Danger (The Driven World)

“You look, wow,” Danger says as I reach him. He wraps an arm around my waist, tucking me into his side.

“You look pretty good yourself.”

“Missed you at the race today.”

I bite the inside of my cheek, stalling for an answer. “I just didn’t feel like dealing with all the media and fans today. I wasn’t feeling too well.”

He moves to where he’s standing in front of me, both hands on my arms. “Are you feeling ok now.” I feel like he’s ready to place his palm on my forehead.

I pull away just a bit. “I’m fine.”

He stares at me for a second, studying me. “You kind of don’t look so hot.”

My mouth opens at his words. “Danger, how could you say that?”

“No, I mean you’re gorgeous, but you’re kind of white. Like you’ve seen a ghost.”

“Who’s Isabella?”

Danger steps away from me, his eyes narrowing. “Where did you hear that name?”

“So, there is someone named Isabella?” I cross my arms. “Past lover?” I just have to make sure. Make sure that Danger isn’t more of a player than I’ve ever given him credit for.

He smirks with a little laugh. “No, she’s not a lover.”

“But, she is someone?”

Danger breathes in deep, running his hands down the lapel of his suit jacket. He lets the breath out slowly, his eyes searching the ballroom before settling back on me. “She is someone. Where did you hear her name?”

I shrug, not really sure how to answer him. “The reporter.”

The anger in Danger’s eyes starts slowly, until they are in a full on rage, and I’m unable to turn away. “What else did he say?”

I step back, needing space between us. “Nothing, I swear.”

Danger cracks his neck to the side. “What did he say, Monterey?”

“Nothing. He just said to ask you about Isabella.”

Danger stares at me for a full minute, and I debate on pleading more of a case. The reporter didn’t really say anything. And then, Danger turns and walks away, leaving the ballroom.

I chase after him. “Dylan, please talk to me,” I say once we’ve reached the lobby. “You know you can trust me.”

He spins around on me, grabbing my hand. “Come with me.” He marches over to the elevator so fast I stumble a little. After the metal doors open he jabs his thumb at the button furiously. He’s here with me, but somehow he looks lost. Lost in his rage and another emotion I can’t name.

As soon as we’re in the privacy of the elevator he doesn’t release me, only grips tighter. “Let go, Danger. You’re hurting me.”

He loosens his grip, but doesn’t drop my hand completely.

“Where are we going?” I ask as I watch the elevator ascend.

Danger doesn’t speak, and he appears angrier than he was when I first mentioned the name Isabella to him. It’s as if to say it would open Pandora's box, releasing a curse on us.

The elevator stops at our floor, and we head off to our room. Once inside Danger lets go of me, and I fall onto the bed.

He hovers over me, our noses practically touching. “Tell me what that motherfucker said.”

I shake my head a bit. “He didn’t say anything. I swear.”

His dark eyes are on mine, looking for an answer desperately. “You’re lying.” He sucks along my jawline and then further down across my neck. “Tell me what he said.”

Damn, thinking is hard when he does that.

“Nothing. He just said something about asking you about her.”

Danger lifts his head, staring right at me.

He brings his finger down to close my lips. “Shh, no more talking.” He resumes kissing and sucking along my heated skin.

“Dylan, please,” I whisper, but he just stares at me again, shaking his head.

He continues his assault on my neck. He groans out. “I need to fuck you.”

I push him off me, wanting nothing more than to talk to him. He’s the type of guy who answers all his problems with sex, and I won’t do that. Not tonight.

Not when we have things we need to discuss. I sit up, pushing away from Danger still.

He moves and sits across the room in a chair. “What the fuck, Monterey?”

“We need to talk.” I cross my arms over my chest, like a grade school teacher, not letting anyone get away with any shenanigans in their classroom. This is my classroom now, and Danger my pupil. And I will get answers, dammit.

“I don’t want to talk.”

“But we should. Who is Isabella?” I stand up, my restless energy getting the best of me.

“She’s just someone I used to know.”

“How?”

Danger stands up, shuffling a hand through his hair. “It’s not important anymore.”

I stop in front of him, staring down at him. “It’s important to me.”

He stands. “Well, that makes one of us.” He moves from me, toward the door, and I don’t have the strength to go after him. “I gotta get out of here,” he calls over his shoulder as he leaves.