Almost Easy

Chapter Fifty:

“Miss Lydia,” Tony called softly. I opened my eyes, lazily. “Doug was asking for you. I believe the young men are going to apologize.” He added, a small smile creeping onto his lips. I nodded.

“Awesome. Are you sure they didn’t kill each other?” I asked him as I got up. His smile grew broader.

“I’m positive.” He assured me. He pocketed his phone and folded my towels while I covered my swimsuit with my clothes.

“Thank you – you didn’t have to do that.” I told him. He waved away my gratitude.

“It was nothing.” He assured me. “Come, your father is waiting.” He said in a light, barely teasing voice. ‘My father.’ ‘My father…’ It had a nice ring to it. It’s something that I honestly wish was true. He opened the door for me and made a pit-stop to deposit the towels in the hamper, before walking me upstairs. I was greeted with the sight of both Brian and Mike vacuuming and dusting the hallway. Doug wasn’t kidding. The place looks spotless. Apart from a broken lamp and a few cracked frames, you wouldn’t be able to tell that there was a fight up here.

I moved my sunglasses to the top of my head and stared at the guys. It was Doug that noticed us first. He walked over to us and hugged Tony, before kissing my cheek.

“Are you feeling more rested, Sweetheart?” He asked me. I nodded.

“Yeah, it’s what I was needed. It seems to do my body good.” I told him.

“Everyone needs a little sunshine in their life.” He smiled. He put an arm around my shoulders and turned his attention to the guys, before clearing his throat. They both stopped what they were doing and turned to face us. Brian looks annoyed with Mike, but apologetic to Doug. I don’t doubt it. He’s not the type to just trash someone’s house – especially ours. ‘Ours…’ That’s something that I’m still not completely used to saying.

Mike looks a little shaken, but still as smug as ever. The arrogance just drips off of him. We’re completely different. I have no idea why he’s trying to get with me. We’re like candle wax and orange juice. It’d just never work. Eventually, he’ll figure that out. I hope…

Doug staring down the shit out of Mike… For the first time since I had met him, he actually looked nervous.

“I’m sorry about the crass things I said to you. I should know better than to speak to a lady the way that I spoke to you. I hope you can find it in your heart to forgive me.” He said, with complete lackluster enthusiasm. Doug narrowed his eyes at him. “The way I handled things was inappropriate and I shouldn’t be picking fights with your boyfriend.” He ended, lamely. Though I doubt he meant a word of it, Doug looked pleased.

“Thank you, Michael.” Doug told him, curtly. Mike made a face.

“I prefer ‘Mike,’ actually.” Mike tried to correct him. It was Doug’s turn to smirk.

“Tony would you be so kind as to show Michael out? I’ll send you a bill for half of the damages.” Doug said, sternly. Mike didn’t say anything else. Doug didn’t watch him walk past us. Tony stayed a step ahead of him as they approached the stairs. I jumped with I felt Mike pinch my ass.

“Don’t come back.” I told him, looking behind me. He just smirked. Oh, my God. I’m pretty sure he’s being possessed by Draco Malfoy’s clone.

Doug waited until they were both well out of ear-shot before turning his authoritative gaze upon Brian. With that one glance, Brian looked completely humbled.

“Ace, I’m sorry. I know it’s not an excuse, but something about that guy just rubs me the wrong way. I hate the way he looks and talks about you. You’re not a piece of meat. I don’t like anyone disrespecting you. I should’ve at least had the sense to take the fight outside. I’m sorry for fighting in your home, Doug.” Brian apologized.

“I wasn’t here to see what started it.” I relented. “I’m just so sick of fighting. I don’t want to be around it. It’s draining, just seeing it. I get that he’s a dick. Your defending my honor was so chivalrous, but you didn’t have to try to give him plastic surgery with your fists. He knows what gets under your skin. Be the bigger man.” I tried.

“I’m trying.” He promised. I smiled at him.

“You’re lucky you’re so attractive, otherwise all those bruises would be a deal-breaker. I mean, your face is the money maker.” I teased. He smirked and ran over to us. He picked me up and scooped me into his arms, before tickling my sides. Doug just watched us, amused.

“Are we good, Ace?” Brian whispered as his tickling slowed to a stop. I hiccuped and nodded.

“If you’re gonna fight, try to keep it away from me?” I requested. “With everything… it’s hard to take. It’s a big trigger.” I added, softly. He nodded, right away. I think he understands why I was so upset before, better now. “Can you set me down? I’m okay – I just want to take my meds.” I explained.

He leaned down and captured my lips with his own and set me on my feet. I went to grab my meds and felt my phone go off. It’s a picture message from Mike. How did he even get my number? He somehow got a picture of me while I was lying out in the sun.

This was annoying at first and it’s just pissing me off now. Why do so many creeps pollute the world and claw their way into my life? I really don’t appreciate it.

I don’t want Brian to get arrested for fighting and I don’t need him to fight my battles for me.

If you don’t back off, you’re going to regret it. That’s not a threat. It’s a promise. Don’t take anymore pictures of me. Stalking is illegal, in case you forgot. I’m seventeen. If you start spreading indecent pictures of me, I will find a way to get you arrested. I’d hate for you to get locked up over distributing child pornography.
-Lydia

I’ll tell Brian, after I tell Doug. I don’t want to do anything rash, but I’m not going to let him think that he can’t get away with harassing me. No fucking way.

Notes

Mike haters (right there with ya, trust me)... he's at it again!

Definitely borrowing my husband's laptop until my charger comes in the mail, since he also has a desktop. SO updates should be nightly. :D

Naughty time with Ace and Brian coming within the next couple chapters!

Much love,
Katie