Page 57 of Reckless Desire

“Let me in, Syd, I want to talk to you. I miss you.” Dan’s eyes glisten. He rests his forehead on his forearm and wipes the droplets of sweat coating his skin.

“We already talked today, Dan. Go home and sleep. You’re drunk.” I lean against the door with all my strength, hoping he won’t try to push.

“Syd, I need you. We were good together. I miss you, baby.”

Jesus, he’s never called me baby before.

“Go away, Dan.” I try to push the door closed, but my resistance jolts him into action. I’m no match for his strength and it only takes him one shove and the door flies open, propelling me backward.

My back hits the coat rack and I almost lose my balance.

“Just give me one more chance, Syd.” Dan leans over and cups my face. I slept with this man many times over the past ten months. He was a gentle lover, perhaps a boring one, not very adventurous, but a gentleman. Never have I hated his touch. Until tonight.

Repulsion shivers through my body. I want to push him away, but the realization that I’m at his mercy right now freezes me. I want to scream, but surprise at his action drowns my voice. His wild and desperate glare.

His breath, sour on my face, churns in my stomach like poisonous acid. The tremble of his sweaty hands sparks another wave of disgust and I finally shove him. It’s like pushing a brick wall. He leans in, and I swear if he kisses me I might end up in jail tonight.

A warning—no, a threat—ripples through the air like a knife’s blade. “Let go of her.”

ChapterNineteen

Hunter

Red swims through my vision. I got lucky and a neighbor let me inside. I found Sydney’s name and apartment number on the mailbox and got here right in time to pull this asshole off her.

I grab his collar and it’s surprisingly easy to yank him off.

“Hey.” He stumbles and trips but recovers his balance. His eyes meet with mine and recognition flickers in them. “You?” The contempt in his voice wouldn’t bother me normally, but after he forced himself on Sydney, his luck has run out.

“Me, dickhead.” I extend my fist, turning it inward as I strike. My middle knuckle connects with his jaw in a satisfying punch that reverberates through my elbow. He blinks a few times, rubbing his face as he searches Sydney’s eyes. As if she would save him after he pushed himself on her.

“Get out of here and never come back. Do you understand? Ever.” I raise my fist again, not really planning to jab, just to make a point. It’s clear he’s not a fighter. He trips as he dashes for the staircase.

I turn to Sydney. She stares at the swinging door where he disappeared. I clench my fist a few times, the adrenaline rushing through my veins.

“Are you okay?” I step closer and Sydney drags her eyes to me. She blinks a few times, disoriented. I want to turn and catch up with the asshole and beat the shit out of him. How dare he put his hands on her?

She licks her lips and glances at the staircase door again. Fuck, now she won’t feel safe in her own apartment.

“Sydney.” I tame the raging animal in my chest. “He is not coming back.”

She searches my face, unsure she can believe me. Ultimately, she can’t. I have no idea if I scared him enough.

“Do you want to reschedule?” I ask, knowing there is no way I’m leaving her alone. I might forego our date, but she is not staying here by herself. And if I have to postpone the date, the asshole will pay. School principal? What a joke.

“Could we start with a drink?” She bites her bottom lip, a blush coloring her cheeks.

“Of course, Mrs. Lowe,” I drawl, and her shoulders relax.

She turns, checks her face in the mirror and shudders. My desire to break both of Ravinski’s legs swings up a notch.

“Come here, beautiful.” I reach for her. She takes my hand gingerly and I pull her into an embrace. She breathes in and out deeply, a slight tremor combs through her body. I kiss the top of her head. “You look positively ravishing tonight, Sydney.”

Another wave of shivers slices through her, and this time I’m positive they are unrelated to the trauma. “We can stay in if you want,” I whisper.

She doesn’t move for what feels like hours. Not that I’m complaining, because holding her in my arms has just become one of my favorite pastimes.

Finally, she pushes back and looks at me with clear eyes. “He’s done enough damage for one night. I’m not letting him spoil my evening even further.” She smiles at me, and I can’t believe how beautiful she is. Her determination is so fucking sexy.

---