Page 43 of Imbalanced Minds
Chapter Twenty-Three
Iris
“I can’t believe you made me come out with you lot. Especially after I was so comfortable at home with my hunk of man meat and my wine.”
Justin downturns his eyebrows and looks at Cory. “Dude, that’s a visual I don’t need.”
We all crack up aside from Jay and carry on with our banter. Thanks to the boys we managed to get a booth, we also obtained ourselves a server for the night. Apparently, one of them had a favour to cash in so here we are.
It’s quite nice being on this side of our new local club. Watching over everyone and having our own space. It’s similar enough to remind me of the atmosphere of Seduction but different. Or it could be that I’m more vigilant than I normally am, giving it a turn to people-watch like Nat.
The boys are deep in conversation, so Nat and I take this opportunity to order some more drinks. Shortly after a round of Tequila shots, our third round arrives at our table. Now that’s magical service.
Gaining the boys attention, we slide them their drinks and cheers to what’s going to be an epic night. That is until I see him. At least I think it is.
Sensing my posture and character waver Cory tries asking me what’s wrong, although I can’t seem to snap out of my panic. “He’s… I thought I saw him… He’s… Tyrell...” I can’t stop shaking, thinking of the night I wish I’d forget. I’m being dramatic, so I shake off the bad memories and grab my shots, taking one after another then downing my vodka and lime. If I can’t rid the thoughts on my own, this should work as an incentive.
“I think he just looked like him, there’s no way he’d be here. Let’s just drink up and enjoy the night. We’re celebrating!” I say with so much enthusiasm I think I’ve fooled everyone and gotten away with my freak out. Only, I haven’t fooled myself as flashbacks try outdo my thoughts.
“I think we should go home. I don’t even care if it was him or not. I won’t risk it.” Natalie says, scared and constantly shaking her head no.
“Hon, nothing will happen,” I say, kidding myself.
“Damn right it won’t, because we’re taking you both home. Jay, you call the police and do what we talked about, I’ll get the girls safely into an Uber and wait for you.”
“What the hell is going on? Cory?” I’m now confused as hell.
“You weren’t seeing things, sweetheart. It was Tyrell. Justin and I spotted him not long before you, that’s why we were huddled in conversation. We were discussing how to leave without frightening you. Now all that matters is getting you home safely, Nat too.”
As I’m processing all of this, I freeze up, becoming a prisoner to my own past. Flashes of being carried away and dizziness overcome me.
“I’m going to be sick,” I gag, holding one hand over my mouth while the other on my stomach. All the alcohol I just consumed burns my oesophagus as it threatens to come back up.
“Shit. Hon, I’ve got your bag. Come on, let’s get outside for some fresh air with Cory.”
Natalie wraps her free arm around my shoulder, attempting to pull me toward the entrance but my feet are not cooperating.
The loss of her warmth is replaced by another more welcoming embrace and I melt a little into it. Whispered words brush against my ear as Cory tells me everything will be okay because he has me. But it’s not enough.
Out of fear, time sends me back. It’s all meshing together in one horrible nightmare. Although I’m in the arms of someone I trust, it doesn’t deter the flashbacks I had earlier, and they seem to come sharper than ever before.
The vivid greed in his eyes. The snarl as he called me hurtful names, then the corner of his mouth lifting up in satisfaction as I was cowering helplessly before him. I remember it all and I don’t want to. Not anymore.
This leaves me more frightened than I have ever been, and Cory must notice. The air wooshes beneath my feet as my body becomes weightless and more gentle whispers are spoken in my ear.
“I will never let anything happen to you again, Angel. I’ll do anything I possibly can to keep you safe.”
As we walk through the entrance to the bar, whoops and hollers are yelled from the queue. To any onlookers, they’d think I’m being carried out for a fun time. But we know differently, and it only encourages me to snuggle in closer and bury my face in the crook of Cory’s neck.
“I think we’re giving them quite the show,” Cory hums amusingly.
At least there’s some distraction to be found in this otherwise unwanted situation.
Just as Cory’s placing me on my feet and helps me in the Uber, Justin shows up panting and out of breath.
“Bro, that was a mission,” Justin puffs.
“What’d you do? Run down the block? All you needed to do was ring the Police and keep an eye on things.”