The Way Things Were

10

Lex grabbed a jacket from the hook by the door before stepping out into the night, she took a deep swig of the whiskey, letting the burning liquid calm her frayed nerves. She leaned against the railing, staring out at the twisted, fire-lit skyline of the Pride Ring, wondering how she had ended up in this situation. She started to walk to Valentino’s studio, She knew she shouldn’t be out alone at night, but she needed to clear her head.

As she walked, the sounds of the Pride Ring’s nightlife grew louder. She reached her destination and sat down on the curb lighting a cigarette before pulling her phone out of her pocket. The glow illuminated her tear-streaked face as she took a long drag. Lex’s fingers hovered over the screen, staring at Vox’s contact. She knew she shouldn’t call him, that it would be a mistake to involve him in this, but she couldn’t shake the desperate need to talk to someone, anyone, who might understand what she was going through.

She hesitated for a moment as she pulled up Angels number, then finally pressed the call button. The ringing echoed in her ear as she took another long drag on her cigarette, watching the smoke curl into the cool night air. She smiled as Angel picked up on the second ring her tense shoulders relaxing as the familiar warmth of Angel's voice filled her ear. "Hey, you," she said, her own voice wavering with emotion. "I...I didn't mean to disturb you, it's just been a really rough night."

Angel’s tone softened, concern clear in his voice. “What’s wrong, Lex? Where are you?” he asked gently.

Lex let out a shaky breath, feeling the tears well up in her eyes again. “I’m sitting out front of Vals studio.....”

“Don’t just sit outside.... Get your ass in here.”

Lex took a shuddered breath, “I don’t want anyone to see me like this....”

Angel’s sigh was audible through the phone, and for a moment, there was only silence on the other end. Then, his voice came back, firm but gentle. “Lex, I’m coming out. Stay put.”

The line went dead, and Lex felt a mix of relief and trepidation. A few minutes later, the studio door swung open, and Angel emerged, his eyes scanning the darkness until they landed on Lex. He strode towards her, his long legs eating up the distance, and sank down beside her on the step. “What happened?” he asked softly, his eyes taking in the bruises on her face. “Who did this?”

Lex shrugged, feeling tears threatening once more. “It doesn’t matter... “ She spat out, her anger bubbling to the surface once more.

“Like Hell, it doesn’t,” Angel gathered Lex into his arms, holding her close against him, his touch surprisingly gentle despite the firmness of his hold.

Lex relaxed into his embrace resting her head on his chest, listening to the steady beat of his heart. “I don’t want to go home.... can I stay with you tonight?”

Angel’s hand stroked her hair, a soothing gesture that calmed the tumult inside her. “Of course, you can stay,” he whispered, his lips brushing her temple. “Come inside, I’m almost done shooting for the night.”

Lex shook her head, “Val can’t see me like this.....”

Angel frowned in confusion before realization dawned upon him. “Frankie did this.......” He sighed, “Val will tell Vox and you don’t want him to know.”

Lex nodded against his chest, a shiver running down her spine, “Frankie said Vox won’t take my side ...”

Angel’s grip on her tightened for a moment, his eyes flashing with anger, “That son of a-...” He caught himself and took a deep breath, his voice even when he spoke. “Lex, you know Vox won’t care about your deal. He loves you...”