuck am I here?! Why didn’t I just put my foot down and tell Dom about Sloan? I doubt this guy could really be
that
hard up for a date. Now I have to suffer through this, Sloan is hurt and this guy is gonna end up being disappointed because I’m a piss poor excuse for a date. And no one wins. Lovely.

“Why so quiet?” Aaron said
smiling down at Lexi with a brilliant white smile.

“Nervous I guess.” Lexi said quietly, not wanting to be rude by saying what she was really thinking.

“Don’t be nervous. I don’t bite.” Aaron said, making Lexi inwardly cringe at the corny line that sounded so adorable when Sloan had said it a few nights before.

Aaron took his hand off of the shifter and grabbed hers. Lexi thought that after spending so much time with Sloan, that she’d finally relaxed to the male touch. But the instinct to rip her hand out of Aaron’s let her know that it was just Sloan. He made her feel safe, like he understood her.

Feeling the stirrings of a panic attack coming on, Lexi wiggled her hand out from Aaron’s large one. He glanced over at her curiously and taking the hint, put his hand back on the gearshift.

“So Dom said that you’re from up north. How are you liking Savannah?” Aaron asked, trying his best to get a conversation started.

“Yeah, I’m from the Illinois-Iowa border. I love Savannah. It’s a gorgeous place.” Lexi answered honestly.

“So…no offense, but I can’t believe you bought that house. Dom is a phenomenal realtor, I’m sure she could’ve found something more suitable for you.” Aaron stated.

Strike one.

“I happen to love that house. She has so much potential. Not everything that is broken and worn out needs to be torn down
and rebuilt. It just needs some TLC. Besides, Dom did suggest some move-in ready homes, but I wanted something that I could leave my mark on, that I could put my input in and not just in superficial decorations.” Lexi defended her cherished home.

“My bad. I guess I can understand where you’re coming from.” Aaron conceded.
“You have more patience than me.”

“I don’t know, remodeling is a lot of fun. I’m enjoying myself.” Lexi replied.

“So Dom tells me you’re an artist.” Aaron commented.

“Yes, I paint.” Lexi answered.

“She said you’re good enough to sell your paintings for a living. Have you ever thought about selling some of your work to interested parties? I probably wouldn’t mind buying a few.” Aaron said with a big flirty smile.

“Dom only saw one half-finished painting. I don’t know how she could tell I was any good just from that one. But I guess more and m
ore, I am thinking about making a career out of it. But first I need to rebuild my portfolio, I’ve lost all my previous work.” Lexi explained.

“Well maybe I’ll have to commission you to do some for me soon.” Aaron suggested.

“Maybe.” Lexi answered evasively.

“We’re here.” Aaron said as they pulled up outside of a fancy looking bistro.

As soon as Aaron’s car pulled to a stop two valets came to either side of the car and opened their doors for them. The young valet offered Lexi his hand to help her out of the low sports car. Lexi took it hesitantly.

Aaron made is way around to her and placed his hand on her lower back to guide her towards the entrance of the restaurant. Lexi shivered at the contact and not necessarily in a good way, but glancing up at the tall handsome man, she could tell that he thought otherwise. If the smile on his face was any indication.

When they entered the building, Lexi heard a squeal of delight and saw Dom quickly walking over to them. She embraced Lexi in a big hug. Dom was radiant in a red body-hugging dress that stopped mid-thigh and sky high red heels that made her tower over Lexi more than normal.

“Oh my God, girl! You two look so good together! Isn’t he handsome?” Dom whispered in Lexi’s ear.

“Yes, but Dom…don’t get your hopes up. I’ve kinda met someone, which was what I was trying to tell you over the phone earlier.” Lexi whispered back honestly.

“Oh honey, don’t even worry about it. You’re still young. It’s just called playing the field. Weighing your options. You don’t have to marry either one of them tomorrow. So let’s just have some fun.” Dom suggested.

“Alright then.” Lexi agreed seeing her logic, trying to relax.

“Let me introduce you to my fiancé. Tony, sweetie?
” Dom called out to the tall dark chocolate man in deep discussion with Aaron. “Come meet Miss Lexi.” She said as he walked over. “Tony this is Lexi Bolden. Lexi this is Tony Scott, my husband to be.”

“Hey, Lexi. It’s nice to finally meet you.
You’re all Dom has been talking about.” Tony said shaking her hand firmly.

“Nice to meet you too, Tony.” Lexi said shyly.

A hostess came over then to take them to their table. They walked through the dimly lit restaurant with romantic candles burning on every table. The hostess stopped in front of a round corner table. The intimate setting made Lexi feel awkward and uncomfortable.

Aaron pulled out Lexi’s chair as Tony did the same for Dom. Aaron took the chair to the left of Lexi, Dom on her right and Tony rounded out the table across from her.
They took a look at the menu, trying to make their decisions for their meal. For their appetizer they decided on asparagus wrapped in crisp prosciutto.

“So what are you thinking? What would you like for your main course? All the food here is ridiculous.”  Aaron asked Lexi.

The waitress walked up to take their orders before Lexi could respond to Aaron’s question.

“
Hello everyone, my name is Amy and I’ll be your server for the evening. So what can I get you folks tonight?” She asked no pin and pad needed, apparently an experienced veteran.

“We’d like to start with the asparagus.” Tony started.

“And how about your entrees?” Amy asked.

“You first, Lexi.” Dom said.

“Uh, I think I’ll take the filet mignon and…” Lexi hesitated trying pick one of the sides she was debating over.

“Oh no, Lexi. That’s too safe. You’ve got to try their lamb! She’ll have the rack of lamb in the mustard-shallot sauce, with the garlic roasted red potatoes.” Aaron took over ordering for her. “I’ll have the same.”

Strike two. Why even ask me if you’re going to order for me anyway?!

Lexi remained quiet while everyone placed their orders.
She was not feeling the vibe she was getting from Aaron. She could already tell that he had a very dominant personality, but not necessarily the good kind. She knew the signs well, and dictating even a simple thing like ordering food at a restaurant, spoke volumes. And she always fell straight into submissive mode in the face of an overly dominate man.

The question was, what kind of dominate man was he? The kind that liked to take control of all situations
, just being a normal control freak or the kind that wanted his woman to bend to his will, which usually led to abuse if she so much as tried to show a little backbone.

Well now was the time to stand her ground and find out which one he was. Whether or not she planned on seeing him again or not.
She knew that she never again wanted to let a man control her.

“Excuse me, Amy?” Lexi said, heart pounding as she stopped the waitress before she walked away. “You know what, as much as a appreciate the suggestion Aaron, I would still like to go with the filet, medium well, please.
Oh and the garlic crusted okra and loaded bake potato. Thank you.” Lexis said breathing deeply, proud to have won this small battle.

The table was quiet for a few uncomfortable h
eartbeats. Dom looked at Tony with raised eyebrows, impressed with Lexi’s spunk. Lexi noticed Aaron’s jaw clench, not particularly happy with her bravado.

“Whatever the lady wants.” Aaron conceded
. “I’m sorry, Lexi. I didn’t mean to try to force your hand. I just love their lamb so much that I figured you’d like to try it.” Aaron apologized, surprising Lexi.

Hmm…that’s different.
Maybe he’s not so bad…maybe. Verdict’s still out.

“So did Aaron tell you that he’s a pretty successful lawyer?” Dom piped in trying to lighten the mood.

“No. That’s fantastic Aaron, you must be proud.” Lexi said smiling slightly at him.

“Yeah, I guess I am. It’s been a lot of hard work. Currently I’m starting my own law firm, Grace at Law: Defense Attorneys.” Aaron said with his chest puffed out in pride.

“Wow! Congratulations, Aaron! That’s pretty impressive.” Lexi exclaimed.

“Thanks, Lexi.” Aaron smiled at her, once again looking at her with interest after the initial uncomfortable moment dissipated.

“So Lexi, what brought you to Savannah?” Tony asked, curiously.

“My mom always talked about how amazing Savannah was, so I needed change and thought this would be the best place.” Lexi said glossing over the details of how she came to be there.

“Dom tells me that you have big plans for your new house. Are you ready for that amount of work?” Tony asked doubtful.

What is up with everyone? Can’t a female renovate a house without it being such a big deal?!

“I’m tougher than I look. I’ve already torn down the walls in the upstairs bedrooms to make it one big master suite. We also sanded down the hardwood floors for a new coat of varnish, pulled down the drywall in the ceiling and busted up the tile in the master bath. Oh and I helped build the frame of the new wall separating the bathroom and master bedroom!” Lexi listed off, proud of the work that had already been accomplished.

“Damn!” Tony blurted out, while Aaron whistled through his full lips and Dom smiled proudly at her. “I guess you are tougher than you look.” T
ony looked at her with renewed respect.

“So you said ‘we’, who is the ‘we’ that’s helping you?” Aaron asked
feeling a little jealous of the time this other man was spending with her.

“I hired a contractor and we’ve been working on the house ourselves until more workers come on Monday. I’ve learned a ton of stuff already. It’s
been…fun.” A blushed tinged Lexi’s cheeks and she smiled happily, the first real smile she’d had since before Dom had called her earlier in the day, thinking of Sloan.

Her radiant smile lit up her face, taking her from pretty but serious to stunning and happy. Aaron didn’t look too pleased with the way she brightened at the thought of another man.
She hadn’t smiled at him once like that since the evening began.

Dom noticed the faraway look in Lexi’s eyes and realized that the guy Lexi was talking about earlier must have been the new contractor. Dom stored a reminder in the back of her mind to drop in for a little visit soon, to check out the man who made the serious and secretive woman smile like a schoolgirl.

Conversation flowed through the rest of their dinner. Dom talked about the homes she was trying to sell and her and Tony’s upcoming wedding. Tony was a pediatrician and he talked about his adorable patients.

The rest of dinner was filled with laughter. Lexi relaxed enough to enjoy herself. To make it easier, she stopped thinking of it as a date and just as a get together with friends
, like she’d originally told Sloan. She didn’t want more from Aaron than friendship, still wrapped up in the new budding relationship with the scarred marine. So it took the pressure off of her to try and impress the handsome man.

“So, we were thinking that to end the evening on a good note that we’d go dancing at a jazz club aroun
d the corner. What do you think, Lexi? Wouldn’t that be fun?” Dom asked in excitement.

Welp, there goes my relaxed mood. Dancing consists of touching intimately. Great. Just please don’t let him grind up on me like a horny twenty year old.

“Uh, okay.” Lexi said, unsure that it was such a good idea, but everyone seemed on board, so she just went along with it.

The men argued good naturedly over the bill before deciding to split it evenly.
Once they were done, they headed out of the restaurant and walked down the busy street towards the jazz club. Lexi held onto her handbag with both hands in front of her to deter Aaron from trying to hold her hand.