No one speaks.
The man in front of me crouches down. He picks up my leggings and helps me step into them, pulling them back into place. His fingers brush my hips gently as he adjusts the waistband, then he helps me slip my shoes back on. The man behind me keeps his hands on my waist until I’m steady on my feet and my hoodie is pulled back over my head.
“Until next time,”one of them says.
Then suddenly they leave. I watch them walk away, disappearing into the darkness, and I smile while I dance a little on the spot. Who knew being chased and fucked like that would be so invigorating? Riley, that’s who. I owe that woman another night out.
My legs feel like jelly, and I wipe the hoodie across my face, hoping to remove some of the half-dried cum. I laugh to myself. Never have I let anyone do anything like that, and now I wish I had.
I walk toward the path, pulling my hoodie tighter around me, to find Rhodes leaning back against a tree like he’s been there the whole time. He smirks, and his dimples make me want to punch him in the face. How is it legal for someone to be so good-looking but so annoying all at the same time?
His arms are folded across his chest, and one leg is bent, his foot braced against the trunk. He looks entirely too amused for someone my father pays to babysit me.
“Enjoy the show?”
He pushes off the tree. “I didn’t see much.”
I roll my eyes. “You know I can take care of myself.”
“I don’t doubt that,” he says, stepping closer. “But I’m here to protect you anyway.”
I sigh, rolling my eyes. “Come on, Rhodes. Walk me home before my legs give out and I end up face first on the ground.”
He laughs, falling into step beside me. “Wouldn’t be the worst thing I’ve seen you do.”
I glance sideways at him. “You’ve seen me do things?”
He raises a brow. “Maddie, I’m your security. I have to check the feeds.”
“God,” I groan, dragging my hands down my face. “You are not allowed to talk about anything you’ve seen. Ever.”
“You know it’s okay to want excitement in your love life.”
I laugh. “I am not discussing my love life with you.”
“Not even if I have to watch?”
“Even more so.”
We reach my building and turn up the path toward the front door. Rhodes doesn’t press the subject again. He simply walksbeside me, and when we reach my apartment door, he leans on the wall beside it. “You good?”
I nod, brushing at my hoodie. “Yeah. I’m good.”
“Then goodnight, Maddie.”
Vander’s door opens across the hall. His head pops out, his eyes scanning me like a laser beam.
Ace steps out of his apartment shirtless, with his arms crossed over his chest. “Next time you plan to escape,” he snaps, “know we’re watching your every move.”
My entire body flushes hot. I feel it climb my neck and color my cheeks. My mouth opens, but nothing comes out. I simply nod like a teenager who has been caught sneaking into the house, then twist back toward my door.
“Goodnight,” I mutter as I unlock it and practically dive inside.
The door slams shut behind me, and all I hear is the sound of Rhodes’s laughter echoing down the hall.
Chapter Four
Rhodes
