Too Hard To Choose

Chapter Twenty-Three-He has no right showing up here.

Arlo

When I arrive home, it is nearly midnight. When I pull into my parking space, I see a guy lurking outside of our building. Who the hell is that? He looks dodgy. I park and climb out.

“Can I help you? Is there a reason you are creeping around outside my apartment building?” I ask.

The guy’s attention falls on me, “I am not creeping. I am just not sure if I have the right building. I am looking for someone I know.”

“Who are you looking for?”

“Violet. Do you know if she stays here? She stays with her friend Alison,” he replies.

“I am not going to tell you yes or no until you tell me who you are?”

I am not going to let some stranger inside to see Violet, not knowing who they are.

He rubs the back of his neck, “I am Kevin, her ex-fiancé.”

My fists clench at my sides. Why is the bastard here looking for her?

“Yeah, no, you aren’t getting in to see her. Why are you even here? You have no right to show up here after what you did to her.” I snarl, my protective instincts kicking in.

“You know her? I know what I did, but it was a mistake. Can you please let me see her?” he sighs.

I step closer to him, “No. She doesn’t want to see you. She isn’t interested in you. And yes, you made a huge f*****g mistake, and I hope you spend the rest of your life regretting it.” I hiss.

It takes all of my control not to punch him.

“What has it got to do with you? She is interested. She still loves me; I know she does. So either take me to her, or I will find another way.” He demands.

“Not happening, ever. You will stay away from her forever. You don’t deserve her. She is worth more than an i***t like you. I would advise you to leave before I make you, Kevin.” I threaten.

“Who even are you? And shouldn’t that be her choice, not yours?” He snaps and steps closer to me, and we are face-to-face.

“I am Arlo, one of the men taking care of your now ex in ways you never could,” I smirk.

“Were you the one on the phone?” he barks, his fists clenching.

“No, that was my friend Tyson,” I reply.

“How many of you are there? And what the f**k is she doing being with different men at once. What the hell have you all done to her to make her become such a slut?”

Oh, he just made the wrong move. He does not get to call her that. I push him hard against the wall and grab him by the scruff of his coat. Fear, mixed with surprise, takes over his face.

“Don’t you dare ever call her that. She is not a slut. She is having fun with men who know what they are doing. She is making up for four years of terrible s*x. If I ever hear you call her anything like that again or even say her name, I promise you, I will make you regret it. It is time for you to leave. Don’t contact her. Don’t show up here again, because if you ever upset or hurt her again, you won’t only have me to deal with. You will have the three of us plus Alison,” I warn.

I let go of him and took a step back. He stared at me for a moment. He opened his mouth to speak but then changed his mind. He straightened himself up and walked away. Good choice. If I were him, it wouldn’t be us guys I would be afraid of; it would be Alison. She is overprotective of Violet—we all are now—but I wouldn’t want to get on the wrong side of her.

I make sure he gets into his car and drives away before I head inside. Asshole! He had no right to come around here. I won’t tell Violet he was here. I don’t want her upset because of him. He isn’t worth it.

When I arrive inside, I see Tyson and Violet are cuddled up on the sofa. Violet is sound asleep.

“Hey,” I greet quietly, not wanting to wake her.

“Hey, buddy. How was work?” he asks.

“Good. Has she been sleeping long?”

“About half another. She has had a stressful day.” He says softly and looks down at her.

“It nearly got more stressful. Her ex was outside when I pulled up. He wanted to see her, but I scared him away. Do you want me to take her to her bed?” I whisper.

“What, really? Who does he think he is?” He growls.

“My thoughts exactly. I warned him to stay away and not contact her.”

“Good. He had better do as you told him. And yes, can you take her to bed, please? My arm is dead, but I didn’t want to wake her up.” He says, chuckling at the last part.

I nod and laugh. I reach down and carefully scoop her into my arms. She curls into me, burying her face in my neck.

“Thanks.” Tyson smiles.

I carry her to her bedroom and put her into bed, covering her up.

“Tyson?” she says tiredly.

“No, angel, it is Arlo. You fell asleep on the sofa and gave Tyson a dead arm, so he asked me to take you to bed.” I chuckle.

Violet giggles, “Oops.”

I sit on the edge of the bed and caress her face, “Are you doing okay? Tyson mentioned you had a stressful day.”

“I am okay now. You know how well Tyson makes people feel better. Work was stressful. How has your day been?” she asks tiredly.

“I am sorry you had a stressful day, beautiful. My day has not been bad. It has been busy, for sure. I am ready to shower and sleep.” I smile.

“Yes, you will be exhausted.”

“Anyway, you go back to sleep, beautiful. I will see you in the morning, okay?”

I kiss her forehead and smile, “Yes, I will see you in the morning.”

“Goodnight, Arlo.” She whispers.

“Goodnight, Violet. Sweet dreams.”

I leave her to sleep, turning the light off on my way out, and then I head back to the living room.

“She is safe and sound in her bed now.” I smile.

“Hopefully, tomorrow will be a better day for her. There is some leftover pizza in the kitchen if you are hungry. I am going to head to bed, too.” Tyson replies.

“I will have that. I am starving, but it is too late to cook. Cold pizza with do.” I laugh.

We say our goodnights, and he disappears to his room. I grab the pizza from the kitchen. I am still pissed that her ex showed up. I really hope he doesn’t show his face again. I don’t want her under any more stress. Hopefully, she will sleep through the night and feel better in the morning.

I will check in on her after I have my shower. I thought Tyson would maybe have climbed in next to her, but I guess not. If she wanted someone next to her, she would have asked.

I am more than ready for bed. Thankfully, I don’t have work tomorrow, so I can sleep in and recover from my long-assed day today.