Page 24 of Property of Spike

Reluctantly, I release Seth, letting him fall to the floor in a groaning, bloody heap. My chest heaves as I try to rein in the storm raging inside me.

Riley’s voice brings me back. “You didn’t need to do that,” she says, her tone even but firm. “I had it handled.”

“He grabbed you, Riley. That’s not something I’m just gonna let slide.”

She doesn’t flinch, meeting my glare with the same fiery resolve she had when she stabbed him. “And I handled it. You didn’t need to go full berserker.”

Tank chuckles under his breath. “She’s got a point.”

I ignore him, stepping closer to Riley. “You’re under my protection. No one puts their hands on you. Got it?”

After a few seconds, she smiles softly. “Got it,” she says.

“Get this piece of shit back down to the basement,” I bark.

Handing the baby to Riley, Tank nods, motioning for two nearby prospects to drag Seth out. Once the room clears, it’s just me, Riley, and Asher.

I look back at her, trying to calm the fire still burning in my chest. “You okay?”

She sighs, setting the bloody fork on the counter. “I’m fine, Spike. But, just because he’s a creep didn’t mean you had to hurt him.”

I smirk, unable to help myself. “He deserved worse. And for the record, you stabbed him first.”

Her lips twitch like she’s fighting a smile. “Fair point.”

Asher lets out a squeal, breaking the tension.

“Come on, little man,” she murmurs, her voice softening as she cradles him. “Let’s get you fed.”

I watch her walk away, the heat of the moment finally giving way to something else. Something I can’t quite name but feels just as dangerous.

I’m in deep and I don’t even know anything about her apart from her first name.

And the fact that she’s beautiful.

And makes my head spin.

I need coffee.

“Hey, Prez,” Skip says. “Just got a call from Runner. He found something online about your girl. Said he sent it to your email.”

Pouring myself a cup of coffee, I head back to my office.

I haven’t even begun to sort out the Riley situation. That’s next on my agenda once I figure out who the traitor is.

My mind is a million miles away as I open the office door and head inside. Three steps in, I notice Riley sitting on the couch nursing Asher.

“I’m so sorry,” I mumble. “I’ll come back when you’re finished.”

“It’s alright,” she smiles. “I’m completely covered.”

“Not to sound rude,” I say, rubbing my neck. “Why are you in here and not in your room?”

“Oh,” she whispers, a blush rushing across her face. “I can’t seem to relax in there. I feel like I’m being watched. But when I’m in this room, I feel safe. I know it’s weird. I’ll go to my room.”

She goes to stand, and the blanket that was covering her falls away.

“No.” My voice is rougher than I mean it to be, and I force myself to soften. “Don’t. You’re fine.”

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