"That's alright. I can make my way home," I assure him.
His hand goes back to my leg and he squeezes it again. Not hard, but it's menacing to me. "I insist. It wouldn't be right for me to let you leave out of here all alone." His voice is oily, like a used car salesman.
I sit up straight and try to look as tough as possible. "No, James...I'm going home by myself."
He just grins at me then runs his eyes down to my chest again. His hand squeezes and relaxes, squeezes and relaxes. "Darling...you can walk out of this club, but I'm coming with you. Now, do you want anything before we leave?"
My mind is racing. The intimidation from this guy is causing what little bit of a buzz I had to quickly fade. For all I know, he could just be a weasel that will walk me home and try to cop a feel. Or he could be something far more sinister, hoping to take advantage of me.
I could kill Tina and Tonya for leaving me.
I also know that he's very drunk and I need to deal with him delicately so as not to incite him. I try to put on my most flattering smile. "Okay, have it your way. Let me run to the restroom one more time. All that water just runs right through me."
"Sure thing. I'll settle up our tab. Just meet me back here."
I stand up and I'm dismayed that I'm a little shaky, but it's not from the alcohol. It's from extreme nervousness. I walk toward the bathroom and when I reach the hallway that leads to the facilities, I take a glance back. James is still sitting there, watching me. Leering. I give him a small smile and enter the hallway.
Once I'm in the bathroom, I pull my phone out. I can't call Fil because she's probably passed out. Ryan is at an away game in Philadelphia. There's no way I'm calling Danny since she's pregnant. She's not getting anywhere near this mess.
I call the one person who I shouldn't but more than anything I want here right now to rescue me from this mess.
The phone only rings twice before it’s answered.
"Hello," Nix says. I've clearly woken him up.
"Nix. I'm in trouble I think."
"Emily? Where are you?" He sounds worried. Not pissed off, as I'd expected.
I tell him the name of the club and give him the address.
"Do not leave that building. I'll be there soon."
He disconnects without saying anything else. I estimate it will take him a good half hour to make it here and I'm fine hiding in this bathroom until then.
I wait, standing near the sink. I splash cold water on my face and pat my skin dry. I can't believe I just called Nix. He's not even a friend but he seemed like the person I should have called. Part of it was probably that conversation I had earlier tonight with Fil and maybe this was just my first move toward flirting with Nix. Ultimately, James probably would never have done anything to me, but I feel much safer knowing I don't have to even put myself into that position.
The bathroom starts clearing out until I'm the only one left. I am impatiently checking my watch when one of the waitresses comes in and sees me standing there.
"Are you Emily?" she asks.
I nod.
"Your boyfriend is out there waiting for you. And we're closing the club so you two will need to head out."
Oh, crap. I need to stall to give Nix time to get here. There is no way I can walk out of here with James.
"Ummm...I think I might be sick. Can you give me just a few minutes?"
She looks exasperated but says, "Fine. But we're locking up in about fifteen minutes. I'll tell your boyfriend you'll be out soon."
I mutter thanks and walk into one of the stalls, acting as if I'll be sick. As soon as I hear her leave, I open the door and walk back to lean against the sink.
My fifteen minutes goes by too fast and the waitress is back telling me I need to leave. I pick up my purse and catch a glance in the mirror. Wide eyes stare back at me and I realize I'm going to have to handle James on my own. That thought makes my stomach churn.
As soon as I open the door, I see James leaning up against the wall with his arms crossed over his chest. He gives me a devious smile. "Are you okay? The waitress said you were sick."
I nod. "Yeah. I think I drank too much and had to throw up."
Maybe that would gross him out enough to leave me alone. Or maybe it would make him think I was easy prey. His smile turns from devious to practically lecherous. Clearly, he sees me as prey.
"Well, let's get you home and get you to bed. In fact, my apartment is just a few blocks over."
I walk past him and head toward the club's exit.
"No," I reply, trying for nonchalance as if his offer didn't just make my insides squirm with disgust. "I'm going to my apartment."
He appraises me, one eyebrow cocked. "Sure thing, sugar. Let's go."
Unfortunately, the front doors to the club have been locked and we are pointed to an exit that leads out into the side alley. I was hoping there would be a crowd of partygoers loitering around but they've all dispersed and we are alone. At least there is some lighting attached to the top of the building that illuminates the place fairly well.
I turn to head in the direction of the main street but James grabs my arm. I wasn't expecting that and teeter dangerously in my heels. He steps into me, grabbing one shoulder with one hand and one of my br**sts with the other. He pushes me back against the wall and doesn't even try any sweet talk before he tries to stick his tongue down my throat.
I start to immediately struggle, fear fueling my strength.