Page 19 of Release Me
As I pad barefoot down the huge hall, I hear Rian’s low and familiar voice. Heat floods through me at the sound of his deep baritone. Is he on the phone? Shit, I hope it isn’t Anthony.
I take a deep breath, smooth down my hair and pinch my cheeks to draw a bit of colour into them. It’s the best I can do.
My heart drops as the sound of a second voice floats along the corridor.
A female voice. Warm tinkling laughter floods the air. My stomach twists.
Of course. I’m so fucking naïve. Rian Beckett is a notorious playboy. No matter what he says about liking me, no matter that there’s this insane chemistry between us, along with a deepening friendship, the man has needs.
Needs that I can never take care of.
He probably has a whole host of women on speed dial for a morning quickie.
I shouldn’t care.
Ican’tcare.
And yet hot, irrational jealousy claws its way through me, ripping open my ribcage.
I round the corner, and the sight that greets me knocks the air from my lungs. Not a stranger. Not some faceless fling.
A woman with the same dark hair as Rian, her eyes just as deep and intelligent. She’s elegant, with striking bone structure and full red lips that are gorgeous in a way that’s both natural and devastating.
Zara Beckett.
Rian’s sister.
She’s standing at the counter, her arm on Rian’s bicep. And just as I freeze in the doorway, I catch her words, her voice laced with concern. ‘I just worry about you. You’re playing with fire, Rian.’
Rian flinches. He looks ridiculously hot in a pair of low hanging grey sweatpants. A tight t-shirt clings to the curves of his pecs, showcasing the hard planes beneath the thin cotton. Hot, burning lust sluices in my stomach.
I cross my legs, leaning on the wall beside me, then clear my throat deliberately. ‘Morning,’ I reach up to tuck my hair behind my ear.
Zara’s sharp brown eyes flick to mine, and in that instant something unspoken passes between us. She knows. Maybe not everything, but enough. Enough to make me wonder if Rian has confided in her. If he’s ever said my name out loud in the safety of his sister’s trust.
‘Rebekka,’ she says warmly, sweeping me into a quick embrace that smells of jasmine and bergamot. There’s no judgement—just a genuine welcome. ‘It’s good to see you.’
‘You too, Zara.’ My voice is steady, but inside I’m a mess of relief and embarrassment. ‘I had a little bit too much to drink with your sisters-in-law last night, and your brother was good enough to look after me.’
‘I bet he was.’ She smirks. ‘He’s all heart, that one,’ she teases. They exchange a look, and the affection between them is obvious.
Rian clears his throat, his expression tight but trying for casual. ‘Coffee?’ His dark gaze lingers on me, like I’m the only person in the room.
‘Please,’ I murmur, dragging my eyes from his frankly fucking fabulous physique. I’ve been starved for sex for way too long, and the signs are starting to show.
‘I should go,’ Zara says, patting Rian’s arm with a sisterly affection.
‘Don’t go on my behalf. I’ll be out of here as soon as I’ve had my caffeine fix,’ I promise her.
‘I have a pilates class in ten minutes.’ She motions towards her Lulu Lemon leggings. ‘I just popped up to drop something off.’
I remember then she lives in the same building as Rian.
‘See you tonight, yeah?’ She beams at me. ‘Rian said you’re coming to Hozier with us all.’
‘Maybe.’ Anthony’s messages flash through my mind. While he’s happy to swan around Europe with his latest squeeze, he likes to do it in the comfort of knowing his little wife is tucked up at home. I don’t know if I can face an argument when he finally does get back to the penthouse. I’m no wilting willow, but I’ve learnt to pick my battles over the years. I don’t think he’d physically hurt me, but there have been times where he’s towered over me in one of his temper tantrums.
Plus, as much as I love being with Rian, it’s a double-edged sword. It hurts not being able to touch him. Not being able to talk to him the way I want. To have to keep up the façade that everything is fine, when it clearly isn’t, and probably never will be. Not for me anyway.
