Page 16 of The Merger

He pinched the bridge of his nose. “I don’t want you to take this the wrong way…”

“Then don’t say it,” I snapped. “Don’t try and tell me what I can and can’t do because I’m a woman.”

Stryker tensed. “I’m going to ignore that because you don’t know me very well. I was raised by a single mom. I watched her struggle to provide me with everything I needed, all by herself. Believe me, I know how strong women are. But, I also know that there are horrible people out there. Men who prey on women because it makes them feel more powerful. It isn’t fair, but it’s a fact. I don’t want you out there at night alone because of that reason alone. Nothing else.”

I hated that he was right. Every time I walked at night I kept my senses sharp and my purse tucked close to my body. There was no such thing as a peaceful stroll as a woman, not even during the day.

“You’re right. I’m sorry I jumped to conclusions.”

Stryker nodded. “I’ve got my car here. Do you mind if we drive instead of walk?”

“No, it sounds fine.” At least there wouldn’t be too much time to talk. He was right, my brain needed a break. I needed time to let some of this sink in before I could even begin to consider how I felt about it.

Together we walked down to the parking garage and the guest parking spots. I expected him to head to a sleek sports car. Something flashy, black, and fast. Instead, he headed straight for an older sedan. I raised an eyebrow as he used a key to unlock the passenger door.

The corner of his mouth curved up. “Expecting something else?”

I lifted one shoulder. “Most of the men I know seem to be obsessed with cars that are more sex on wheels than—“

“Rust and rubber?”

I chuckled. “You said it, not me.”

“But, you were thinking it.” The curve of his lips spread into a full smile. “I’m a little overfond of this beater. Caroline says I’m too sentimental for my own good. I’ve got the money to buy something else, but I’ve never seen the point of parting with things that have been reliable.”

“Why do I get the sense you’re that way with people too?”

“Because you know how to read people. Loyalty is a gift not many people give. When you find it, it should be rewarded.”

His words struck me. I was starting to see how a younger, more reckless version of me took a leap and married him. I couldn’t be sure if I’d make the same choice today, but I at least owed him a discussion. Later.

Tonight, I needed to retreat to my own space and think.

* * *

Dropping my keys on the side table by the door I flicked on the light and screamed when I noticed a person sitting in the dark. Golden hair and blue eyes registered, and I put my hand over my heart to keep it from pounding out of my chest.

“Mal, you scared the shit out of me! What are you doing sitting in the dark in my apartment?”

Shock played across his face, but it was gone in a flash. I realized he had a drink in his hand and had likely been here for a while. “I wanted to talk to you,” he finally replied.

“Well, turn a light on next time. Or better yet, don’t wait alone in my apartment.”

His eyes flickered over to Waverly’s door. That was when I realized there was light coming from her room. I took a step back and reminded myself what I was going to say to him. I hadn’t planned on having the conversation now, but it was as good a time as any. We were better off as friends.

“I see,” I croaked. “You aren’t here alone, are you?”

It didn’t escape my notice that this was the second time I found him alone with Waverly in my apartment. Add in their romantic history, and I was more than suspicious.

“I’m alone out here waiting for you.” He brought his glass to his mouth and took a large swallow. “We need to talk.”

Exhaling, I placed my purse down with my keys. “Yeah, I guess we do,” I agreed, casting another glance at my sister’s room.

Malcolm leaned forward. He rested his elbows on his knees and focused all of his attention on me. “What the hell was that last night?”

I felt my anger rise to the surface, but I put a lid on it and forced myself to calm down. “Be more specific,” a small hint of anger was still present in my voice.

The muscle in his jaw ticked. “You left the restaurant before we even ordered. I don’t think that’s giving us a chance.”

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