Olive's P.O.V.
"You look too good to go out." Lucas whispered in my ear by our front door.
"Whatever, says the one who's too hot for his own good." I rolled my eyes at him.
We were heading out to meet Leo, Lisa and Rachel -who had come into town again. We decided to try the new nightclub that just opened up. It's supposed to be hard to get in to but Lucas and Leo's money made that an easy problem to solve apparently.
"Are you going to dance with me all night, Rose?" He asked me as we headed to the car.
"Maybe or maybe I'll dance with Lisa or Rachel too." I winked at him, teasing him in my own way.
"Fine then when you dance with them I'll dance with Leo. It'll be too hot for you to resist and you'll come begging me to dance." He joked.
"Oh, I'd actually really like to see that." I laughed, wondering if Leo would ever agree to that.
Probably not.
"Consider it done then." He winked at me again before pulling out of our parking spot.
The air was cold with winter rolling in. I wonder how much snow we'll get this year? Lucas turned the heat on, pointing all the vents at me. He could tell I was freezing in my short dress, even with my coat on. When we arrived, Lucas opened my door and placed his arm around me, gripping my hip with his hand and pulling me towards his side. He did not want to let me go for anything.
Leo, Lisa and Rachel were inside already. We spotted them near the bar once we entered. As we made our way I noticed Lisa flinch as she stood up. I know that flinch, that's the flinch of someone who's hurt. That's the flinch of someone who's been punched on the side, or stomach, a few too many times. No one seemed to notice, and for a moment I thought maybe it was my imagination. As the night continued I realized it was not. She didn't dance and she didn't move unless she absolutely had to. She kept a smile on her face, trying to hide the fact she was hurt.
"Lisa, come with me to the bathroom?" I asked her, knowing I needed to get her alone so she would talk to me.
"Um, okay, sure." She got up slowly, trying not to show the pain. She did a pretty good job at it.
The line to the bathroom was long, which for once I was happy about. It gave me more time to question her. I know she's not going to open up right away and will probably deny it outright at first.
"What's going on with you, Lisa?"
"Oh, you know, nothing big. I've just been working, avoiding my father, and comforting mom... the usual." She shrugged.
"That's not what I meant." I frowned.
"What do you mean then?
"I mean why are you hurt? Who hit you?" I asked her, no longer beating around the bush.
"What are you talking about?" She acted confused as if I were speaking another language.
"I know that flinch. I've seen that flinch. You're hurt here." I poked at the spot I was sure she was hurt at, just to make my point. She flinched, sucking at her teeth.
"I didn't realize you were so attentive, Liv." She seemed to complain as she sighed. "It's him again. I hate to admit it, but I went back to him. He swore he wouldn't do it again, and I stupidly believed him. This is what I get for it."
"Lisa, you're not punishing yourself like this. We're getting you treated and then you're telling me where this sack of shit lives." I spoke firmly, making sure Lisa realized that this was happening whether she wanted it to or not.
Lisa showed me her wounds in the bathroom. She had a ton of bruises around her chest. Like all over her torso, with varying colors. It let me know this had been going on this entire time. Some of the bruises had started to heal while others were just starting to darken. It made my stomach flip at the sight. I felt transported back to when I was a child and saw mom littered in her own bruises.
"Where is he, Lisa?" I asked her through gritted teeth.
"He's at my place. He won't leave, Liv. He said he'd kill himself if I left him. He won't let me have anyone over anymore," Lisa said, seeming so scared as she spoke.
"Don't worry, Lisa. After tonight he won't be in your hair any longer."
Olive: Need the coward special please.
I texted Davis and Carter. They had come up with code names for the beatings they have and the coward special was reserved for abusive men.
Adopted Dad: I swear I'll kill that kid if he's touched you.
Davis replied almost immediately. I probably should have been more clear.
Olive: Not Lucas, not for me.
I quickly responded trying not to get Lucas killed.
Shiny Man: We'll be there Twinkle Toes.
Carter replied.
Adopted Dad: Don't give me a heart attack like that. Send me the place and time. We've got your back.
"We're taking care of this tonight Lisa. Let's go."
"Wait! Please don't tell Lucas!" She grabbed my wrist looking ready to burst into tears.
"I am not keeping this from him, Lisa, but I'll give you the chance to tell him yourself. You made a mistake and hopefully it's not one you'll repeat. We're here for you and you don't need to be scared to ask us for help." I pulled her in for a hug, trying to show her all my support. "You're strong too Lisa, so stop acting like you're not."
I didn't give her a chance to argue as I pulled us out of the bathroom and into the booming music. I dragged her over to the group, poking Lucas on the shoulder. I whispered in his ear that Lisa needs to talk to him and that he needs to be supportive. Lisa pulled him away from the group, and I watched them while they talked.
"What's going?" Leo asked me first.
"I'll let Lisa tell you, but Lucas and I are about to go. I have some business I need to take care of."
"Um, okay?" Leo seemed confused but he didn't press the matter.
I watched Lucas hug his sister tightly as she cried. I was glad to see him hold her and not scold her. She doesn't need that right now. She needs love and support. They walked over to the group after a moment.
"We'll see you guys later. I'm stealing this one away." I told them all, grabbing Lucas hand and marching off.
"Where are we going Rose?" He asked, surprised.
"You're taking me to go beat that sack of shit to an inch of his life. Davis and Carter will meet us there. I am sure you're angry too, but let me show him that a woman can fight back."
Lucas pulled me back, and at first I thought it was to stop me, but when I saw his smiling face I knew that wasn't the case. He leaned down and kissed me so lovingly that I melted into him like butter.
"You're absolutely perfect, Rose. Lead the way, I'll follow."
We drove towards the address Lisa gave me, spotting Davis and Carter there already. We headed upstairs to the door this asshole was meant to be behind. I pounded on the door with my anger at an all time high. It swung open to a tall man with a lean physique. He had toned muscles and broad shoulders. He was a very handsome man, but knowing what he did to Lisa made him disgusting in every way.
"Can I help you?" He smiled down at me as if I were some little present delivered to him.
Oh, you can help me alright.