Resist

Why am I here?

I can tell myself over and over it’s just for a story, but I can’t lie to myself. This stopped being just about a story a long time ago. This messed-up man has gotten inside my heart. I’m falling in love with someone and I have no idea if he’s even capable of loving me back.

In the safety of my room, I let the sheet fall to the floor and climb into my bed. I run over and over in my head what just happened. Something triggered that reaction, but I have no idea what. One second he was all over me and the next he couldn’t get far enough away from me. He couldn’t even look at me.

I’m in way over my head. I can’t think of any way this could possibly end where I’m not going to wind up hurt.

Or dead.

Chapter 13

Charlotte

My heart pounds as I knock on the door of Ryan Hamden’s office. It’s the following night and my first chance to try to gain Ryan’s trust. It was my own idea to come here, and I’ve yet to decide if it’s a good or a bad one.

The only problem is I have no clue what I’m doing.

God, I’m shaking. This has got to be a bad idea. How is my getting close to Ryan going to help anything? Relax. Jaxon said he has a plan, so just go with it. If only it were that easy to trust someone I barely know.

The door swings open and a very surprised-looking Ryan stands before me. His mouth twitches into a grin as though he’s just remembered who I am. The gleam in his eyes makes me feel physically ill.

“Charlotte, right? Jaxon’s latest conquest?” I scowl at him, knowing his choice of words is an attempt to rile me up. Like he doesn’t remember exactly who I am. “What can I do for you?”

“I was hoping we could talk,” I reply. He ushe

rs me inside. I cringe as his hand slides over my back and rests on my ass. Does his wife know he struggles to keep it in his pants? I’m tempted to ask where she is, but the idea is to befriend him, not antagonize him.

“So, I take it you’re here about Jaxon?”

“I wanted clarification.” I sit down in one of the two chairs that face his desk while he perches on the end of it. His eyes fall to my thighs as my skirt begins to ride up. I cross one leg over the other and rest my hands in my lap. “You told me that I shouldn’t trust Jaxon. I want to know what you meant by that.”

He looks up, his eyes meeting mine. A smile slowly begins to spread across his mouth. I know he’s thinking that he’s won by putting doubt into my mind about Jaxon.

“I must say, I didn’t expect this. Does Jaxon know you’re here?” he asks. He leans back in his chair and smirks, the smile reaching the little lines that surround his eyes.

“What do you think?” I fire back. He laughs and nods, clasping his hands together on his desk. “I’m just…” I shake my head, trying to make this whole scene as believable as possible. If he smells the slightest hint of a lie, then I’m done. “I think I’m in over my head and I’m not sure how to get out.”

“I don’t even know where to start with Jaxon, but you’re right to be worried.” His face grows serious. The hairs on the back of my neck prickle as I try to shake the nerves rising in my chest. “He’s a very, very messed-up man, Charlotte. Granted, he’s been through a lot, but I’ve never seen someone possess so much hatred for the world.”

So far, he’s not telling me anything I didn’t already know, but I need to take this slowly. I only get one chance to earn his trust. If I fuck that up, I can kiss everything goodbye.

“Is he capable of hurting those he’s supposed to love?” I ask, a lump rising in my throat. I swallow, not having expected that question to affect me so much.

“Are we talking about the girlfriend?” Ryan raises his eyebrows. “Brynne? Or you?” I rub my lips together and tug at the collar of my shirt, suddenly feeling hot. “If you’re asking me if I think he did something to her, then I don’t know. The thought has crossed my mind. I wouldn’t be shocked if he did.”

He stands up and moves around to my side of the desk. Sitting on the edge, he places his hand on my shoulder. His gesture makes me feel sick, but I can’t show him that, so I look up at him, my eyes wide with what I hope looks like innocence.

“Is he capable of loving you? I highly doubt it. I’ve seen many women just like you come and go over the years.”

“I wasn’t asking you if he’s capable of loving me,” I say, my voice defensive. But it’s too late. His words have seeped into my brain, refusing to let go. Am I setting myself up for heartbreak?

“Consider it some fatherly advice,” he says, shrugging. I want to laugh, because Ryan is anything but a father figure. “Do yourself a favor and disconnect yourself from him, Charlotte. The more time you spend there, the harder it will be to break free.” He smiles, running his hand down the length of my arm. He is such a creep. “Anytime you need someone to talk to, I’m here, okay?”

I nod and offer him a smile. “Thanks, I appreciate it. I’m sure I’ll be seeing you again.”

I stand up, the urge to get away from him stronger than ever. The more I’m around him, the more I find to dislike. As I walk to the door, I can feel his eyes on me. I shiver, my heart racing as he calls out to me.

“You will be seeing me again, I can guarantee that,” he murmurs. “Only next time there will be less talking.”