Love Me in the Dark novel Chapter 20

KREW

I threw all curses known to humans for the reason that I couldn’t just fire him. His wife just gave birth to their firstborn.

I was a little bit impressed if I was being honest. And I should have known that River would escape. I didn't see she had that in her. I guessed she was right. I didn’t know anything about River. I gave her credit for doing what she thought was the best for her.

All I wanted was what was best for her despite declining my offer. I had not told her anything, yet she was already running away. I should have been careful with my approach, but she didn’t even give me a chance to explain what I truly wanted and what secrets I had been keeping from her that either could change or jeopardize our relationship. Now she was gone.

Before she left to get her things, I could see the pain and disappointment in her eyes. That was why I decided to let her go, for now. Maybe she could think when she was far from me. When she was not carried away by our feelings. There were a lot of maybes. I regretted it, though. I regretted that I didn’t say goodbye to her, but I knew in my bones that it was far from over.

For the second time, my phone buzzed in less than thirty minutes. I knew the call was from Conner. I arrived just an hour after them with the company jet.

“Mr. Selik, the light in her apartment is still on. I couldn’t confirm if it was her or not.”

“Stay where you are until I get there.” I hung up the call and instructed my driver to send me to River’s apartment.

I knew the building owner and the landlord. I had someone talked to them about River’s case, and they made sure to inform me if Briar appeared at the front door.

In less than an hour, my driver parked the car in front of the building. I was instantly approached by Conner, looking guilty that a woman outsmarted him.

“The lights were off after my call, but she did not go out.”

“Go home. I can take it from here,” I dismissed him.

“Lake, go home. I’ll be fine.” My driver happened to be my bodyguard when I was not sulking in my home. My brother made sure he hired someone who could protect me even from those women who wanted to throw themselves at me. Kai’s words, not mine.

“Are you sure, Mr. Selik?” He did not look happy with my decision.

“Yeah. I might stay until morning. Go ahead. I’ll ring up if I need you.” I climbed out of the car before he could say something like protocol or details shit like that.

The landlord and the guard walked in my direction as I entered the lobby. “Good evening, Mr. Selik. Good to see you this fine evening.”

“You know the reason why I am here. You talked to one of my men days ago.”

“Yes, Mr. Selik. Miss Rouge has arrived this afternoon with her roommate. And she didn't have any visitors so far. Let me assist you in her apartment.”

I raised my hand. “That won’t be necessary.”

He handed me the key. “Eighth floor, apartment 808.”

“There’s no deadbolt in her door, is there?”

“No sir.”

“So my PI is right. How about your fire exit?”

“It’s functional, sir. The building has passed its inspection, and we just renewed our permit six months ago.”

“Just make sure to inform me when that asshole shows his ass into the premises.”

“Of course, sir.”

I sighed. I needed to calm down. “There should be a deadbolt in each of the doors, River.”

“You did not answer my question? And that something, what’s that supposed to mean?”

“You managed to escape from Conner. Why did you do that? And why did you come back here when you know that the first thing your ex would be looking for you is here.”

“I’m not under your protection program anymore. The moment you threw me out of your house like a rag, I had nothing to do with you anymore. And I don’t care if he comes to haunt me. I will dial 911 the moment he appears at my door. I should have done that first thing before I ran to you asking for help. Obviously, coming to you was a mistake.”

“I didn’t throw you out. If you only followed Conner, you would understand why I asked you to go with him.”

“You did not ask me. You ordered. No. You commanded me to pack my things because I’m leaving. Those are your words, not mine.”

I sighed deeply. “I’m sorry. I was upset about how my proposal has ended. Then I watched how you and Aaren interacted pretty well.”

“And? We worked together as an instructor and a student. What’s wrong with being polite? You should try it sometimes and not just bark around like a rabid dog.”

“And he also wanted to fuck you the first time he saw you,” I grunted. I would lose my sanity and developed a brain stroke if I stayed calm.

She scoffed, eyes round like marbles. “You’ve misread Aaren, dumbass. And so what if he wanted to fuck me? At least he acted upon his wants.”

I hesitated for a moment if I should say something out of my anger or I should keep it to myself, but I chose what my guts told me. “So if I do what I want right now, would it please you?” My nose flared. Dangerous adrenaline began to work up through my blood, making me feel like to control of this situation.

She gulped and licked her lips. She must have noticed my change of mood into lethal and feral like an animal to its prey. “Why are you here?”

Breaking my gaze, I breathed deeply and raked my fingers through my hair. “To take you home.”