Page 50 of Riot

The hollow pressure in my chest makes it hard to breathe. How can I walk away knowing I might never see him again?

My phone pings, but I ignore it. I’m not ready to face the world yet, but then it beeps again.

The urge to pull the covers over my head is sharp, but I groan and snatch my phone off the bedside table.

There are several messages in our group chat. I scan over them, my lips curving into a smile as I read Katie and Dayna’s responses.

They’re crazy, but they’re also my best friends. I don’t know how I’d get through all this without them. They didn’t hate me for leaving them behind or treating them badly when I was with Link. And I love them for that.

Katie

Want to grab lunch? Been ages since we were all together.

My fingers pause over the screen as dull fear spreads through my bones. I desperately want to see my friends. I want to be normal, even if it’s an illusion, but the thought of stepping out of the apartment without Riot at my side has panic stabbing between my ribs.

He’s not your emotional crutch.

Katie

Don’t even think about saying no. We miss you.

Dayna

Yup. If we don’t see you soon, I’m sending the police around to do a wellness check. Blink twice if you’re being held hostage by that gorgeous biker of yours.

I chew on my lip and stare at the screen. I can’t even crack a smile at their teasing.

What if he’s there?

The thought comes uninvited, and I shove it back where I keep all those pieces of me that I don’t want to look at.

Why would Link be there? And how would he know I was going to be there?

Because he’s smart and resourceful. Because he’s biding his time to strike at the perfect moment. A cafe or restaurant without protection would be a perfect spot.

It’s just lunch, not an ambush.

He’s not my biker.

I deflect the lunch question. Maybe they’ll forget they asked.

My thoughts drift to Riot, and this time, when I smile, I feel it in my soul. He’s been so amazing these last few days, and it makes me wish he was mine.

Katie

But you want him to be. I mean… we all want our own tattooed, sinfully attractive biker.

Dayna

Not me. I want a boring suit who goes on business trips every six weeks so I can pretend I’m single but married.

Dayna’s response is so… her. She and Riot could start their own support group for people afraid of commitment. She’s always hooking up with guys and breaking their hearts when she doesn’t accept their undying declarations of love.

But Riot, like Dayna, will never settle down. He’s not interested.

Guys who aren’t interested don’t sleep on the couch for days to make sure you and your daughter are okay.

Dayna

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