Guarded Heart

Chapter 24

Emma up top

*chapter contains rape at the end*

He takes his jacket and tie off and tosses them on the bed. He unbuttons his shirt and just sits down in the chair next to the window. Jake walks in and walks over to him.

"Hey, I know you wanted to relax but the sooner you get down there, the sooner they all leave."

"I know, I just wanted five minutes alone, I've been around a lot of people today, so I just needed time to breathe you know." Jake nodded.

"I know, so sit here for five minutes alone. I'll be down stairs and just come down when you're ready."

"Thank you, and Jake? Thank you for today, for being by my side. I love you."

"Anything for you, I love you too." They kiss, and Jake walks out and shuts the door behind him.

Ethan takes his shirt off and puts on a polo shirt and sits on his bed and lays back to relax.

After a few minutes Ethan gets up and opens the door and walks down the stairs and he's greeted by the guys who were in Iraq. They all hug him.

"Oh wow, hey guys! What are you guys doing here?" Ethan asked.

"Well we all took our R&R and wanted to come see you. We tried to be there for the funeral, but we didn't make it in time, but we did go by and say our goodbyes to them before we came here." Stevens said.

"Guys thank you. That is amazing. I'm glad y'all are here. Come on let's go get a beer." They all walk into the kitchen and Ethan hands each one a beer.

"I would like to make a toast. To Ethan's parents, thank you for giving us Ethan, he is one hell of a man and an amazing friend to have. To family." Jones said.

They all raise their bottles and take a drink. Emma walks into the kitchen.

"Emma!" They all say.

"Hi guys, do I know you?" She asked.

"No but I told them about you and showed them your picture."

"Oh, well hello. It's nice meeting you all. If you don't mind, I need to barrow Ethan for a bit."

"Sure." Mark said, and everyone goes back to chatting.

"There is someone at the door for you." She said, pointing to the door.

"You let him in?!"

"No, the door was open, so I came to get you. Be careful."

"Ok." He walks over toward the door.

"What are you doing here Alex?"

"Ouch is that how you greet a friend?"

"You are no friend of mine, again what are you doing here?"

"Well I saw the cars out front and wanted to join the party."

"This isn't a party and you are not welcome here."

"Sure looks like a party to me, there's booze, women, men, and food. That's a party my friend." Alex said, smirking.

"No Alex, this isn't a fucking party now get the fuck out of my house, now!" Ethan shouts causing everyone to look over at him.

"Chill Ethan, I just want to talk to you."

"We have nothing to talk about, you need to leave." He said walking closer, getting in Alex's face and pushing a finger into his chest pushing him back.

"Get. Out. Now." He said again.

Alex doesn't move. By now the guys and Jake are standing close behind Ethan.

"I am not telling you again, you either walk out or I kick your ass out of my door, what is it going to be?" Alex still doesn't move. He just stares into Ethan's eyes.

Ethan makes a fist and draws his hand back and grabs Alex's shirt and punches him in the jaw, making Alex lose his balance.