The Arrangement (unenhanced Edition) by AnnaRCase (books to read now .txt) 📖

Beating someone tended to make a lot of noise. Jackson was making noises as he was beaten to a bloody pulp and his foot collided with an end table sending a vase of white roses shattering against the marble floor. Not to mention Leo was still cursing Jackson out for his attempted rape, calling him every name in the book and threatening to kill him.

Some thirty-something chick in a bird mask started to scream all hysteric- like as she walked by the room. It was her annoying screech that snapped Amberleigh out of her daze and sent her running across the room to try and keep Leo from killing her baby daddy. She definitely didn’t’ want Leo to go to prison for her. Jackson was barely moving and very bloody by this point.

“Leo! Stop!” Amberleigh yelled, “He’s not worth it!”

Only then did Leo’s bloodied fist hesitate only inches above Jackson’s face as Leo made eye contact with her. Not that it mattered much, because several men swarmed into the room, Cole and Grayson among them, physically pulling Leo off Jackson.  An older woman was yelling to call an ambulance as she kneeled next to Jackson with concern. The doorway was soon to elbow to elbow with rubberneckers trying to peer in.

Grayson was standing in front of Leo pinning him up against the wall, as Leo was panting and trying to calm down. Cole Godwin made eye contact with Amberleigh, and it wasn’t a friendly, welfare check. It was a cold gaze which cast blame. She wrapped her arms around herself and looked away.

Cole looked at the crowd of onlookers whose tongues were already started to wag at each other, the rumor mill already up and running. Grayson’s party was now set to be the talk of town for reasons beyond its décor, music, cuisine, and open bar. But for its entertainment of a different variety altogether.

Cole put on a well practices charismatic smile and addressed the audience.

“Okay ladies and gentleman, oh to be young again,” he said with a chuckle, “Nothing else to see here. But if you all would return to the main hall, I hear there is some more entertainment lined up for the evening set to begin momentarily. And have a round of drinks on me.”

That got a laugh from the guests. But it worked as the crowd began to disperse. As soon as they had thinned, Courtney and Valencia were able to make their way into the room. Valencia began to cry and dropped down on the floor next to Jackson. At least he was moaning and opened his eyes. Viola Godwin had already brought some towels to press to his bleeding face. Amberleigh felt no pity for Jackson.

Everyone was demanding answers about what went down. Courtney strutted over to Leo, and it didn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out who’d beaten her sister’s boyfriend black and blue. She put her hands on her hips.

“Leonardo, what did you do?” she demanded.

Grayson had loosened his hold on his friend as Leo seemed to have calmed down some. Leo’s gaze drifted over to Amberleigh. He was no doubt torn between trying to protect her and explain himself. Valencia was rubbing Jackson’s face and muttering his name.

“He was drunk and being inappropriate with female guests,” Leo finally said.

Grayson’s eyes drifted over to Amberleigh. He figured it out real quick, as he sighed. He looked at her with judgment, not unlike his father had. It was clear they just assumed this was her fault. Viola brought some ice and towels for Leo’s bloodied and swollen knuckles. He thanked her as he wrapped his swollen knuckles.

Cole Godwin was a man used to being in control as he commanded some of the men who’d lingered in the room to carry Mr. Van Courtlandt to the guest suite where’s he’d be more comfortable while waiting for medical attention. Jackson moaned and groaned as they carried him from the room, and Courtney had some parting words as she followed them out.

“This is because of her? Isn’t it?” she accused as her gaze turned to Amber, “Leo lost his head when he found out Miss Dubois was trying to hit on Mr. Courlandt. I knew you were nothing but trouble from the moment I laid eyes on you.”

“You have no idea what you are speaking of Miss Van Tessin, so just shut your fuckin mouth,” said Leo.

“Do not speak to her that way,” said Grayson, “You need to get a hold of yourself Leo.”

Well this was just fuckin fantastic. Best party ever! Leo kissed her on the dancefloor to the audience of Grayson and his father, she was nearly raped by her ex which Leo beat the shit out off, was recognized by a client from the club, but still everything was her fault. It was probably her fault because of the way she was dressed, she was just asking for it. You can’t rape a whore after all.

“I need to get a hold of myself?” Leo’s laugh was strangled from his throat, “I’ll have you know your sister’s boyfriend was trying to rape a guest tonight. So feel free to call the police, I beg you.”

Courtney gasped, “That is an ugly lie Mr. Clemonte! Your girlfriend is just trying to save face by crying rape.”

Leo made moves toward Courtney, but Grayson held him back, pushing him into the wall once more.  Amberleigh’s eyes blurred and she was about over this shit. She was ready to pack her bags up and get the fuck out of here tonight. At least until she felt a light touch and realized that Viola Godwin was hugging her. Maybe someone in this fuckin room besides Leo was on her side after all.

“Get the fuck out of here you stupid bitch! Get out and take that piece of shit rapist with you!” screamed Leo.

Courtney was about to go full on bitch mode, her face was blood red, the outrage clear, but Cole Godwin escorted her from the room and shut the door behind him. It seemed he was attempting to smooth things over. And Amberleigh knew this whole thing was probably going to be kept hush hush. No authorities involved, no charges would be filed and the Van Courtlandts would get paid off from the Cleomontes. Jackson would get off with nothing but a beating.