Page 7 of Rejected Pretend Mate

Cayden's face softened. "April, you know why I left."

I turned and opened the fridge. I didn't know what I was looking for, but it was better than looking at my brother. "Riley is going to be here in a bit. So, could you two please leave? We're having girl's night." I looked at Cayden. "And you don't get a say about it. Riley is perfectly safe down here with me."

I started grabbing things and pulling them out. I turned, finding both of them staring at me. Cayden inhaled slowly."April, please...just think about it. I'm worried about your safety here."

"I'm fine," I said for what felt like the twentieth time. "Ivan is nothing I can't handle, so please, leave."

Cayden sighed. "Fine, but call me if anything happens. I'm just upstairs."

I nodded, glancing at Weslie. He looked hurt as he looked at me. I looked away, not wanting to think about my past and how I got here, how I got myself into such a shit show.

They both slipped out, and I heard the door shut behind them. I felt tears bloom and quickly shook them away. I could take care of myself. I've been doing it for years.

I was starting to set the TV up when my phone rang. I clicked it onto the speaker and stepped back, looking at my TV.

"Hey."

Riley spoke up, sounding worried. "Cayden just said that Ivan is here? Are you okay? Did anything happen? Did anything happen to you?"

I sighed, wanting to smack my brother. Of course, he would call and tell Riley. "I'm fine. Nothing happened. He just came to my apartment drunk, and he left."

"Don't tell me nothing happened. You know that's bull. You're practically shaking. I can hear it in your voice."

I stiffened. Shit. Of course, she could.

Riley sighed. "I understand you work through things your way, but don't push me away when you need people. You need to start opening up. Why don't you join me and the other girls for some lunch or something? Get to know them and really start to settle yourself into this place. It's good to know the pack andhave that protection. You're in a bit of a slump, April. Getting out might help you feel a little better."

I understood her point and thought about it. It would be a good idea to get to know the girls better. I'd spent some time with them, and they all seemed nice. I heard from Riley just how lovely they were all the time. And I was lonely.

"Okay," I said with a nod. "What time do you think you're going to get here? I have the popcorn, and I bought some wine. I know you can't have any, but I can." I looked around, trying to remember where I placed the remote. "We could order some food too if you don't just want popcorn. And once I find the remote, I can start looking for a show to watch."

"About that, one of the girls left early because she wasn't feeling well, so I needed to stay late. But let's have breakfast with the girls tomorrow. We can watch TV after breakfast and spend the entire day being lazy afterward."

I frowned, feeling my shoulders sink. But I didn't say anything. I couldn't make her feel bad that she was working late. She, unlike me, had a job and responsibilities.

"Okay, let's do that. I'll call you in the morning." I said, swinging onto the couch.

I ended the call and sighed, turning back to the TV. Even if Riley wasn't coming, I could at least enjoy the TV. There were some shows that I needed to get caught up on and movies I could watch.

I decided to make myself some noodles and sat down, flipping the TV on. I poured myself a glass of wine and sighed. I was flipped through, but nothing caught my attention, and I needed something to occupy my mind.

But I felt that hand clawing at me as I tried to relax. The worry that Ivan would come back and break down my door. I glanced back at the door, making sure I locked it.

My phone rang, and I jumped, nearly spilling the noodles all over the couch. I quickly caught the bowl and pulled my phone up. Maybe Riley got off earlier than she thought.

"Hello?"

"You enjoying your TV?"

My entire body stiffened, and I felt like a hand wrapped around my throat. I quickly pushed the noodles aside and got up. I circled around my apartment, feeling eyes on me. But I knew he wasn't in my apartment. There was no way he was in my apartment.

"Where are you?" I asked, knowing it was Ivan.

"You know that this situation between us should have been left private. You didn't need to involve your brother."

I turned to my patio, and I swallowed. I walked towards it and glanced down. Cars filled the parking lot, but I knew I was right. Ivan was down there, watching me.

"You and I are done, Ivan. I don't know how many times I need to say this. But we're over. I’ll involve whoever I want if I feel that I'm unsafe. You need to go home."

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