If heart ache was a physical pain, I could face it.

Part Forty Five

Anne’s POV

“Take care of him!” I shout as the girls pull me out of the front door, and I can gear the boys all laughing as it shuts behind me. But what’s really the worst that can happen? For me anyway, I expect it’s going to be a very embarrassing end of the night for Tom, I laugh to myself.

“We’re going to be late if you don’t hurry up.” Roxie moans, while heading off towards a taxi.

“Where are we going?” I ask. Surely eleven O’clock in the morning’s a bit early to start drinking?

“That’s for us to know and you to find out.” Sophie smirks at me, as I turn to look out the window. It’s weird to think that the next time I see Tom I’ll be walking down the aisle to marry him; that by the end of tomorrow I’ll no longer be Anne Kemp, but Anne Parker. A huge smile covers my face, I can’t wait; it really will be the best day of my life.

We pull up outside of The May Fair Hotel, which just confuses me, I thought I was going home tonight and Tom was staying at Jay’s... Maybe not. But I’d hate to think how much this place would cost for one night.

“Don’t get too excited we’re not staying the night.” Jess says seeing my expression, and I follow more willingly now, knowing that the girls haven’t spent a fortune on me.

The three girls walk up to the reception desk after forcing me to hang back so to not spoil the surprise, they’re handed a  key and given directions before coming back to join me.  Walking down a flight of stairs we come to a locked door, the girls pause outside, clearly deciding how much to tell me right now.

“They said to help ourselves to a drink and that someone will be down shortly.” Roxie smiles at me before opening the door.

Inside there’s a bottle of expensive looking champagne, and five massage beds, I smile gratefully at the girls, they really do know me too well.

“I wonder which one’s mine.” I ask sarcastically, looking at the middle bed, a huge ‘L’ plate hanging off the front.  Just as I finish my drink five topless males walk into the room greeting us with smiles and hellos, my mouth drops open slightly as my eyes wonder down to their abs. The girls have really done well with this one.

“So ladies, who’s up for a massage?”

Tom’s POV

“Come on lads, time to hit the town!” Jay calls heading for the door.

“Put this on.” Nath shouts, throwing me a T-shirt, and I groan not wanting to know what’s written on the back. Turning it over I see the word ‘whipped’ written in pink glittery writing.

“Thanks boys.” I moan, pulling it over my head anyway, knowing I really have no choice.                       

“This is just the pre-drinks.” Siva warns me as we walk into our local.  “So don’t go to wild, we want you to be able to remember the next place.”

“Why am I not getting a great feeling about this?” I ask as I’m handed a yaga bomb, which I drink to try and ease my nerves as thoughts of being handcuffed naked to a streetlamp fill my mind.

“Don’t worry, you’re going to love it.” Jay tries to reassure me, with a spark in his eye.

“Anne might not though.” Nath adds laughing, but Max is quick to reply;

“Don’t be stupid the girls are going to be doing exactly the same thing.”

Stripers.

That’s what enters my mind, and while I’m excited about it for myself, do I really want Anne enjoying herself that way too?

Anne’s POV

“That was lovely thank you girls.” I say as I set down my knife and fork, the food here really is amazing, even if I didn’t want to eat to much the day before I’ll have to fit into my wedding dress.

Heading back outside I spot a black limousine, looks like I’ll be travelling in style today then, I smile to myself. Climbing into the limo I’m met by yet more champagne and finger food.

“Put this on.” Sophie says to me as the limo starts slowing down, and I do as I am told, placing another ‘L’ plate around neck. Stepping out onto the pavement, I find myself looking up at Xclusive, one of the best nightclubs in London, not one I’ve ever been to before though, because it’s guest list only, and they don’t let just anyone in. How the girls managed to pull this one off I’ll never know.

We get in with no problem, and to my surprise head straight to the girls VIP lounge; deep purple walls glow under the lights, fluffy sofas surround the walls and our own private bar sits in the corner, as we enter the bartender approaches us with a rainbow of cocktails, before heading back to the bar to wait for when he’s wanted again.

“Girls I love you all so much.” I cry, showing more emotion than usual as the alcohol starts to take effect. I really don’t deserve this, and considering just a few short months ago they weren’t even talking to me, I would never have expected this.

“This isn’t even the best bit.” Sophie calls over the music, just as I get a tap on the shoulder; I turn to come face to face with a Policeman, a very good looking Policeman with an amazing body as far as I can tell through his shirt. Please let him be a stripper! I scream in my head just as he takes a step closer towards me.

“I hear you’ve been a very naughty girl Miss Kemp.” He says in a deep husky voice, as he leads me over to one of the many sofas.

Max’s POV

“Enjoy your last night of freedom Tom!” I hear Siva call as we all split up after entering the strip club. Heading towards the bar I order myself a double whisky to try and steady my nerves, the times fast approaching, if I don’t do it before we leave here I’ll never have my chance. I order more drinks waiting not so patiently for Tom to come out of one of the booths; he’ll come out for a drink soon surely? Or maybe the nice stripper will make him realise that married life isn’t for him after all, and I won’t have to go through with this.

 I can hope after all.

“How come you’re not enjoying everything this place has to offer?” I jump slightly, too lost in my own thoughts to notice someone approaching behind me. I swivel around on the bar stool to smile up at Tom.

“Actually I was waiting for you. I wanted to talk to you before we both got to drunk to take it seriously.” I stand up and start to walk towards the back exit, and like I knew he wouldn’t he doesn’t question me, just follows. It’s far too loud in here to hear your own thoughts let alone someone else’s words.

The door opens up onto a dark narrow alley way, just like I knew it would. It’s why I suggested this club when there are hundreds around just like it. No one ever comes out here, and that’s why it’s perfect for me. Standing between Tom and the door- his only escape... Well apart from a long narrow street with no where to hide behind. I place one hand inside of my coat pocket and feel nervously for the gun. Pausing and resting my hand on the cold metal I try and stop my hands from shaking. It’s got to be impossible to miss at this short range, but right now I wouldn’t put it past me.

“So you wanted to talk?” Tom asks, clearly confused by my lack of words.

“I’m sorry.” I whisper, barely loud enough to hear, but I know if I wait a moment longer I’ll never be able to do it.

“What?”  He asks, as I just confuse him further; but his look of confusion turns to one of horror as I pull out the gun.

 Pointing it not so steadily at his chest, I hesitate unable to pull the trigger right away after seeing the fear in his eyes, and that slight pause is all he needs. He lunges towards me hands out stretched for the gun, and in my surprise I stumble backwards, the closed door that I thought would help me, now traps me as I can’t get far enough away. Tom’s body slams into mine one hand on the gun pushing it away from him, and as he does so I try in vain to pull away to the side, only to cause the two of us fall to the floor a tangle of arms and legs, just as my finger finally tightens around the trigger of the loaded gun.