Rapture & Ruin (Rapture & Ruin 1)

His dark gaze found mine again, and the hateful flames guttered and died. “We’ll discuss this later.” It was a dark promise.

A shiver danced over my skin, but I didn’t shrink away. “Okay.” I dropped my voice lower. “Meet me at my place. Outside,” I added firmly. No matter how much I wanted to help him, I didn’t think I could bear it if I stepped into my sanctuary and found my kidnapper waiting in the shadows.

His jaw ticked, but he offered me a tight nod and stepped back sharply, severing the connection between us. He shot one last warning glower at Niko before turning on his heel and stalking away.

I spun to face the bouncer. “Everything’s fine,” I told him, my tone a little too high-pitched. I searched for Niko’s blue gaze, unsure how I would explain this away. “Sorry about that.”

Niko’s brows were still drawn low over his eyes, but he wasn’t snarling anymore. “You know him?” he demanded.

I flinched, but I forced myself to hold my ground. “Yeah. We, um, know each other from school,” I lied frantically. “I guess he was passing by and misinterpreted the situation.”

It was a completely ridiculous explanation, but it was all I could think of on the spot. Niko’s taut expression didn’t ease.

Crap. I was a terrible liar.

“Sorry,” I said again, at a loss.

He shook his head slightly, and the harshest edges of his handsome face softened. “It’s not your fault,” he assured me. His expression softened further, the sensual curve returning to his lips. “Are you okay?”

“Yeah.” Damn it, my voice shook. I swallowed and tried again. “Yeah, that was just kind of intense.”

“Are you sure you’re all right, Miss Fitzgerald?” The bouncer looked at me skeptically, as though he could tell I was lying, too.

“Yes!” I had to get out of here before someone told my dad about this. He’d forcibly drag me back home if he had to. I couldn’t live like that anymore, no matter how much I loved him.

I shrugged out of Niko’s jacket and handed it back to him. “I have to go. Please don’t tell my dad about this? He’ll worry, and there’s nothing to worry about.”

The bouncer nodded, agreeable to do as I asked. “Of course, Miss Fitzgerald. Should I get you a cab?”

“Yes, please.” I practically sagged with relief, but I forced my spine to remain straight.

“That man is dangerous,” Niko warned. His eyes glinted, and his jaw firmed.

The white knight clearly wasn’t ready to let this go. He was impossibly gorgeous and protective. I should be swooning all over him, but I was anxious to get home and talk to Max.

“I know he looks scary, but he’s not a threat to me,” I said honestly. “I really think he believed he was defending me. It was totally uncalled for, and I’m sorry he shoved you like that.”

A shadow ticked along his jaw, but his eyes remained soft on my face. “You should stay away from him.”

“Yeah,” I agreed, making no promises. Anyone with half a brain could see that I should stay away from Max. That didn’t mean I was going to. There was too much a stake now for me to ignore him entirely.

My taxi pulled up, and the bouncer opened the door for me.

“Thanks.” I made sure to direct my gratitude at Niko as well. He only had the best intentions, and I truly did appreciate that he cared about my safety. “I’m fine,” I promised. “Goodnight.”

I didn’t wait to see what else Niko might say before I closed the door and gave the driver my address. I couldn’t give him the opportunity to continue questioning me about how I knew Max, and I didn’t want to bump into my father as he exited the building. My emotions were a frazzled mess, and my dad would definitely pick up on my distress if he got one look at my face.

I pulled out my phone and texted him my excuses, saying that I was tired and had gotten a cab. Max and my father didn’t belong anywhere near each other, and the sooner I could convince Max of that fact, the better.

I took a deep breath and flexed my shaking fingers in an attempt to siphon off some of my jittery energy. In a few minutes, I would have to face Max again. Arguing with him was like shouting at an enraged bull. It would take all my resolve and wits to convince him to abandon his vendetta.

Chapter 13

Allie

He was waiting for me when I stepped out of the cab: a dark shadow lurking on my front porch. My stomach flipped, but I resolutely walked toward him.

I am strong. I am independent. I can do this.

I had to see this through, for his sake. I no longer believed he was a threat to my dad; there was no conspiracy for him to uncover. But if he continued stalking my family, he would eventually be caught.