Love Me in the Dark

RIVER

 “Yet you told me there was no evidence. When I asked you if he ever hurt you, your answer was no. Why the fuck did you have to lie to me?” His voice was harsh and thick with anger, but something flashed in his eyes that somehow surprised me—guilt. Why would he feel guilty about something I lied about?

Appalled, I wrapped my arms all over me with a sick feeling in the pit of my stomach. He’d already seen the bruises, but it felt like I was protecting myself from deep scrutiny. “No one would ever believe me.”

“I would if only you were straight and honest from the very beginning.” With eyes like razor blades, he glared at me.

“No one saw he did this to me.” I gulped as I broke my gaze. I knew he wanted to help, and that was the reason why I was here, yet I was the one who made this difficult for both of us. I felt ashamed, helpless, and weak that I had not felt like this in a long time.

He let out a deep sigh. “I will do anything in my power to put this to an end, River. You just have to trust me and help me to stop him. What he did to you is not something you should take for granted. He hurt you for fuck sake. What’s with you and that lunatic that you’re still protecting him? He might also need help. Don’t wait until it becomes his hobby; stalking and hurting women because you choose to keep your mouth shut.” Like always, he had a point. “How would I even going to help you if you, the victim would not cooperate with me?”

“You have no idea how much I wanted to end this. I am haunted in my sleep. I lost my job, Krew. I left my friends, my life back there because I was terrified for Journey and myself. I am here with you, barging into your life when the last thing you wanted was our paths to cross again after what I did to you. I just...” I sighed exasperatingly. “I don’t know why the first person—”

“It doesn’t matter now. I’m here to help, and you’re here with me. I mean, you’re safe here in my house, but you can’t hide from him for the rest of your life. You have to face him one way or another.”

“I know. I couldn't be any grateful for doing this.” I smiled timidly as I looked at him.

“I haven’t done anything yet.”

“Anyway, why are you looking for me?”

He blinked away the emotion in his eyes. “I’m going to see my brother.”

“And how I don’t know anything about this?”

“Now you know. Just get dressed before you get colds. Meet me in the office.” He dashed out of the room.

I felt a rush of warmth in my chest. I didn’t know why. If I had not known he disliked me, I would have thought he cared about me, but on the other hand, he didn’t want to add to his full plate if I got sick. It’s time to put my girl’s pants on.

I went to his office after I put on a shirt and shorts. I was about to say something when I noticed him in a white crisp shirt and dark pants. His hand was in his pocket as he talked to someone over the phone, and I got a chance to see his back, especially his pants-clad thighs and his round ass.

I shook that image away. “You could hang a painting or two on your wall, you know.” Then I noticed his duffel on the couch.

He was ready to leave. How about me?

“You’re here.”

“And you’re leaving?” I slumped my ass to the couch. Crap! Now I sounded like a clingy wife.

“I told you I have to see my brother.”

“Is he okay?”

“Yeah. He said he needs to see me.”

about me being

his head. “No.

I

His dark brow arched as

for you. And when you leave, what should I do here at your house since my boss is too

I’m finished dealing

from my seat. “I know

you. You can purchase anything online or order food. Use my name or

I’m capable of feeding myself. I just feel like you don’t really need me.” Crap. “I mean, you don’t really need my assistance.

the other

straight, I stared

me if you need anything,”

the ache in my chest. “Then why did you hire

you needed a job,”

arms over my chest.

one who was disappointed. Clearly, he didn’t need my service. “I have to go. Call me if you need anything,” he repeated as he took his bag. He was going to leave me alone in

a nosedive. “You can’t leave me here. I’m coming with you.” As difficult as I already was, I

only one flight leaving for New York today, and I

“What about me?”

be alone. Garcia is gonna be here twenty-four

Garcia? “Just let me come with you, please? I’ll stay in the hotel while you’re

I did what my sister has asked me to do. I’m doing my best to help you, but I can’t babysit you for days. You’re a grown-up, at least behave like one. Do whatever you want as long as you stay at home. Watch Netflix, do shopping, but no partying in my house, got it? You can paint your toenails, dye your hair, for all I care. When this is over, you can go back to your old

and I was pushing him to his limit. I had not thought of how much I was a burden to him since I arrived until this moment. I was so dumb not to realize this sooner because I was the stupidest person who had ever lived. I had to bite my bottom lip to not

take you with me. I would be with Kai at the office all the

nodded even if it was hard. I wanted this to be over

“Good.”

to the hallway until we reached the

discussed it over the phone earlier about the details. If anything occurs while I’m away, call me immediately.” He then faced me. “River, Jonas Garcia. He will stay with you while I’m in the city. Don’t worry he’s very much capable of keeping you safe. Just

I won’t give you a hard time. I promise.” I regarded Garcia

than Krew, but he looked more dangerous in his dark suit and goatee,

***

me pepper spray and a taser. I’d like to think that was Krew’s idea to give those to

had trouble making decisions, but

really what I want?

Someone was calling my name outside the room,

of bed, still half

I just want to check up on you if you’re okay,”

rubbing my eyes.

meal Mr. Selik kept in