Zayne
MY GRIP TIGHTENED ONAshrika’s shoulders as we entered the restaurant. I kept my expression as neutral as possible for her sake, my insides twisted at the possibility that she might have a stalker. Every precaution I’d taken over the last couple of years, could be threatened by someone from her past. The fact that no one had come searching for her before gave me some reprieve and allowed me to let down my guard. Now, all that was about to change.
Concerned, I searched the tables. My pulse kicked up when I couldn’t find him. I glanced down at Rika and forced back my agitation with a deep swallow. Our relationship might’ve started unusually but given her past trauma, I’d protect her with my life. I was the only family she knew and I aimed to keep it that way. She hated my vigilance, but I made a promise to keep her safe and that’s what I intended to do.
“I’ll see you just now, okay?” I dropped a quick kiss to her brow and headed for the door.
Outside, I scanned the parking lot and caught sight of him. He leaned against the door of a black Lamborghini Huracan, talking on his mobile. I studied him for a couple of seconds, taking in his suit-clad body as my senses pricked up. Whoever that man was, he was rich, and judging by his mannerisms, he didn’t strike me as the stalker type. But I’d learned a long time ago to never take anything at face value.
With measured steps, I approached him. He looked up, noticed me, and cut the call. “What’s your interest in Rika?” I didn’t waste time with pleasantries.
He ran a slow gaze over me as though he was sizing me up. Although few inches taller, I put him at a couple of years younger than me, yet he reeked of arrogance, immediately scaling my wariness a notch higher.
“Not that it’s any of your business but who’s asking?”
I clenched my fists. I was known for my short temper and when it came to Rika it got significantly worse. I scowled at the man. “Rikaismy business.”
“Is she your wife?”
“Yes,” I replied without hesitation.
“Well, then I think you have a serious problem, Mr. Whoeverthefuckyouare.”
I took a step closer. “I think it’s you who has the problem.”
“I don’t think so.” The man had the audacity to grin.
“Zayne!”
Ashrika’s yell had me stepping back. I looked over my shoulder. She was standing outside the door and shook her head. I knew what that meant. She’d probably read my body language and knew I was a second away from letting the arrogant bastard’s face meet my fist.
“Saved by the yell.” I sneered.
“I’m going to make this simple for you.” My brow shot up at his nonchalance. He straightened, taking his time to adjust the cuffs of his jacket like I had all the fucking time in the world for him. “Your wife has two husbands.”
“What?”
“Your wife—”
“I heard you the first time.”
“Then you understand that you’re married to my wife and I intend to get her back.” While his voice was quiet, I didn’t miss the hardened tone.
