Page 30 of Cruel Alpha Daddy

Rider sighs. “I told you, Fiona, it isn’t safe.”

“It isn’t safe to keep me here, either! It’s only a matter of time until Bailey comes. They are probably out tracking me right now.”

“If that happens, then I will explain the situation. You’re here by your own will, aren’t you? I haven’t kept you locked up for the last few days.”

“Only because I agreed to compromise. I never said I would stay for good.”

Rider’s eyes flicker as if I just struck him.

He didn’t really think I was just going to stay and never speak to my pack again?

“Fiona, have you noticed that Tobias is still watching you very closely?”

I swallow hard, trying to settle my fear. “Yes. I’ve noticed.”

“Then you know you can’t just go running around. Those guys are extremely bad news, and we are still trying to figure out where they are getting their supplies and what they’re up to.”

“I understand that, but I have to go home! Even if it’s just for a short visit.”

“You’re not listening,” he snaps. “Why are you making this so difficult for me?”

“Why are you doing this to me!” I shriek, completely losing control. “Bailey is supposed to be your ally. You could even ask him to help!”

“And look weak?” he shoots back. “Do you really think I could end Tobias and cut out all the bad apples if I went running to another pack for help?”

“Please,” I moan, reaching out to grab Rider’s hand. “Please, I have to go. You don’t understand. I promise I’ll come back. I just need to go home for a while.”

“Why?” he demands, his eyes hard. As his expression changes, I remember how dangerous he is, and the terrible things he’s done.

I shake my head uselessly. I’m completely out of words. He glares at me for a bit longer, his expression getting darker by the second.

“You really do have someone else, don’t you?”

“What?” I say, surprised. “No. What are you talking about?”

“You have a partner, don’t you?” he yells. “Just tell me. Who is waiting for you back there?”

The truth is on the tip of my tongue, and my heart burns with a terrible, intense fear. It would be so easy to tell him right now, and I want to. The only thing holding me back is my fear for Caleb’s safety.

I cling to Rider’s hand, shaking my head. I can barely speak, my chest is so tight.

“There’s no one else,” I stammer. “I told you, I haven’t been with anyone else since you left me.”

He flinches a little, and I know that I hurt him.

Good. I meant to.

“Is it Kyle?” he asks flatly. The emotionless tone is even scarier than his yelling.

“What? Why are you asking me about him?”

“He’s the one that’s waiting for you. Just admit it.”

“Kyle is with Leslie!” I yell. “There’s nothing going on between me and Kyle!”

“Well, what is it, then!” he roars back. “I know you’re hiding something from me!”

Suddenly, I realize that in the heat of the fight, we’ve gotten closer and closer together. Our faces are only an inch apart.

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