Brandon started to walk over and I felt Serena tighten her grip on me. "Is he an ex that we like or is he one that we want to key his car and make sure he never breathes
again?"
Despite the turmoil brewing in my chest, I couldn't help but laugh. "He is definitely the latter."
"Do you want me to mind link Darius?" she whispered and I shook my head. I didn't need Darius blowing up and causing a scene especially not after what had just happened. "Fine, I'll stay here and be quiet but if anything goes wrong then I will be stepping in."
I was grateful for her help and even though I couldn't audibly voice it at that moment, I made sure to show it when I squeezed her hand softly. She reluctantly pulled away from me and went back to her end of the counter. I noticed Brandon was almost at the bar so I retreated into the store to get something to clean up the glass with.
I had hoped that seeing me busy would have forced him to go to Serena's end but he sat there patiently waiting for me. I could feel his eyes on me the entire time. I tried to think of what could have possibly brought him to Lunarius but I could not come up with anything. When we were dating he didn't even know Lunarius existed until I told him about it and he was against the idea of ever living in a small town.
I tried to avoid him for as long as possible but I knew it would only delay the inevitable so finally, I plastered on my professional look and made my way over to him. "What would you like to order?"
"You, for five minutes, I just want to talk."
He had always been so straightforward and that was one of the first things that drew
me to him. He reminded me of Darius in that sense but while Darius was straightforward because he was an honest person, Brandon did it so he could manipulate people and like a fool, I had fallen for it but never again.
"I'm not on the menu. If you won't pick something off the menu then you can leave or I will have security escort you out. I am done playing your games Brandon. Leave me out of it and just go back."
I turned to leave but he reached out to grab my arm. Serena began to move but I held out my hand to stop her. I wasn't a child who needed defending and I knew exactly how to handle Brandon even on my worst days. I glanced down at his hand wrapped around.mv.wrist and gave him the most bored expression I could muster
"You see that room over there," I pointed in the direction of Darius' office and he glanced that way. "My fiancé is in that room and he absolutely hates it when people touch me, especially if I didn't ask for that touch. Right now you have two options: you could either let me go and get out with whatever dignity you have left or you could stay here while he sorts it out. I don't really care because either way, I don't have to deal with you anymore."
His brows rose high. "What happened to the girl who couldn't even speak in large gatherings and needed to be spoon-fed everything?"
"Congratulations, you murdered her, now get out or I promise you, I will call him in."
He let go of my hand instantly and stood to his feet. I let out a sigh of relief because I never thought I would have to deal with him again. Just as he was about to get to the door, he paused and turned over his shoulder.
"There is one thing about you that hasn't changed," he paused for dramatic effect. "You still hop into the bed of the first man who shows you affection."
I had to physically restrain Serena from going after him at those words. She fought against my hold and I was honestly surprised that I was able to keep her down long enough for him to leave the bar. Once he had disappeared, the bar fell completely quiet. My only hope was that none of the patrons had told Darius about it. I wanted to be the one to tell him and I wanted to do it on my own terms.
Thankfully, it seemed like no one did because he didn't step out of his office until the end of the shift. Serena was still in a pissy mood and it was so obvious that Darius had to ask what was wrong. She could have told him the truth but instead, she chose to shake her head and assure him that everything was fine and I was grateful for that.
Darius and I got on his bike but he didn't start it. "Are you going to tell me that you're fine as well if I ask?"
"There's nothing wrong with me," I lied.
"You're my mate, Leindra and even if you weren't, I know you like the back of my hand. Something is bothering you. What is it?"
"I'll tell you when we get home, is that okay?"
He visibly froze at my words. I wasn't sure if it was because I called his house 'home'
or because I agreed to tell him but whatever it was, it was fun to see Darius being momentarily speechless. I was not shocked when he rode like his life depended on it. I had to hold onto his torso for support and fear that I was going to tumble off.
By the time we got home and I got off the bike with the elegance of a baby giraffe, Darius cursed and rushed over to my side. "I'm sorry, I should never have done that. I just wanted us to get home."
"It's fine," I assured him even though the ground was still moving in circles around me. "I think I'm going to get changed and take a shower."
I walked away from Darius and made my way up the stairs. It was partly to do as I had said but also partly to delay the conversation as much as possible. I wasn't exactly sure how I was supposed to break such a thing to him. Was I to go 'Hey, the ex who ruined me for other men is in town and he kind of but also kind of does not want me back?' I could totally see that going over with Darius very well.
When I got out of the shower, Darius was seated on the bed with two plates in his hands. He gestured for me to take the spot next to him and I muttered a small curse under my breath. He was not going to let me avoid the conversation at any cost.
"You know what I love about you, Leindra?" he asked in an amused tone but I stayed quiet. "It is how you find new ways to keep me on my toes. I would have thought that by now you would have realized that I know all your tricks. Sit down."
I reluctantly took the seat and my stomach grumbled when I saw waffles and ice cream. I always loved breakfast for dinner as a child and somehow Darius knew how to weasel his way further into my good books. I was about to reach for it when he held out a hand to stop me.
"You have it and we talk, that's the deal."
I bit the inside of my cheek and debated it for a second before sighing. "Deal."
He handed me the plate and I allowed the aroma to waft into my nose. I took a bite and I nearly moaned. It was perfect and if Darius was the one who made it then I was willing to marry him on the spot just so I could get access to these waffles every day. "I held up my end of the bargain, Leindra, hold up yours."
I didn't know how to say it so I just blurted it out at once. "Brandon is in town and I don't know what he wants or why he is here but he came to see me at the bar. I had to use you to threaten him into leaving but I don't think he's done."
The room was so quiet you could have heard a pin drop.
"You didn't think I should have been informed about this while it was happening."
"If it had blown up then I would have told you but I had it under control." Darius muttered a curse under his breath and ran his fingers through his hair. "It isn't about what you have under control, Leindra. It is my job to protect you so why don't you ever let me do it?"
"I'm sorry," I cast my eyes down to the sheets. "I just didn't think it was that important at the moment."
"Where is he staying?
"I don't know."
Darius had a smirk on his face that promised many evils. "Don't worry, I'll find out."