Toni explained about getting home to her apartment and finding him there. Again.
“He’s been breaking in and you haven’t called the cops?” Tina asked, raising her voice.
“Shhh.”
“Shh my ass. That man is a psycho. He’s stalking you. There are laws against that.”
“He threatened me and I’m afraid of him. I’m afraid of what he may try to do to Emerson and Stone. I just met them. They don’t need this.”
“Oh hell. They like you a lot. Both of those men are pretty damn big dudes. I’d say that my money would be on either of them against Vince.”
“No. I won’t allow that. I won’t get them involved with this.”
“How are you going to hide those bruises? You can’t wear bracelets to bed.” Tina placed her hands on her hips.
“I’m not going to sleep with them. That’s why I want to cancel for today. I don’t think I should start dating again until Vince realizes that we’re through.”
“Honey, the man is not dealing with a full deck. If he hasn’t gotten the hint by now, or the fact that you’ve told him straight out you’re through, then he isn’t going to. You should get an order of protection. That way he can be arrested instantly for coming anywhere near you or your apartment.”
“I thought about that.”
“We’ll do it. We can call Leo and he can start the process. I’m sure he has connections to the department, so they can push through the paperwork faster.”
“I know I should. But then Leo will worry. Then he’ll call my uncle. I want to handle this myself right now.”
“It’s not quite working well enough, you handling this yourself, honey. Let’s call Leo together. He can get the ball rolling and you can complete everything tomorrow. But today, you’re going on the boat ride and to dinner with those two sexy businessmen. They are not like Vince. They’re just a couple of regular guys who are into ménage relationships. They want you and you deserve to get the royal treatment.”
“I don’t think it’s a good idea.”
“You can’t let Vince rule your life. If you let him force the issue, then he gains control of you and your life. Forget about him. We’ll get the process started for the order of protection. We’ll call your cousin, Leo. He’ll know what to do.”
“I don’t want my uncle to find out.”
“Then get the order of protection and you can take it
from there. We can ask your cousin to not inform your uncle unless things get worse and the order of protection doesn’t get Vince off your back. Hopefully he’ll get the hint. In the meantime, you deserve to be happy. It’s obvious that you like Emerson and Stone. Follow your heart.”
“I’m not sure that I can,” Toni said, and then Tina hugged her.
“Call them and tell them to pick you up earlier. I’ve got Bliss covered. You get your mind off that asshole and focus on those fantasy-come-true men of yours. God, you’re so fucking lucky. What I would do if Charlie and his brother looked at me the way Emerson and Stone look at you.”
“What do you mean?”
“It was obvious how much they like you. When they were here, they watched you like hawks. That was sexy as damn hell to witness.”
Toni smiled. “Thanks, Tina. I hope I can handle this. Stay with me, while I call Leo?”
“Definitely. I wish I was going on a ride with those two.”
“I’m a little bit nervous.”
“Honey, you handle it and you ride it. All night long if you can,” Tina teased and Toni chuckled.
“You’re nuts.”
“You’re doing the right thing. Have fun, and be sure to remember every detail. Hearing about the details the morning after from a real ménage encounter will be ten times better than reading about one in a book.”
* * * *