in threes
chapter 76

Chapter 76

Chapter 76

Lottie’s POV

1 Year Later (Continued)…

“Has he tried to phone you again?” Anna giggles, as we wait in the airport to leave Miami.

“Nope I switched it off again! He’s totally pissed,” I reply, joining in with her laughter. Alex had beenthrowing a fit when he found out I was going to Miami for a ‘girls‘ trip.

He had totally flipped his shit when he found out – not to mention the uproar it caused when Iposted some bikini shots to my Instagram from when we went to Miami Beach…

But Anna and I needed this time together, just us girls, away from the hustle and bustle of their wildlife back home so although I felt bad, I had to admit it was really fun!

For the past year, things have taken an exciting turn to say the least…

Alex brought his father’s old gang back together, utilizing their skills in a new legal businessventure. He dropped out of his last year at school and invested his money into properties, creating asource of wealth that has allowed him to support our future!

We’re now in the process of renovating a beautiful property where we plan to start our lifetogether… somewhere we can call our forever home!

Alex’s businesses have flourished, and his involvement in the fighting world has opened doors toexciting opportunities with the help of Freddie. He plans to dip his toe into professional fighting thisyear, drawn by the allure of the insane money that awaits him.

He always did say that the money offered to professional fighters was insane… sometimes even inthe millions depending on how good you are… and Alex believed he could be the best.

I’ll of course be there, supporting him every step of the way, despite how nauseous the fights makeme – it was the hobby he loved.

As we make our way through the airport, laughter and excitement filling the air, I can’t help but thinkabout the changes that have occurred in our lives in the small space of a year…

The three people who once ruined my life are now behind bars, which only means that it’s time forme to live a little–to embrace the joys and thrills of pure freedom.

As we check the airport signs for our departure gate, Anna groans, “I bet Del will ask why we leftClara out of the Miami plans.”

Del’s current girlfriend, Clara, has proven to be a source of frustration and tension for the both ofus.

Her controlling nature and constant complaints have caused rifts within our group… We didn’t inviteher on this trip because her negativity dampens our spirits and quite simply – she tends to think sheis above us.

We just want to enjoy ourselves without her judgmental and nagging presence…

“We didn’t invite her because she’s a fucking bitch to us!” Anna declares, her words laced withfrustration and truth.

I nod in agreement, feeling a surge of solidarity between us. Clara’s behavior has been nothingshort of ridiculous, and we refuse to let her ruin our time together.

As we board the plane, a thought nags at the back of my mind–an unanswered question thatdemands attention…

I’ve been receiving letters from Tommy in prison, the very person who inflicted so much pain on me.I haven’t read any of them, but part of me grows more curious every day.

It’s a haunting reminder of the past, and I can’t help but wonder what he wants, what his twistedmind is plotting from behind those bars…

I haven’t told Alex yet either, because I know he would be infuriated by it, and so I’ve hidden theletters away in a drawer at Anna’s place.

Chapter 76

I guess that’s also a reason why I wanted to escape for the week with Anna – I wasn’t ready to talkto Alex about it yet…

We board the plane, exhausted from our past week of events in Miami, fully rejuvenated and readyto return home.

The flight isn’t long, and we decide to have one last drink on the plane to settle our nerves forlanding!

As the plane finally touches down near our hometown, I feel a mix of excitement andapprehension…

We gather our belongings and begin to make our way through the crowded airport. As we step outinto the arrival area, my heart skips a beat when I see the familiar faces of -Alex, Kev, Jace, andDel. But my joy quickly fades as I notice Clara standing there with them – glaring at us both.

“Lottie you better hold me back…” A

whispers as we approach them, talking about Clara, which only causes me to snigger at herreaction.

1

What the heck does Del even see in this girl? She has been so far nothing but nasty to all of us!

My eyes shift to Alex’s face which is red with anger, his gaze piercing through me. He doesn’t say aword, refusing to acknowledge my presence. I try to approach him, but he brushes past me, his furyevident in every step as he heads towards my bags and picks them up.

I glance at Anna, who shares a worried look with me. The tension hangs heavy in the air as we allmake our way to the car park in silence.

I can practically feel Alex’s anger radiating from him, and it’s suffocating to say the least.

Once we’re in his car, now away from the others, the atmosphere becomes even more charged.Alex starts up the engine, his grip tight on the steering wheel.

The silence between us is deafening, broken only by the sound of the engine and the faint hum ofthe radio in the background.

Finally, unable to bear the tension any longer, I gather my courage and speak up. “Alex, can wetalk?” I ask softly, my voice barely above a whisper.

He glances at me, his eyes filled with a fury. “What is there to talk about, Lottie?”

snaps harshly, his voice dripping with frustration.

“I… I didn’t mean to upset you,” I stammer, tears welling up in my eyes. “I just wanted to have sometime with Anna and I knew you would have wanted to come. We wanted to enjoy ourselves on a girl

trip without any worries.” I attempt to explain.

“So you turn off your phone on me? You ignore my texts and calls?

It’s

fucking bullshit Lottie!” He fumes, pressing down on the accelerator as I sigh.

“You don’t get it, do you?” he growls, his grip on the steering wheel tightening as his knuckles turnwhite.

“You think it’s all fun and games, but I worry about you, Lottie. I worry that something might happen,that history might repeat itself! You can’t just fuck off out of town whenever you fancy it! At least tellme beforehand!” He rants, as I fidget with my hands.

His words hit me like a punch to the gut, and I feel a lump forming in my throat. I know he’s justtrying to protect me, but I can’t help but feel suffocated by his overbearing concern sometimes…

“They are locked up now Alex, I have nothing to fear anymore. If I would’ve told you before then youwouldn’t have let me go.” I defend, as he scoffs.

“We could’ve came with you both! But you left it til last minute because you knew I would be caughtup with jobs and I wouldn’t have time to come out there!” He argues, drilling holes through ouroriginal plan.

He could read us like a book… the man ain’t dumb!

“I understand that you were worried, Alex, but I need you to trust me. I wanted to prove to myselfthat I was fine on my own.” I plead, a single tear streaming down my face. “I need you tounderstand that I can take care of myself now. I’m not that scared, broken girl anymore.”

He glances at me, his expression softening slightly when noticing my upset. “I know you’ve grown,Lottie,” he says, seeming to calm down slightly as he sighs. “But it’s hard for me to let go of thatfear. I can’t bear the thought of losing you – I haven’t slept.” He admits, which sends a shot of guiltthrough

1. me.

He cares… that’s all this is… he cares for my safety.

“I’m here now, Alex,” I whisper, reaching out to touch his hand. “I’m not going anywhere withouttelling you again ok? It was selfish of me.‘ I attempt to comfort him.

Chapter 76

“Damn right! I’ll tie you to the bed and keep you there forever if you try that shit on me again.” Alexretorts, causing me to giggle slightly now.

‘I might even enjoy that…” I respond, teasing him as he flashes me a wicked look.

“Just wait til I get you home doll…”

Chapter Comments

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I want Anna and Del together