The Prison-Made Queen novel Chapter 603

Why had he never seen this guy before?

Leilani had never even mentioned him. And now, she was sneaking out in the middle of the night to ride off with him?

A sharp, stabbing pain twisted in Callahan's chest, stealing his breath. While his mind spun with frantic questions, the motorcycle roared back to life and peeled away from the curb, its red taillights bleeding into the darkness of the night.

Callahan stood completely paralyzed, his knuckles white, watching until the bike disappeared from view. The crushed cigarette between his fingers still emitted a faint, mocking wisp of smoke, mirroring the volatile jealousy boiling in his veins.

Suddenly, he snapped out of his trance. He threw the ruined cigarette aside, snatched his coat off the rack, and stormed out the door. He was going to find Leilani. He demanded answers. He needed to know what had triggered her sudden hostility today, and more importantly—who the hell that guy was.

Callahan paced the pavement near the entrance, leaning against the cold brick wall. He tapped his fingers impatiently against his arm. The crisp autumn wind did absolutely nothing to cool the fiery irritation burning in his chest.

When did Leilani meet this guy? Why was she keeping him a secret? Where did they just go, and what did they do?

Every unanswered question only fueled his rage. Finally, the distant, unmistakable rumble of a motorcycle engine broke the silence.

The bike rolled to a smooth stop by the curb. Leilani dismounted, pulled off the helmet, and handed it back to the rider. They stood together under the streetlamp, chatting in low, familiar voices. Then, the man reached out and casually ruffled Leilani's hair. And she didn't flinch. She didn't pull away.

Callahan had known Leilani long enough to know she absolutely despised unsolicited physical contact. The fact that she allowed this man to touch her meant their relationship was far from casual.

Now, the temperature in Callahan's eyes plummeted to sub-zero. He pushed off the wall and closed the distance with long, predatory strides.

"Leilani," he said, his voice a low, dangerous rumble.

"What... what are you doing out here?" Leilani asked.

Leilani met his furious glare with a completely impassive stare. "My friend."

"A friend?" Callahan scoffed, a bitter, cynical sound. He closed the gap between them, towering over her. "Funny how I've never heard you mention him before. Tell me, what kind of 'friend' takes you out for a joyride in the middle of the night?"

Leilani looked up at him, a wave of sheer disbelief washing over her. It was laughable. He had the nerve to stand here and interrogate her, while completely lying about where he had been all afternoon?

"He's just a friend," she said, her voice dripping with ice. She had zero interest in explaining herself to a hypocrite. "I'm exhausted. I'm going inside."

She tried to step around him, but Callahan's hand shot out, his fingers wrapping firmly around her wrist. His grip wasn't painful, but it was an undeniable anchor.

"Leilani." His tone was laced with warning. "What is with this attitude? I'm just asking for a simple explanation."