Page 4 of Until He Confesses

There was another guy, completely dressed in black, much taller and dark haired. Although I could only partially see his profile, I could tell that it was stern as he faced the boy that had tried to attack me. I immediately felt saved.

He had caught the other boy’s wrist and I watched as with one hand he pushed him so roughly away that my attacker staggered and fell against the steps.

People passing tried to soothe and calm the situation, however he ignored them all. He seemed furious.

“What the fuck is your problem?” he roared, giving the boy cowering on the stairs a lethal look.

“Don’t touch her again,” he said. “If you do, you’ll pay dearly for it.”

Then, without a single word further or even a glance at me, he turned and continued on his way towards the back door.

We all stared after him until I realized that my attacker was still on the steps. He met my eyes. Despite his annoyance and embarrassment, he got up and stormed his way up the stairs.

Anna rushed to my side.

“Oh my God!” she exclaimed. “What was that? And who was that? I’m happy we didn’t go for the other guy. This one’s way hotter. Damn… I knew something good was going to happen with us coming here.”

I couldn’t believe her, but I also couldn’t stop myself from staring at the boy as he headed towards the pool area.

“I need a drink,” was all I could say, and Anna giggled by my side.

“There’s some Sprite on the counter,” she said.

I couldn’t help but smile.

“Fake martini it is then.”

“We could have gotten the real deal upstairs.”

I ignored her and headed over to the counter.

After grabbing a can of Sprite, I watched amused, as she found a used martini glass close to the sink. After giving it a quick wash, she poured half of her can into it and then raised the glass up to me.

“Cheers,” she said and stuck her pinkie out as she took a posh sip.

I did the same and although it was no martini, all the sugar and carbon dioxide hit all the right spots for me.

I couldn’t help but look over my shoulder, still a bit shaken and on guard in case any other drunk crazy person came over to me. And in case that boy showed up again.

“Let’s go back to the pool area,” Anna came over, but of course I had to feign reluctance.

“No,” I refused, but she refused to budge.

“Don’t be shy. He’s probably not here anymore.”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” I said.

She grinned.

“Your knight in shining armor.”

I made a dismissive noise but was unable to work up a strong enough will to refuse when she started pulling my arm.

Back at the pool side it didn’t take us long to find him because he was on the pool chair that Brett’s chubby friend had occupied earlier, but rather than lying down he was seated and going through his phone. I was so struck that I didn’t realize I was still moving towards them until we suddenly stopped.

“Hey!” Brett called out. “I wondered where you two went.”

He then noticed Anna’s glass.