Ryker doesn’t acknowledge my revelation about the loan, admitting to it by default. Instead, he doubles back to myprevious beef. “You’ve always worked your ass off. No surprise there. You’re doing an amazing job for someone who had to sacrifice the education they’d worked so hard for. And of course there isn’t anything wrong with bartending. If you loved it—” He stops abruptly, gripping the steering wheel again. “You know what? Forget it.”
“How did you know I was bartending? And that I was at the street fair? And where I lived?” I stare at the wide driveway. “Which parking spot is mine? How long have you been here?”
“I followed you today,” he says.
That’s one thing about Ryker: He is matter-of-fact and unapologetic about the insane things he does.
“Since when?”
“I was here before you were awake.”
How did I not notice this car following me? That’s terrifying. It could have been anyone. I’m always so careful, but I was in a rush. So careless.
“And you thought the best time to announce yourself was while I was on a date, in the middle of the town where I’m seeking refuge? You’re acting crazy.” I rub my temples, so overwhelmed and needing to regroup. “Can we just catch up, enjoy some time together? Go inside? I miss my friend.”
His glacial eyes grow flinty. “We’re not friends, Mercy.”
That spears me the way he clearly intended. Maybe I deserve it, but …
“No? Then why the hell did you come here?” I rip the door open and climb out of the car, glaring back at him. “I’m going in so my sitter can go home. You stalked me and ruined my date. Good to see you. Don’t bother coming in unless you fix”—I wave my hand in front of his face—“this.”
Slamming the door, I race for my apartment, tromping up the stairs, desperate to get inside.
Nelly greets me immediately, hands on her hips. “Got a better date, huh?”
I sigh, embarrassed. “Chad called?”
She nods, and I internally praise myself for remembering his name.
“Please apologize for me. This is … complicated.” I gaze down at the driveway to see Ryker still sitting in his car. “How was my little guy tonight?”
“Good. He’s fast asleep. But I’m going to skedaddle. You know …” She appears conflicted. “I’m always here, but it’s better if I don’t know unless I need to. So, as long as you’re safe.”
“I am,” I assure her, waiting for her next question.
“Do you work tomorrow?”
“Yes. Night shift.” If I were in danger, my answer would be,I’m off till Tuesday.
Nelly is a contact of Ty’s and the reason I was placed here. There’s a whole network of underground people who help abuse victims in hiding. She’s a real-life angel.
Once she leaves, I peek in on my little guy, verifying that he’s sleeping, and try to settle my thundering pulse. As I saunter back to the living room, there’s a knock on the door.
After peering through the peephole, I pull it open to find Ryker standing there. His suit jacket is off, sleeves rolled up to his elbows, flaunting his corded golden-beige forearms. His hair is messy yet perfect, and he’s carrying a suitcase.
Looks like he’s staying.
Wordlessly, he brushes past me without an invite, assessing my space before he takes a seat on the couch.
After a cleansing inhale-exhale, I greet him as if we didn’t share an intrusive cocktail; a strange, sultry hug; or an irate disagreement in the car. “Welcome. It’s been a long time, friend. I’m glad you’re here.”
He relaxes into the tattered couch cushions, arm draped over the back as he sets his steely blues on me. “I told you, we’re not friends now, Mercy.”
Why does he keep freaking saying that?
“What the hell is the point of this?” I whisper-shout. “Why are you here then? And my name is fucking Alice.”
“Well,” he drones in a low rumble that curls around me, “I don’t want anything fromfucking Alice. But I do need something. Well, actually, Axel needs something, so I’m here to make an offer.”
