Rafe (Inked Brotherhood 5)

An avenue is up ahead and I race that way. More cars and people mean I’ll feel safer.

What should I do? If I go to the police and say I have a shadow, will they be able to do something about it? I don’t even know who it is, only that Carson probably sent him.

In serious danger of slipping and falling in the slush, I make it round the corner and come onto the avenue. At the sight of passersby, I slow down, trying to catch my breath.

This is… I shake my head, trying to wrap my mind around this new development. Will this be my life from now on—jumping at shadows, running, always looking over my shoulder? Always afraid?

Maybe I should skip town, hide elsewhere. I’ve done it before. What do I have to lose?

Rafe.

Seriously, I need to stop thinking about him. Like, right now. I’m on my own again, like I’ve always been. I can take care of myself. No choice.

It doesn’t matter that the only time I’ve felt safe was with Rafe. That just his name sends a thrill through me and brings warmth to my chest.

And then pain and anger.

Stop. Hardening my resolve, I make my rounds, asking if waitresses or any other help is needed. I have to find money for the rent, or I’ll be out on the street very soon.

But the coffee shops, and restaurants, fast food joints and stores I visit all reply they don’t need anyone at the moment, thank you very much, and my feet start to drag. Disheartened, I step out and stand on the dirty sidewalk, looking up at the cloudy sky as evening gathers.

This is bad. Really bad. A weight is crushing my chest. I miss my mom, in spite of the hell she’s put me through all my life. I need…comfort.

Rafe won’t be there to hold me. Nobody will be there. My bed will be cold, the apartment empty. The urge to call Tessa or Zane is strong, but I’m not good company, mired in sadness and helpless anger.

Maybe tomorrow. God knows I need help. Zane has found me jobs before. He may be able to do so again now. I hate asking more from him, but I’m not that proud.

So I head back to the apartment. At least Raf the kitty is waiting for me and looks happy to see me. When I lift him in the air, he wiggles his short legs with the large paws and stares at me trustingly.

Unconditional love, huh? Or rather, conditional on the food I give him.

“Good boy,” I whisper, and he meows and tries to lick my face.

Smiling for the first time since Rafe left last night, I take the kitty to bed with me and he curls beside me, purring contently.

***

“What do you mean, it’s b

een paid?” I frown at the bare wall of the kitchenette, my fingers clenching around my cell phone.

“The rent’s been paid,” the landlord repeats with an edge of exasperation in his voice.

“By whom?”

“They didn’t leave a name. A boy came by, gave me the money in cash and said if I didn’t come clean with you about it, he’d leave dead rats on my doorstep.”

I shiver, caught between horror, relief and an uncontrollable urge to laugh. “Seriously? Rats?” I draw a shaky breath. “You say it was a boy? Or was it a man? A blond guy?”

Because there’s only one person who knows I can’t afford the rent this month, but that’s out of the question.

“Not blond. A young, dark-haired boy, more like fifteen or sixteen.”

“Right.” I should’ve known it wouldn’t be Rafe, who ditched me like a hot potato—or more like a bad habit.

Oh God. The rent has been paid. Oh God…

“Look, Miss Durant, I don’t find this funny.” The landlord clears his throat. “I’d appreciate it if this prank isn’t repeated and that the money is deposited in my account next time, without any threats of dead rats or otherwise.”