Which is exactly why I should be turning around and finding the nearest hotel instead of playing with fire and tempting fate. The guilt inside me that consumes my every waking moment has me walking the rest of the way to the pool house that sits out back.
I just need to know she’s happy.
Once I see for myself that she’s okay, I’ll leave.
Fishing out the spare key from my pocket that Miles had given me earlier, I turn the lock and step inside onto the light wood tile planks that are throughout the one-bedroom apartment. The small kitchen is off to the left with its white cabinets and gleaming black countertop. A small island with barstools sits in the middle, providing the perfect amount of space I need for easy dinners.
I’m on the road a lot, but when I’m home, I prefer slapping a steak on a grill over using an oven, and with the huge outdoor kitchen just outside, I won’t be doing much cooking in here anyway.
A small grey sectional is on the other side of the room with a huge TV that will come in handy when I analyze game footage.
Walking through to the bedroom, I throw my huge duffel on the king-size bed. There’s a dresser and a decent-sized closet, so I won’t have a problem with space when my other clothes arrive.
I stayed here just a few weeks ago when I flew in for Miles’s music bar opening and was surprised by just how much room this place has. Even the bathroom feels big with its walk-in shower and deep garden tub. The skylight installed above lets in a ton of light throughout the day, giving you the illusion that the space is bigger than it actually is.
Stepping back into the living room area, I stand in front of the windows facing the pool and beyond it, the dark waters looming in the shadows.
A light comes on, illuminating the pool, letting me know Savi is definitely home and awake. I glance at my watch and see it’s only nine. Guess there’s no better time than the present to let her know she’s got a new roommate for the next few days.
Gripping the door handle, I step outside and walk toward the main house. Because of all the windows lining the back, I can easily see her in the kitchen as she pours herself a glass of water.
Her dark hair is pulled up in a messy bun, and she’s wearing a t-shirt with a Georgia college logo across the front. I fight the way my body wants to react as my gaze takes in her long, tanned legs and the fact that she’s clearly braless under the white off-the-shoulder tee.
I reach for the door before knocking, and frown when I realize it’s unlocked. She’s a clear target with all these windows, and anyone could just walk up from the beach.
Shutting the door behind me, I expect her to look up, but she turns without seeing me and starts searching for something in the pantry. It’s then that I notice her white AirPods in her ears and realize she can’t hear a thing.
Not wanting to scare her, I walk over to her to let her know I’m here so she doesn’t freak out when she notices me standing here. I hesitate briefly before I tap her gently on the shoulder.
Big mistake.
The next three seconds are a blur as she whirls around and grabs my arm in some type of move before her foot comes out and knocks me off balance as I dodge what clearly was going to be a nut shot. My large frame makes her unsteady as she uses her entire body weight to bring me down, causing us both to come crashing to the floor.
I break the fall, making sure she lands on top as she scrambles up on her elbows before her eyes widen in shock.
“Knox?” I see the surprise in her bright blue eyes seconds before they turn a stormy shade of midnight. “What the fuck are you doing in my kitchen?” She yells.
“Good to see you too, sunshine.”
Her eyes narrow at my nickname as the fire I know and love returns in full force. Icy daggers that would make most grown men run are honed in on me. I’m not like most men, though, as I feel myself harden underneath her.
I’m the sick bastard who is addicted to how she makes me feel…that’s been obsessed with my best friend’s younger sister from the moment she started becoming a woman.
The sick fuck who gets off on tormenting her and relishes in the hate she throws my way.
Who is too selfish to completely walk away because she’s the one person who makes me feel alive, but will never allow myself to have.
Light vs. dark.
Angel vs. demon.
And in this case, I’m going to make damn sure that the light wins for her.
FOUR
SAVI
My brain tries rapidlyto catch up with what just happened as I stare into the deep blue eyes of the man that I so desperately want to hate.
