Alexandra stared at herself in the mirror, wondering if perhaps she was a bit too pale in that lotus-pink mini wrap dress. No, she looked all right. She was just a bit tired; that was all.

She groaned. She didn't feel up for the bachelorette party, but she had already agreed with Kelly that she'd come along. It was supposed to be fun, after all, with only the girls out and about having a good time. She hoped they wouldn't be doing anything too embarrassing or naughty like back in Dunedin, such as making the bride kiss random guys and ask for guys' underwear in the bar.

"You look fine," she murmured to herself, once again wondering where Jayden was. She hadn't seen him all day, and already she missed him dearly, which was a bad sign. She knew she was getting too attached to him. Now, every minute she was thinking about him, which was crazy.

She quickly put on her black pumps, grabbed her handbag, and left the room.

Down by the door, she saw Gracie looking rather anxious. Perhaps she was nervous and emotional about the wedding. It was a big thing for a mother, after all, to let her only daughter go.

"You look beautiful," Gracie commented.

"Thank you," Alex replied. "I love Laura's makeup. She makes my eyes look bigger."

"Yes, she is good. Are you sure you're feeling well enough to go?"

"Yes. I've agreed with Kelly, so I'm not letting her down."

"Don't you tire yourself you out," Gracie said. "You have to look after yourself."

"Of course I won't tire myself." Alex chuckled.

Kelly came down the stairs then and said, "Don't worry, Mom. Alex is a big girl."

"Yes, of course." Gracie agreed. "Now, you go and have fun."

Kelly kissed Gracie on the cheek. "We will," she said and led Alex to the BMW.

"Good night," Alex said to Gracie.

"Good night," Gracie replied, nodding. She watched until the convertible was out of sight before she shut the door. In the corridor, she stopped and gazed at the phone. She sighed, picked the receiver up, and started dialing.

* * * * *

Kelly's bachelorette party began at Parcha, where they had their late dinner in a privately booked room. The food was excellent, and the service was impeccable. Alex thoroughly enjoyed herself. She looked around the table and was pretty sure the other eight girls were also enjoying themselves tremendously, considering the amount of alcohol involved. She was glad Kelly and Stephanie chose to sit next to her, and they made sure she didn't get left out of anything.

When the meal was over, they left for the club.

Alex couldn't believe there were so many people, young women dressed in their most expensive, sexiest clothing and men in jeans and formal shirts. The music was loud as people mingled and danced.

Stephanie and Kelly both pulled Alex to the dance floor. Oddly enough, the fast pace of the music made her want to dance. The pumping of her heart sped up, and her blood rushed through her vessels like a Formula One car.

"The bride! The bride!" the girls yelled at the top of their lungs as they danced along with the song "Barbara Streisand" by Duck Sauce. Suddenly, Kelly was in the middle of the dance floor and did her moves. Then Kelly grabbed Alex's hands to join. Alex was embarrassed and stood there awkwardly at first, not knowing what to do. When Kelly pulled her along in tune with the music, Alex let go of her reserve and danced. She shook her body and moved her hands as if she were a pro. She closed her eyes and allowed her mind to relax as she moved her body along with the beat.

About two hours later, Kelly said, "I'm thirsty. Let's get a drink."

The girls agreed, and they all squeezed their way to the bar. Alex collapsed onto the seat next to Stephanie.

"I've never had so much fun," she shouted.

"What?" Stephanie blared back.

"I said I never had so much fun," Alex yelled.

Stephanie laughed. "That's good."

A waiter came to their table and took their orders. About five minutes later, after the waiter had managed to bump into an arrogant man and uttered some apology, Alex finally received her drinks. She was so thirsty she finished her drink within five minutes, which was a record for her. A few moments later, Kelly led the way back onto the dance floor, grabbing Alex's hand.

"No." Alex shook her head. "I'll be there in a second. I need a little rest."

"All right, then. Come soon." Kelly chuckled.

"Will do," Alex replied.

Alex watched as Kelly and the girls disappeared into the thick crowd. She was now alone. Well, not that she was really alone since there were loads of other people around, only she didn't know any of them.

She relaxed back in her seat and closed her eyes, listening to the pounding of the loud music. This time it was "Memories" by David Guetta. Her mind drifted off into a dream world. Her dream, however, only consisted of Jayden.

She flashed her eyes open, angry at herself for thinking about him again. She must forget about him, at least for tonight.

"Hey there," a male voice said.

Alex looked up. Her heart missed a beat as Kyle moved in to sit next to her, too close for her comfort. She shifted, her body quivering uncomfortably.

"I see you're feeling lonely," he said, resting his arms over the sofa.

Alex grabbed her bag and stood, intending to leave. She suddenly felt a wave of nausea rushing through her. He caught her arm and pulled her back down on the seat.

"Hey, let go," she snapped.

"Feisty!" He chuckled.

"Let me go, or I'll scream," Alex demanded through gritted teeth.

Kyle moved closer, his grasp around her wrist tightening, hurting her. "Go on. Do it," he said, his eyes cold. "No one will hear."

Alex couldn't stand one more second in his presence. She hit his chest and wiggled her wrist. But Kyle only tightened his hold on her, laughing.

"Come here and give me a kiss." He wrapped his other hand around her neck and pulled her to him. He was about to plant a passionate kiss on her when Alex clawed his face with her fingers as she shoved him back.

"Bitch!"

Alex managed to pull herself free as he struggled to compose himself. She slapped him hard in the face for good measure and then ran away to the overcrowded dance floor.

"Shit!" Kyle swore again, going after her. People were looking at them curiously, but Kyle wasn't paying them any attention. He was furious that Alex had disfigured his handsome face.

Alex found herself surrounded by people. She glanced behind her. Her stomach knotted when she saw Kyle coming after her. She bit her lip and hoped like hell she was able to find the girls. Only the dance floor was massive, and there were people everywhere, squeezing, hitting, and shoving her. The air was hot and tight; plus the smell of mixed perfumes, sweat, and alcohol caused her stomach to turn over. That feeling of nausea came again, taking control of her consciousness. She felt sick.

"Kelly, where are you?" she muttered, her heart pounding away in tune with the music.

She was lost in the jungle of people who were dancing and screaming. The disco light above her flicked this way and that, here and there, which made her head spin. She twisted around in her spot, wondering which way she should go. Then she glimpsed Kyle, who was getting closer to her, growling.

She panicked and rushed off, begging her way through the throng of people. She breathed a sigh of relief once she was off the dance floor. Her heart still pounding furiously, she glimpsed the double door—the exit—and headed that way.

Across the quiet corridor, she ran. At least she thought she was running. She was hoping there was a ladies' room somewhere she could go in and hide. Only her world seemed to be slowing down. She glanced behind her, saw the hazy figure of Kyle reaching for her, and then her hand was caught.

"Let go," she said weakly as if she had no strength left. Her mind threatened to black out any moment now. She couldn't think. She couldn't control her body.

Kyle laughed as he pulled her to him. "Had enough yet?"

Alex tried. God, how she tried to keep herself alert, but it was to no avail. "Let go," she managed to weakly say.

Kyle ignored her and moved his head toward her. "You're going to be mine tonight, Alexandra."

"No," Alex whispered, shaking her head.

"Oh, yes, sweetheart," he said, his lips near hers. He was going to savor every moment of it—a thought that sent thrills of excitement rushing through his body. He gently touched his lips to her. Suddenly, he felt his body yanked backward and then a hard fist smacked his jaw like a ton of bricks. He fell to the floor, his lips bleeding.

"Get your dirty hands off her!" Jayden growled. He pulled Alex into his arms, searching her face. She looked pale. Her eyes were sunken and lifeless as though she had been drugged. Shit! He turned to glare at Kyle, who was busy pulling himself up.

"What the hell did you do to her?" he shouted.

"What do you think?" Kyle chuckled. "Hey, she agreed to it." He wiped the blood from his lip. "Damn, Jay, your fist is still as hard as ever. You know, bro, can't help it. She's attracted to me. Can't keep her hands off me. Man, I tell you that girl knows how to flirt."

"You bastard!" Jay growled. "Alex would never be interested in the likes of you. You drugged her. You spiked her drink."

"What's going on?" Kelly shouted from the other side of the corridor, rushing to them. "Jay?" She glanced at Kyle and frowned. "Alex? Are you all right?" she asked, touching the girl's face.

Jayden was so angry that he let go of Alex. Kelly quickly took hold of the unconscious girl as she watched her brother march to Kyle. Before Kyle could back away, Jayden smashed him on the nose.Kyle fell back again, landing on the floor, his nose bleeding severely. Jayden grabbed Kyle by the shirt collar, shoved him up, and thrust him against the wall.

"You bastard!" he gritted out. "You're going to pay for this."

"Shit, Jayden," Kyle snapped. "She's only a girl."

"She's my girl," Jay growled. "Don't you ever touch her!"

BAM! A fist landed against Kyle's stomach. Kyle groaned in pain.

"Jay, stop it!" Kelly shouted.

Jayden tightened his grip on Kyle's collar.

"Jay! That's enough!" Kelly shouted.

Jay didn't think it was enough. He wanted to beat Kyle senseless, but he knew he couldn't. Right now he needed to get Alex home.

Slowly and reluctantly, he released his grip on Kyle's collar and stepped back. "Stay away from Alex," he said coldly. Kyle knew this was his chance. He grabbed Jay by the shoulder, shoved him around, and his fist smashed on Jay's face.

Jay was thrown to one side.

"Jayden!" Kelly shouted.

Jay gritted his teeth and glared at Kyle. He shook his head and fisted his hand tighter. He marched forward and gave Kyle a hard blow on the right side of the face. He grabbed the man and gave him another hard blow to the stomach with his knee.

"Jay, Alex is getting worse!" Kelly shouted.

Jayden glanced back at his sister. Kelly was begging him with her eyes to stop. He turned back to Kyle and said, "You're not worth it." He shoved Kyle back against the wall.

Jayden took Alex into his arms. "I'm taking her home. You go back and enjoy your night."

As he passed Kyle, he said, "Don't push yourself. I can do much more damage than break your pretty nose."

Kyle got the hint as he struggled up and headed to the men's bathroom.

"Will you be all right?" Kelly asked at the stairs. "I'll tell the girls, and we can quit the night."

"Don't be silly. It's your bachelorette party. Go and enjoy yourself. You know Alex will be fine with me." He glanced down at the unconscious girl in his arms. She looked so damn fragile that the thought of what Kyle intended to do to her caused a newfound anger to rise in his chest. He simply wanted to smash Kyle's face again.

"I know that. You love her, right?" she asked, her eyes intense on his face.

Jayden stared straight back at his sister, his eyes never wavering. "Yes, I love her."

Kelly smiled. "And Sarah?"

"She's gone, Kelly. Over and done with. Now, go and enjoy your final night of freedom."

She laughed. "You drive safely, Jay."

"Will do," he replied, heading to the door. "Good night."

"Good night," she shouted after him.

Down in the parking lot, Jay put Alex into the front seat of the convertible and then drove out. He kept glancing at her on their way home to make sure she was comfortable and that the drug didn't do her further harm.

At home, Maggie opened the door for him. Her eyes widened in shocked surprise when she saw him carry in the unconscious Alex.

"What happened?" she asked.

"Nothing," Jayden replied and headed up the stairs with a no more questions look on his face.

In the bedroom, he gently laid Alex on the bed and then undressed her. With only her underwear on, he sponge bathed her body with a wet towel and then dressed her again in her pajamas. After brushing his teeth and showering himself, he lay between the sheets beside her, pulling her into his arms.

She was stone cold. Poor Alex. He blamed himself for not taking good care of her. He couldn't believe Kyle did this to Alex, spiking her drink and intending to rape her. This was by far the most disgusting thing Kyle had ever done. Taking Sarah from him was fine, but intending to hurt Alex was an entirely different story.

He stroked his fingers through Alex's hair and then kissed her forehead.

"I'm sorry, sweetheart," he murmured. "I'm sorry I couldn't take good care of you." Then he closed his eyes, drifting off into a slumber.

* * * * *

Kelly just couldn't believe what a disaster her bachelorette party was. Dinner and clubbing were fun, but after that, everything went downhill. She just couldn't believe Kyle would do such a thing. What a bastard that guy was. She was still debating whether she should tell her parents about the incident when she saw Britney stalking in through the door of the club. Great, she thought, another one to make my night even worse.

She realized something wasn't right the moment Britney headed to Kyle. He was sitting on the other side of the bar, drinking some seriously strong booze and nursing his injuries.

Holy Shit! Britney is kissing Kyle?

Something was definitely wrong, all right. She turned to Stephanie and whispered, "Look."

Stephanie glanced in that direction. "Holy shit! I can't believe this."

"Me neither. I bet something's up."

"Let's find out," Stephanie suggested.

"Yes." Kelly agreed. "Girls?" She turned to her friends. "Stephanie and I have business to sort out. You all enjoy yourselves, all right?"

"Sure thing," the girls cheered back.

Kelly and Stephanie stood up, arranged their short skirts properly, and toddled their way in their three-inch heels toward the booth on the other side of the bar. Once they were near enough, they slid in behind Kyle and Britney.

"Sweetheart, what happened?"

"Can't you see? That bastard Jayden destroyed my face. I can't believe this. It's your fault, Britney. You planned this damn thing."

"Me? Well, yes, but Jayden wasn't supposed to come in and ruin everything. You were supposed to take that stupid bitch somewhere and do what you want to do with her. Take photos on your cell and all that stuff, then send them to Jayden and make him see. But—"

"I can't believe this. I was so close. She's such a feisty little thing. She could have done me real damage if it wasn't for the drug I slipped in her drink."

"Darling?" Britney moaned. "I promise to make it up to you. I'm sorry. We'll have to find another way to get that bitch away from Jayden."

"Ugh! I don't want to think about it, Britney. Right now I need my bed and you in it with me."

Kelly and Stephanie quickly turned away to hide their faces as Kyle roughly dragged Britney past them. Once they were sure they hadn't been spotted and the two people were gone, Kelly and said, "I can't believe what I just heard."

"Me neither," Stephanie commented. "What a bitch that Britney is. I just can't believe it."

"We'll have to tell Jayden and my parents," Kelly remarked, nodding her head.

"Agreed," Stephanie echoed.