17 - I've got you

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Alesa Romano
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(Edited)

We entered a spacious private area, its walls painted in elegant white and gold.

A stunning round table dominated the room, surrounded by comfortable chairs.

The ambiance was cozy, despite the room's size.

I sat between Dylan and Alex, while Alexa positioned herself between Noah and Lorenzo.

Xander and Xavier flanked Lorenzo, with Colton beside Noah.

A waiter distributed menus, and I scanned mine, overwhelmed by the options.

After five minutes, everyone began placing their orders.

I turned to Alex, feeling anxious.

"Can you order for me? I don't know what to get," I asked, hoping he'd understand.

"Sure," Alex replied with a gentle smile.

I smiled back, grateful.

Once the waiter collected our menus, the room filled with conversation.

Lorenzo engaged with Xander, while Alexa laughed with Noah.

I retreated into my thoughts, feeling lonely despite being surrounded by family.

My mind wandered to my troubled past, wishing I hadn't experienced such pain.

I longed to be like Alexa – carefree and popular.

But my insecurities held me back.

I stared at my shoes, lost in thought.

Suddenly, the room fell silent.

I looked up to find everyone staring at me, their expressions varied.

Xander and Alex appeared concerned, while Colton, Dylan, Xavier, and Noah seemed worried.

Lorenzo's face remained impassive, but Alexa looked bored.

"Are you okay?" Colton asked, breaking the silence.

"Uhm, yes," I replied hesitantly.

"We hate lying," Alex groaned, his tone stern.

"I-I am-m no-t ly-i-n-g," I stuttered, intimidated.

Xander's expression darkened.

"Can you stop stuttering and not create a drama here?" he snapped.

Tears pricked at the corners of my eyes, but I held them back.

"I'm sor-ry," I whispered, looking down.

Lorenzo opened his mouth to speak, but the waiter arrived with our food.

The tension dissipated as everyone began eating and laughing.

Alexa regaled us with stories of her school pranks, earning a stern glance from Lorenzo.

Noah shared tales of troubling his older brothers, and Xavier reminisced about embarrassing moments.

I listened, smiling faintly.

Dinner concluded, and Dylan ordered dessert for me.

"Thank you," I said softly.

I needed to use the restroom and sought permission.

"Uhm, can I quickly go to the restroom?" I asked Lorenzo.

"Let someone accompany you," he replied.

"No, it's okay. I can go alone. I don't want to disturb," I insisted.

Lorenzo nodded, providing directions.

I hastened to the restroom, relieved to escape the table.

After finishing, I walked back through the passage when a stranger grasped my wrist.

He pushed me against the wall, his muscular frame towering over me.

"Let me go," I demanded, trying to hide my fear.

"I will, baby girl, after I finish...taking care of you," he sneered.

I struggled to free myself, but he was too strong.

He kissed my neck, and I pushed him away, panic rising.

My screams were muffled by the soundproof walls.

Tears streamed down my face as I desperately tried to escape.

Suddenly, the weight lifted, and I saw Xander.

His eyes blazed with fury as he punched the stranger repeatedly.

The man crumpled to the ground, unconscious.

Xander turned to me, and I ran into his arms, sobbing.

To my surprise, he hugged me back, whispering soothing words.

"Shh, Alesa, I've got you. You're safe now."

His warmth and protection enveloped me, comforting my shattered nerves.

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