Page 13 of The Devil's Wrath

“A nurse practitioner?” I repeated, pleasantly surprised. “That’s impressive. I can see you in that role—caring, compassionate, no-nonsense, and tough as nails.”

“Flattery will get you nowhere, Theo West,” she said, but there was a playful expression on her face. She paused, eyeing me curiously. “What about you? What’s your story?”

I shrugged, leaning against the counter beside her. “Not nearly as noble as yours, I’m afraid. I’m just a simple guy trying to make his way in the world.”

“A simple guy who stalks women and kicks down doors, apparently,” she quipped, arching an eyebrow at me.

I had the grace to look sheepish. “That’s not a regular occurrence for me, I swear. You seem to bring out my more . . . impulsive side.”

“Lucky me,” she deadpanned, but a hint of playfulness in her tone gave me hope. Maybe she didn’t totally despise me after all.

We lapsed into silence for a moment, the weight of the night’s events hanging heavily between us. I could see the fatigue starting to settle on Raven’s delicate features, and I knew it was time for me to take my leave.

I pushed off from the counter, shoving my hands into my pockets. “Well, I should probably get going. Let you get some rest.” I hesitated, not wanting to leave her alone after everything that had happened. “Are you sure you’ll be alright? I could crash on the couch if you want some company.”

Raven shook her head, a small, tired smile on her lips. “I appreciate the offer, but I think I’ll be okay. It’s been a long night, and I want to take a hot shower and crawl into bed.”

I nodded, understanding her need for solitude. “Fair enough. But if you need anything—anything at all—don’t hesitate to call me, okay?” I pulled out my phone and handed it to her. “Text yourself. That way, you can reach me whenever.”

She took the phone, her fingers brushing against mine and sending a jolt of electricity through my body. She quickly typed in her number and handed it back. “There. Now you have no excuse not to show up bright and early tomorrow to fix my door.”

I grinned, pocketing the phone. “I wouldn’t dream of standing you up. I’ll be here with bells on, ready to put my handyman skills to the test.”

She walked me to the front door, and I stepped out into the cool night air. I turned back to face her, drinking in the sight of her one last time. Even disheveled and exhausted, she was the most beautiful thing I’d ever seen. I wanted nothing more than to take her in my arms and kiss away the pain and fear of the night. She didn’t know I could be everything she needed right now.

“Good night, Raven,” I said softly. “Get some rest. I’ll see you in the morning.”

She nodded as her gray eyes met mine. “Good night, Theo.”

With that, she gently closed the door, the soft click of the lock echoing in the stillness of the night. I stood there for a moment,staring at the polished wood. I dismissed the taxi and then called the boys to bring me a car and some tools. I would stand watch the rest of the night to make sure Connor didn’t return.

I had come here tonight intending to watch her, but instead, I’d found myself drawn into her world, compelled to protect her from the dangers that lurked there. She didn’t know it yet, but my path and her path were now inexplicably intertwined, for better or forworse.

FIVE

WRENLY

After barricading my broken back door, finding my phone, and cleaning the mess and smashed things in my room, I climbed into bed. But try as I might, sleep never found me. I tossed and turned, jolting upright at every creak, existent or not. My mind convinced me Connor would return and finish what he’d started. The echoes of our conversation, of his voice screaming at me, replayed in my mind.

“Who do you think you are, you little bitch? Do you thinkyoucan break up withme? Do you know who the fuck I am? I’ll fucking ruin you.”

“Connor, you’re drunk. You need to leave.”

“I’m not going anywhere.”

“Either you leave, or I call the cops,” I threatened, pulling out my phone and starting to type in 911.

He smacked the phone out of my hand, sending it flying across my room.

“You’re nothing without me. You’ll just be a little freak whore, spreading your legs for every dick in the city.”

“Fuck you, Connor. Get the fuck out of my house!”

It took me a minute to register the pain that hit my face like a freight train before I realized he had hit me.

Hard.

The memory of that pain kept me awake, staring at the ceiling, myheart pounding in my chest. I could feel the bruise forming on my cheek, a throbbing reminder of Connor’s rage. I couldn’t believe it had come to this—that the boy I’d once loved, the one who had swept me off my feet with his charm and confidence, had become a monster.

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