Amber couldnt sleep again.
The tan brunette tossed and turned in bed, changing her position, growing more and more anxious with every second that passed and more annoyed with herself. She was supposed to be past this by now. Today was a good day she was going to be happy. Indeed, she was excited the thrill of the day that was ahead of her filled her, making her want to start the day even though it was only six in the morning but that wasnt the cause of her anxiety. It was that she was going to a wedding.
Just two years ago she had been a college dropout riddled with anxiety and had dreaded ever standing at the altar and saying vows more than anything. It had seemed like a nightmare that was impossible to escape from not the idea of tying the knot, of course, but doing so with the person she was supposed to meet there. He was gone now, though. She had gotten away. The anxiety attacks had been almost constant for months, and intermittent for the first year, but they had largely faded. Now that Amber had a much more suitable companion, she couldnt be happier to be so committed to the person she loved.
But going to a wedding again still brought all the same anxiety right back.
Cant sleep? Amber heard her fiances voice. She cursed herself, feeling like an asshole. It was too early to wake her up but Brooks soft hands wrapped around her waist and pressed her chest to Ambers back, and it helped. She closed her eyes and sank against her lover, feeling safe and calm and loved something that only two years ago she could have never imagined ever being worth.
She took a deep breath and let it out. I might be a little worried, she said, trying to hide her nervousness. Im sorry. Ive been waiting for this for so long and now that its finally happening I guess Im just afraid of something going wrong.
She felt the muscles on Brooks face move as she smiled, pulling the worried bride even closer and kissing the soft skin behind her ear. Amber let herself melt into the other womans embrace She always knew what to do to make Amber feel better and this time wasnt an exception. It was just one of many, many reasons why she loved the beautiful woman. I know whats bothering you, she muttered against her lovers neck. Im not him. Id never hurt you. She nuzzled the other woman
Then blew a raspberry on her neck.
Amber shrieked, laughing despite herself as Brook held onto her, refusing to let her escape for several seconds. Just promise me that if you plan on leaving me at the altar, youre going to give me a heads-up first.
Funny and lighthearted as it was, it was still sobering. There was some real vulnerability here, and while Brook was doing her best to comfort Amber, her past still hurt. You know why I did it, right? And why would I never do anything like that to you?
Brook kissed her again, and her hand found Ambers. Her fingers traced over the diamond ring on her finger, and Amber tried to imagine what it would feel like when a second ring joined it. I know, love. I know.
I mean it! Amber continued, leaning close enough that her blonde hair was falling over her face. Mark was a piece of shit. I would have taken off earlier but I thought he was going to kill me I ran as soon as I had an opportunity. And you well, youre the opposite of him. In every way.
Brook laughed, seeing a shy smile finally appearing on Ambers lips. Oh, so thats why you started dating me? So youd have the absolute opposite of what you had before?
Amber frowned again, pursing your lips. Hon
Okay, okay, Ill stop, Brook purred softly. She leaned to tilt Ambers face over and give her a soft kiss on the lips. Brook always had a sense of humor about everything, and most days that helped but what helped most of all was that the woman always knew when to stop. Amber let herself fade into that kiss, closing her eyes and just feeling her love. Just try to not get nervous about the next few days, okay? Brook reassured her. Everythings already set up. Its all going to be perfect.
Yeah everything will be perfect, Amber said, agreeing but she still felt a tight knot in her stomach, and she had no idea why.
***
Look at the two of you! You're both so cute! Skye was talking non-stop as she moved Amber and Brook around, getting their outfits sorted. Come on Let me take a picture! The rehearsal for the wedding had gone as smoothly as Amber could have ever asked, and they were more than ready to go when Skye insisted that everyone get dressed up. That had been fine, but when she had brought out sashes with the bright-pink word bride emblazoned on them, well if it had been anyone but her sister, Amber wouldnt have put it on.
Skye backed up, leaving the happy couple sitting on the couch and taking out her phone to take some pictures. Is she always this hyper-active? Brooke whispered, leaning closer to Ambers ear.
Since about five minutes after birth, Amber sighed, trying to keep smiling for the photos. She loved her little sister loved her every bit as much as she did Brook, but even she had to admit that she could be a little much. Runs hard, crashes hard. Just wait for it shell fall asleep on someones shoulder as soon as she has a drink or two.
Less talking! Skye demanded. More posing!
While Brook and Amber tried their best to take the best photos they could, two more of their bridesmaids came into the room with snacks and drinks, dressed for a night out on the town. Well dont you both look lovely, Ally said, watching her friends holding each other in a hug.
Just beautiful, Paige agreed. Ambers best friend was wearing a sash of her own, she noticed, with the words maid of honor on the white fabric. It appeared Skye had already been involved there. Her friends were gorgeous Allys blonde hair framed a sweet freckled face and the dark dress made her farmers tan look almost exotic. Paige, for her part, wore a red dress that set off her dark skin and darker hair, and smiled easily as she looked between her friends.
Still, as comfortable as she felt in their company, Amber couldnt help but worry. The bride-to-be kept a smile on her face even as her mind drifted again despite herself, the nervousness having still not gone away. She owed these women so much.
She probably wouldnt be here at all if not for Skye and Paige the two of them had seen the value in her when she felt she had none, and convinced her to leave. When Mark was gone, away drinking with the boys for the bachelors party, the two of them had helped her empty the apartment and been gone before he had returned. She had needed to vanish for a while after that, and every time she heard a bang, every time the phone rang or she heard loud footsteps in the hall or on the stairs she had felt sure he was coming to take her back.
But he never had.
After that, Amber wasnt sure if she ever would have put herself all the way back together if she hadnt met Ally randomly one of the times Skye had forced her to go out. Skye had become fast friends with the girl almost immediately and, in being dragged out to hang out with them, she had met the love of her life.
How about the photo with all of us? Skye proposed. Get in the frame while I prepare everything! Rolling their eyes, all five women moved to the frame, smiles on their faces as they waited for the time to tick down. It seemed like a pain in the ass, but when Skye showed the result to Amber she couldnt help but smile. The picture looked great, with her and Brook being in the center wearing similar white sundresses, and their bridesmaids dressed in red, green, and black. Amber felt something warm in her chest, despite the anxiety that had never quite gone away. Maybe everything really would go smoothly and she had nothing to worry about.
Lets get going! Skye commanded. I picked the best places for my favorite sisters party!
Is she your favorite sister because you dont have another one? Ally asked with a laugh.
Maybe. Skye smiled. Amber noticed Brook rolling her eyes, and smiled at her fiance, understanding. She got along with Ally like the two of them had known each other forever Brooks best friend and Ambers sister seemed so attached at the hips most times that it would have been hard for the two brides not to tie the knot - it seemed almost like a formality at this point, since they already seemed like family. Im just surprised Paul isnt chaperoning you, Skye said, sticking out her tongue. Hes not afraid big bad Skye is going to get you drunk and have you wind up on the internet?
Ally only grinned. Please, as if youre the most irresponsible person I hang out with. My boyfriend is smart enough to know Im probably safer with you!
God, stop it, okay? Paige moaned. I already have to watch these two be lovey-dovey the rest of the evening, I dont need another reminder of how desperately single I am.
Oh, youll find someone worthy of you, Im sure, Skye said, putting a hand on her shoulder. Just make sure to catch the flowers. I hear theyre magical.
Ill probably need to elbow Ally out of the way for them, Paige chuckled.
Who knows, you might even meet someone today! Were going to hit every damn bar in town that has two boards on a barrel and calls it a table theres got to be at least enough cute boys for the both of us.
Only if you promise, Paige smiled back.
While the bridesmaids were talking, Brook and Amber stood aside. You sure youre feeling alright? We can cancel the party if youre not feeling well I mean it, Brook said, rubbing her fiances arms. Its just a good time its not important. Im sure everyone will understand, and it's much more important that you feel safe and happy.
I dont want to look stupid, Amber said, looking down. And I dont want to ruin everything after Skye took so much time to prepare everything.
Hon, please. Skye would walk on water for your convenience, and run to the moon to get you cheese if you ran out. Shed rather you cancel and be comfortable than go out and be sad.
Amber gave a weak smile, but shook her head. Nah, I think I think this is just what I need. Some time with friends to take the nerves off.
If youre absolutely sure Brook said, giving her another chance to stop the party.
Ill be fine, I promise, she smiled, giving the beautiful redhead a kiss on the cheek. Now! she said, raising her voice. Sis, lead on. Lets go have a party!
***
Mark took another gulp of his drink, looking at the woman sitting next to him. She wasnt bad maybe a five out of ten. If he drank a bit longer, though, she might turn into a seven. This slice was practically the epitome of an air-headed slut smiling at his every word and trying to lean closer at every chance so he could see her tits bulging out from the cut of her top. Mark was pretty sure she wanted him to fuck her right here on the table, but she wouldnt say that: they always made it more complicated than it was. All the bitches did. It didnt matter that she had come to a bar so disgusting that her dress stuck to the seat and slutted around No, he had to be nice, to give her compliments, to try to make it look like he was really impressed with her personality. What personality? The slut didnt have a thought in her head. The only thing he could possibly really want from her was to press her head down against the table, pull her skirt up, and fuck her cunt until she was screaming.
When I just moved to the city I didnt really know anyone, so Mark vaguely heard her saying, but he wasnt paying attention any further. What was the point? Why would he spend his time trying to figure out this womans simple, empty little inner world when all she was good for was being fucked like the slut she was, and then he was never going to see her again? He had learned his lesson about that, after all. Never again. He had tried to act like a decent guy once, and it had led him nowhere.
This place is great, Mark said, interrupting, moving closer to her. The girl was sitting closer to the wall, so she didnt have much room for the maneuver when he did it he was practically pinning her against the wall. But how about I show you even a better one? My place isnt too far away Unless you prefer to show me yours. He put a hand on her knee, moving it high enough to feel the warmth of her thigh under his palm, rubbing it in small circles.
The girl went still, looking at him with wide eyes. He liked that look. It was the look of a grazing animal that had just realized she was in the presence of a predator, and it made him feel powerful. I dont think its a good idea, the woman said with her voice shaking. I I think I should go
Are you sure? Mark asked, squeezing her even tighter, hard enough to leave bruises from his fingers on her thigh. The party is just starting, babe. I can show you a great time.
The girl tried to move again, standing up and trying to go past him, but Mark pulled her back on the seat and pressed her to the wall with his whole body. She was trying to get away from him, trying to fight him off, but it was useless. Please, let me go, the girl was begging.
Mark snorted. Oh, so now you want to go? he said through his teeth. Youve been showing me your tits all night and now you want to fuck off? You sluts are all the same first you show off how badly you want a dick between your legs, swinging that ass, but the moment you find someone whos willing to treat you like you want to be treated you get cold feet and play all innocent?
No! the girl was almost screaming now, getting the attention of the other people in the bar. I dont want it! Please, let me go!
Mark rolled his eyes. He couldve pressed harder. Most of the people here were people he knew, or were too busy drinking and drowning their own sorrows to want to get involved the moment they saw how big he was. If he actually wanted her, he probably couldve dragged her to the toilet to show the loud slut what she was denying herself. They all screamed and cried before getting a nice hard cock, that was the only thing these bitches wanted. But people would, eventually, ask questions. She probably wasnt worth the effort anyway.
Mark moved away, letting go of her leg, and the girl practically sprinted past him to the exit so fast that he was left with just an impression of her ass bouncing beneath her tight skirt. That one wouldnt be back. He took another gulp, this time from the cup he had bought her, looking at his hands and trying to calm down.
No luck with that one? Sean asked, sitting at a nearby table. The big man was all smiles as he looked at Mark, despite what had just happened. Not surprising he was Marks best friend these days. He was also, usefully, the owner of this shithole-in-the-wall, so what he said here went. Mark could get away with things here that he wouldnt dare pull elsewhere.
Mark snorted. You know how I hate loud sluts, he said shortly.
Was that one as loud as your ex? Sean laughed.
The casual, teasing comment only worsened Marks mood. That was how he had met Sean, after all. This had always been his favorite bar, dump that it was an out of the way place he could go and get away from it all, drown his problems. After that cunt had left him, though, he had spent days on end here until Sean had taken a personal interest in the man. It turned out that they had lots in common Seans wife had left him years ago, and taken the kids across the country. He wasnt even allowed to call them, or at least that was what the restraining order said. Fucking courts. Fucking women.
Mark growled. Every time he ran into a reminder of Ambers existence it just solidified how little the world was fair to men how much these bitches got away with. So what if he had slapped her around? He had failed out of college because she was distracting him. Hed allowed her to live with him in the house his father had grown up in. He had paid the bills, and taken care of everything and all hed asked for was a little respect. For the house to be clean if he let her live there. For dinner to be ready. Small things to ask.
Dumb bitch, he spat. Every time she came up he felt all that humiliation like it had happened yesterday. Coming home from his wedding party to find that his bride was gone that she had stolen away in the night and left him. That shed canceled her phone and closed all her social media, and that he couldnt find her. He should have paid attention to what she had said about her family he knew her parents were in a retirement home somewhere on the East Coast, but he didnt even know what city. It wasnt like she had had any friends; who would want to be friends with that sloppy, self centered bitch?
Whatever. Now that he wasnt paying her bills, the whore was probably turning tricks to make it through the day. He had likelydodged a bullet with that. Sometimes Mark still fantasized about all the things he would love to do to her to explain just how dumb of a decision shed made, and those thoughts never failed to make him hard
But it was probably for the best that he hadnt paid attention. Hed been mad. If he had known where she went, he probably would have done something stupid and the fianc she had just left behind was the first place the police would have looked. He knew she would have deserved it, but if he had learned one thing about liberal judges it was that they werent going to accept reality as an explanation.
She was a worthless piece of fuckmeat, he said through his teeth. Im glad I got rid of her.
He put his glass on the table with such force it almost cracked. Why couldnt he forget about this bitch? Why did she always have to be in the back of his mind, turning everything in his life to shit?
Thats true. She was a piece of work, Sean said, putting his own drink on the table. Youve told me all about her. But at least she had nice tits and ass.
Mark smiled. He would know. After Amber took off, hed made a point to send every nude he had of her all over the internet, and especially to his friends. Then they could jerk it thinking about that sexy slut after all, being used like a cumrag was the only thing Amber had ever been good for.
I was talking to some of the guys, Sean said, lifting his drink and taking a sip. Thought we might play cards in the back for a while. Get a few glasses after the regulars leave. You in?
Mark shrugged. That wasnt the end of the evening he had hoped for, but at least it would make him forget about his bitch of an ex. Sounds good, he said, taking another gulp.
His thoughts were already far away as he heard the door to the bar open and womens voices filling the room. He turned to see if he might have his share of fun, after all and froze when he saw a familiar flash of blonde hair and smooth skin. It took him a moment to realize it wasnt the Jack Daniels he wasnt seeing things. She was here of all places. Here, in his bar.
And she wasnt alone.
A few of her friends surrounded her a hot collection of fuckmeat if he had ever seen it. Annoying. That was probably too much of a mess to make otherwise, he might just walk up and give Amber a taste of his fist for old times sake. He was distracted enough, in fact, that it took him a minute to realize what she was wearing a bridal sash. And that she wasnt the only one the sexy, pale redhead was wearing one too.
It didnt take Mark much time to put two and two together and his blood started boiling. That that fucking dyke. She wasnt content to just humiliate him once by leaving and making him look like a fool, no no, now she had to parade her carpet-munching lover around, calling him pathetic. She must have been laughing at him the whole time they were together the whole time she bled him dry, when she lived in his home and ate his food and used his bed. She must have thought it was hilarious.
No. No, he could take a lot, but he couldnt take this. Not anymore.
Sean, he said, and he was impressed at how calm and cold his voice was. You said the boys were coming for a game, right?
Yeah Sean said, making a face. He obviously hadnt realized what was going on yet. Well, he was in for a surprise. Amber was hotter in person than the pictures showed.
Mark slid into one of the nearby booths, sitting as far out of the light as he could. Call them and tell them to hurry the fuck up.
***
Amber had to admit she had needed this. Skye had outdone herself, and the blushing blonde bride was more than enjoying her celebration. The night had started with a drive. Her sister had rented a limousine to drive them around the city so they could drink champagne in comfort and have a good time as they stopped in a dozen places around the city to shop or eat or see sights. After a few hours of being alone and safe with just her friends, Amber was feeling a lot more relaxed. Brook held her hand on Ambers palm throughout most of it, and the whole thing was helping more than the bride couldve imagined.
To my sister! The one who chose the right team to play for! Skye said with her glass in hand, making Amber laugh.
Bisexuals dont make choices, Amber snorted. Were terrible at deciding anything. Case in point you think I had to make a choice to pick this girl? She clinked her glass with the others. Brook is just irresistible. What choice did I get? She looked at her fiance with love in her eyes, leaning closer to give Brook a quick peck on the lips.
Couldnt you wait until after the party to start making out? Paige said with a moan, but she was smiling.
Dont ruin their evening! Sky said, hitting her on the leg. I promise Ill find you someone.
Im holding you to that! Paige laughed.
Amber felt uplifted and at ease. Maybe all her worries were for nothing after all and this would be a great evening for her and her friends.
Finally, after the drive around the city and some excessive fun, they bid the limo farewell but their night wasnt over. By the time the sun started going down, they started hitting bars, just like Skye had promised dancing to music, drinking a little at each one. Skye, being the only one of them too young to drink, was their designated driver, so she was the fun police. She didnt try to stop their fun, though no, instead she ensured it. At her insistence, all of their cellphones ended up in her purse no texts or calls to interrupt them. Ally was a nurse so she had to stay reachable, so Skye reluctantly let her keep hers, but the rest of them had been locked safely out of reach.
She took advantage of all the time they spent not texting, and that she spent not drinking, to try and hook Paige up with every cute guy they saw. She played the part of the consummate wingwoman to perfection, and if she wasnt having any luck it had more to do with guys being intimidated by the large group of women looking out for one another than any lack of enthusiasm for the attempt.
It was in the fifth bar that the uneasiness in Ambers stomach began to come back.
The place was definitely a dive, but that wasnt a deal breaker - half the bars on this side of town were more than a little like that, and if you didnt want to take out a loan to go to a bar you needed some flavor of a hole in the wall. Even so, the way her shoes stuck to the floor a little on each step was distasteful, and the air reeked of smoke. They went inside and as Skye tried to find them an empty booth, Amber looked around, trying to figure out why everything looked so familiar. Had she been here before, maybe?
I dont like that look on your face, Brook said, pressing her finger to the wrinkle between Ambers eyebrows. What is it?
Amber looked around again. I dont know. Maybe Im being paranoid again, but this place looks familiar, she said, holding Brook's hand as they followed over to where Skye was waving, the music pounding on an old, cheap jukebox. Probably stopped in here sometime before. She sat down, and Paige brought drinks over from the bar, and Amber let herself relax. It was just like all the other bars just another step in their party, but the knot was back, stronger than ever. They ordered more drinks, and Amber found herself counting the songs 10. 11. 12. I think this is my last bar, girls, she said. Its getting late.
Brook squeezed her hand again, but Skye just looked over at her funny. Its not that late, sis. I mean, you want to turn in, it is your wedding, you get to have it your way - but it's not that late.
That didnt make Amber feel any better especially when she looked at the clock on the wall and realized her sister was right. It was only a few hours after dark, practically prime time for a bar so why did it look like the bartender was cashing people out and -
Would you look at that!
Every single muscle in Ambers body went rigid at once at the sound of that voice. Her body shook against Brooks in the booth, and her legs turned to jello if she had been standing, Amber felt certain she would have collapsed. Her heart raced and she could feel it beating in her throat as she turned to look at the person who had spoken. The large, dark shape of the looming man seemed to block the bars dim light as he stepped up to their table but Amber didnt need any light to recognize him. The man she had prayed she would never see again was standing right in front of her.
Should I congratulate the happy couple? he said, with a smile on his face and his arms crossed on his chest. The entire posture and tone terrified her, horrifically familiar. Mark was always the most dangerous when he was smiling.
Amber, Brook said. Her voice was tense the redhead could feel Amber shaking. She knew something was wrong. Who is this? Her hand had slipped inside her purse.
What? You didnt tell your beautiful bride about your old friend? Mark smiled wider as he leaned on the table. You see, cute thing, before you, this trashy bitch was crazy for cock. Mark didnt move his smile didnt even change, but Amber still felt like there was a gun to her head. She did everything in her power to put as much space as possible between them, squirming backward like she might be able to force her way into the cushions behind her, but Amber couldnt escape him he was still standing there, smiling, looking at her like she still belonged to him.
Im more than aware of my fiances preferences, Brook said, giving him a nasty look. And if she really wanted anything to do with you she wouldnt be here with me.
Its okay, lets just go, Amber said, grabbing Brook by the wrist. Lets just leave.
She tried to scoot towards the end of the booth across the sticky fabric but Mark moved to stand in the way, still smiling. The expression, however, didnt touch his eyes. They were hard, glaring, almost glowing with anger. Oh, youre not going anywhere. Not until after weve had a discussion.
Amber could see people moving around them. Skye had darted out of the other side of the booth, and Paige and Ally had got out behind her. Mark turned to look at them, and Brook gave Amber a shove from behind, encouraging her to move while she could. He backed up a few steps as the few women stood against him together. Lets not escalate the situation, Brook said in a firm tone. She moved closer to Mark, stepping between him and Amber letting him know that she wasnt afraid of him. It made Amber want to whimper. Go back to your table, and well leave that way, all of us can have a nice evening.
Behind him, Amber could see a few patrons leaving obviously not interested in getting involved in whatever was going on, too afraid of the escalating situation. She could understand that she was terrified.
Oh, trust me, Im planning to have a real nice evening. He smiled, making a quick move to grab Amber by her arm and pull her closer. Tell me, dont you miss real cock? There is no way you can be satisfied with whatever plastic thing thing that slut fucks you w- AGH!
Brook had driven her stun gun right into his chest, her purse still open where she had pulled it from. Let go of her! Brook snarled as she put herself more firmly between him and Amber again, even as he fell to one knee. Amber felt Skyes hands on her shoulders, her younger sister also pulling her back as Marks hand fell away from her. Dont you ever dare to touch her again!
Is everything alright? one of the patrons, a big man who had been sitting at one of the tables said as he came closer, intervening in the fight. Can I help you with anything? This guy bothering you?
Yes! Brook said readily. This man is harassing us. We would like you to call the police.
Absolutely! Just one moment. Shit reception in here The man grumbled as he walked to the door, but Amber looked away from him as Mark started pushing himself back up and away from Brook, he noticed.
Youre going to pay for that, bitch, he snarled, no hint of a smile anymore.
It didnt have to come to this, but you left us no other choice, Brook said, feeling Amber still shaking next to her. She was sure that everything was over and that soon Mark would be dealt with. Good luck spending the rest of your evening in lock up.
What is he doing! Skye shouted. Amber looked over, and saw that the man who had come over to help them had just finished locking the door, and was in the process of shutting the blinds cutting them off from the outside world entirely. Other guys that were sitting in the bar forgot about their drinks and were coming closer, surrounding the group of women. Skyes hand was in her purse, fishing around for one of their phones
Youre right, dyke I shouldve been more careful with my words, Mark said, eyes narrowed. But Im not the one whos going to regret coming here tonight.
Brook opened her mouth to respond, but before she could all hell broke loose. Ally screamed as someone grabbed her. Brook spun, her stun gun crackling to life, and a huge man tackled her from behind, sending her bodily to the floor and the tiny black box skittering across the room uselessly. All around Amber her bridesmaids were grabbed, dragging them apart kicking and screaming and no one in the bar did a thing. Everyone seemed to be either watching and laughing or grabbing. Amber barely moved, looking at Mark with wide eyes full of fear.
He returned her gaze and slowly smiled as he drove a fist into her belly, grabbing her by the hair to stop her from collapsing as he glared at her. Payback is a bitch, isnt it?
***