Billionaire Alpha 2: (A Bad Boy Billionaire Novel) (12 page)

He hadn’t at all been angry that night. He had been loving and seemed to be shifting in his own rules and standards. Anyone who had been hurt as badly as he had was forced to create a tight wall - a fortress of sorts that everyone would be forced to contend with.

He would be hers… it was only a matter of time.

The sound of her phone buzzing caused her stomach to tighten, worry sprouting inside of her. Who in the world would be calling at three in the morning?

Twelve unanswered text messages registered on her phone, all from Jake.

Jake:
Bethany, I need you to call me. I was serious today and Krista isn’t acting like herself. Did she take meds when you guys were together? Maybe something for bipolar disease? Just call please.

The messages got increasingly worse, the intensity in his words driving Bethany to move from the couch in search of her keys. Was he overreacting? Probably? But the messages screamed of panic and from what she could tell, Krista was beating at Jake’s door, waking up the neighbors and shit.

That didn’t sound like Krista at all. Bethany hit the ‘call’ button on her phone and picked at her lip, pacing in front of the couch as she tried to think of what to do.

No answer. She growled in frustration and tried Krista.

Damon walked out, rubbing his eyes and stopping by the large ornate fireplace that most likely never got used. Too damn hot in Texas.

“Can’t sleep?” He moved closer and realization moved across his beautiful features.

Bethany walked to him and reached out, brushing her fingers along his chest as she tried to ground herself in the present.

No answer.

“Fuck,” she whispered and turned from him. His hands pressed into her shoulders, but he didn’t speak. The fact that he was there with her, his arms moving around her to offer comfort, was overwhelming. Tears blurred her vision as she left a message.

“Kris, it’s me. Please call me back. Jake has been texting me and I’m not sure what’s going on, but I need you to call me. I’m really, really,
really
worried about you. If I don’t hear from you in like ten minutes I’m coming over.”

She hung up and turned as a tear dripped onto her cheek. The last thing she wanted to do was remind Damon that maybe she wasn’t the woman he needed her to be. She was stuck in the middle of some weird college bullshit and was simply still a stupid childish girl.

“Baby, what’s the matter?” He pulled her in tightly, his grasp reminding her that if they were going to move forward, they were going to have to do so together. Would he laugh at her or chide her for being an idiot?

“Just college drama shit.” She pulled back as her dinner rose in her chest.

“Obviously whatever it is, it’s upsetting you.” He reached up and wiped away her tears, leaning over and kissing her nose. “I’m not one dimensional. I try to be, but believe me, it takes effort, baby. Tell me what’s going on. Who are these guys?”

“What guys?” Bethany sniffled, anxiety wrapping around her. Something was wrong.

Krista or Jake should have called by now.

“Chris and Jake.”

“No, Krista and Jake. My two best friends in college. Krista is my roommate and Jake has been a good friend of mine since my freshman year.”

“They dating?”

“She wanted to, but he didn’t. I don’t know.” Bethany pulled back and ran her fingers through her hair. “It’s complicated.”

“You need to go over there? Sounded serious by the message you left.”

“Yeah. I need to go. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

He reached out and grabbed her, pulling her close and looking down at her. The seriousness in his features left her concerned. Surely he wasn’t going to pull the selfish card and not let her go without making her feel like shit for leaving him.

“I’m going with you then. You’re not driving yourself in the middle of the night.”

“No. I’m good. Really. I’m sure I’m just overreacting and there is nothing to be worried about.”

“Well, let’s go check it out then. Get dressed and I’ll drive.”

Bethany lifted up on her toes and kissed him softly. “Thank you.”

“Of course.” He released her as she jogged toward the bedroom. Fear tore up her insides, but having Damon willing to go with her made it seem like the world was finally righting itself.

“Does your friend Krista have a history of being a violent person?” Damon asked, reaching over and taking Bethany’s hand.

“No. I mean, I don’t know. We’ve been friends and roommates throughout college, but I didn’t know her before then.”

“Are we headed to her place or this Jake-guy’s?”

“Jake’s. He was the one that seemed panicked.” She reached for her phone and plugged in the address before linking it to his blue tooth. “This should keep us on track.”

“Good. I think when this is all cleared up we need to go by your place too.”

“Why? To see if Krista is okay?”

“We can do that, but I was more thinking of christening your bed.” He smirked and she relaxed slightly, thankful for his mood being spot on with what she needed.

“Can I ask you something?”

“Yes, unless it’s about my mother. I’m not ready to go there just yet.”

“No, I’ll let you start that conversation when you are ready.” She rubbed his fingers with her own, wanting to crawl up into his lap. “Do you think our relationship can develop past the fact that we’re about to be siblings?”

“Of course. We’re siblings by marriage. My father’s choices aren’t going to tell me who I can and can’t be with. You and I have every right to be together.”

“Do you think they will see it like that?” She hated to have the conversation, but honestly it was the last barrier to the idea of them actually making something of the future. Plus, she seriously needed to get her mind off of the situation with Krista and Jake. She might go crazy if she let herself ponder on it too much. Outside of Damon and her mother, Krista and Jake were closer to her heart than anyone else.

“I don’t give a damn how they see it. If things crumble with my father because of this, then we’ll pick up and start somewhere else.”

“So you’re seriously considering giving us a try?”

“You and me?” He glanced over at her, his gaze kind and thoughtful.

“Yes. Us.”

“I’m not giving it consideration, no. I’m telling you that I’m a challenge and that it’s not going to be easy to push past the fortress I’ve set up, but I’m your number one fan, baby. If you want to persevere with me, then I’m willing to do more than try.” He shrugged and turned his attention back to the road.

Bethany watched him as sleep tugged hard on her resolve to stay awake. “I’m sleepy.”

“I like you sleepy. It transforms you from beautiful to ridiculously cute. Makes me almost feel bad for wanting to lick every inch of you.” He glanced over and smiled.

“Don’t feel bad, just do it.”

“What? Lick you to death?”

“Please?” She whispered her response before her eyelids fluttered, the world going dark in the comfort of Damon’s fancy car.

Chapter 5

“Bethany, wake up.” Damon’s voice pulled her from her nap, her eyes opening as she gulped for air. “Hey… it’s okay. We’re here.”

She sat forward, brushing her fingers through her hair and trying to make sense of the scene. Several cop cars sat around the parking lot. People milled about everywhere.

“Oh my God. You don’t think something has happened to Jake, do you?” She pointed to a spot nearest the action, not really wanting an answer from Damon. “Park over there.”

“I don’t know what’s going on, but don’t rush into it please. I don’t want anyone manhandling you. I’m possessive if you haven’t noticed, and I’ve had very little sleep. This wouldn’t be good for anyone if a cop thought to overstep his boundaries.”

She didn’t pay him any attention, but reached for her phone that sat silent between the two of them.

“How can I have a zillion text messages from Jake and now nothing? He and Krista both know that I’m worried.” Her voice was pinched as fear worked to consume her.

Damon parked the car and got out, moving to her side. Opening the door, she reached for his hand and he helped her out as well. He wrapped an arm around her waist as they walked toward the commotion. There had to be at least four hundred or more students loitering around Jake’s apartment, the complex one of the largest on campus.

“What are the odds that this is all related to Jake? I mean it could easily have been someone else. People overdose on drugs and shit all the time,” she mumbled to herself.

“Excuse me, guys. You can’t go any further than this.” A cop stepped toward them, holding up his hand and speaking loudly, as if they weren’t right in front of him.

“What’s going on? My girlfriend has a good friend of hers that lives in this building.”

Damon’s reference to her being his girlfriend wasn’t lost on her, but tucked away for a celebration later when it was more appropriate. She looked around to see if she could spot anyone she knew. Someone had to know what was going on and it wasn’t like the cop was going to give them any information.

“I’m not at liberty to discuss it.” He glanced at Bethany as she turned back to pull Damon away. “Just text your buddy. I’m sure he or she’s fine.”

“Yeah, thanks.” She rolled her eyes, unable to help the wave of sarcasm that rushed from her lips.

Damon slipped his hand into hers as they walked along the edge of the police tape. He stopped quickly, releasing her hand and moving forward as she looked up from her phone.

“Kendal. What the hell are you up to, man?” Damon’s voice was filled with warmth. The two men hugged and patted each other on the back, the scene before Bethany a little shocking.

“Man… this fucking life won’t give me a break.” Kendal turned his back to her and pointed to the building. “I’m the campus advisor for these boys and damn if they aren’t always getting into trouble.”

“Yeah. We need to know what’s going on, but first.” Damon pulled at Kendal’s arm to force him to turn. “This is my girlfriend, Bethany. I hear you’ve already met.”

Kendal turned, his face showing plainly the shock he was in. He extended his hand as a smile lifted his lips. “This is the best-looking guy in Dallas? Quite the plot twist if I say so myself.”

Bethany let out a forced laugh as Damon put a tight arm around her shoulders. “I guess you could say so, Dr. Tarrington.”

“Please, Kendal outside of class.” He glanced at Damon. “This girl is half your age, you dirty old bastard. What are you thinking?”

“She keeps me on my toes, and she’s only a few years younger than me.” Damon laughed before glancing down at Bethany, his smile fading. “We’ll catch up another time. She’s worried about a good friend of hers. What’s going on?”

“I honestly don’t know yet. I was told to wait here and the minute they finished swabbing the place I would be brought forward to answer questions.”

“Who was hurt? Was it an overdose or what?”

“I don’t know, but I’ll be the one to call the boy’s parents. I know the police were called about an hour ago, so whatever happened most likely just happened.”

“Is someone dead?”

“No. They would have mentioned that. I know one of our students has been taken to the hospital via the ambulance, but who or why… no clue.” Kendal shrugged and ran his fingers through his brown hair as he looked back toward the complex.

“I’m almost surprised you’re teaching still.” Damon reached out and squeezed the other man’s shoulder, Bethany a little shocked by the warmth between them. When Damon had referred to Kendal as a good friend, she thought he was using the term loosely.

“Yeah, well, I love it. Can’t let a couple of scandals rip your dreams from you.” Kendal shrugged and kept his gaze on Damon.

“They ever prove your innocence?”

“Yeah. The girls finally relented, but you know how that goes. They watch me like a fucking hawk now. I had to give Bethany, here, the same speech I give everyone. I would never date a student and yet…” He shrugged and let out a long sigh.

She wanted to ask questions, but it wasn’t her business and honestly, it would just leave things too familiar between them. She liked knowing that she would be working for someone on campus that respected Damon, but being friends with him herself didn’t seem like a good idea. They needed to keep things very professional to make sure no one in administration questioned him where she was concerned. She would never want that.

“Fuck them. I’d be shocked if there was ever a girl that could melt your resolve where the rules are concerned.” Damon scowled.

“I’ve not found one yet, that’s for sure.”

A cop walked toward them and Kendal moved forward.

“Which of you is Dr. Tarrington?”

“That would be me.” Kendal raised his hand as the cop motioned him forward. “If you could come with us. We’ve got a few questions for you and need to fill you in on what to tell the boy’s parents.”

“Good guy,” Damon spoke, his eyes moving along the crowd. He turned and pulled Bethany into a warm hug, kissing the top of her head. “You okay?”

“Yeah, just too much lately. I pray nothing happened to Jake. I should have turned my phone up louder or something. If anything happened to him…”

“I doubt it’s him, Beth. Let’s just wait until we find out before we move into full-blown panic.” He kissed her hair as she looked around the crowd.

“I just wish I could find someone I know that we could talk to. Someone that could give us information quickly. Like now.” She pulled from Damon’s hold, her stomach in knots. Surely if it wasn’t Jake he would either be walking around or would have responded to seeing the missed call on his phone from her.

The sun was barely breaking over the edge of the sky when Kendal walked back with the cop, stopping in front of Bethany.

“Hey. They have Jake’s phone and they’re saying that for some reason, he was texting you before the accident.”

“Oh shit.” She clasped her hand over her mouth, her knees going weak at the fact that it
was
Jake. “What happened? Is he okay? Shit. I knew something was wrong.”