Page 112 of Power of Shadow

I have to admit, this is the first time that meeting my father has given me so much satisfaction.

Chapter 26

Ashley

Confused, I sit up, torn from sleep. At first, I can’t understand what the sound is, and only a moment later do I realize it’s my phone. It buzzes like crazy, stops, and starts its dance again.

Outside, the night is still gray; dawn is just breaking.

The screen displays Ryker’s name. Before he can hang up again, I answer the call.

“Hi,” I say softly, even though I’m alone. Last night, Zoe mentioned she had urgent business in town, and before I could ask her what was going on, she disappeared through the apartment door.

“Ash—” Ryker’s voice is equally quiet, but I sense some tension.

Goosebumps cover my skin.

“What’s wrong, Ryker?” Despite my best efforts, I can’t control the fear in my voice.

There’s silence on the other end of the line, and then I hear his pain-filled whisper, “I need you, Ash.”

Ryker’s a tough guy. What he has revealed to me about his life is only a fraction of it, and he only opens up to a select few as he builds trust. He’s a complex guy with a complicated past.

For a man like Ryker, to admit he needs something or someone is a huge step. That’s why his words alone make me jump out of bed and look for clothes to throw on.

“Where are you? I’m on my way.” My voice trembles with emotion.

I forget about my other issues in a second, about the fact that after Aisling’s phone call, I doubted his sincerity. Maybe he’s not telling me everything, but I don’t doubt his good intentions toward me.

His pain resonates deep within me. “I’m outside.”

I throw my leggings on the floor again and head for the door. When I open it, my mouth drops in surprise.

Looking at him, I move the phone away from my ear. My gaze runs over his silhouette leaning against the doorframe. He looks fine. There’s no blood, which I expected, nor any bullet holes. He doesn’t look injured.

And then my gaze reaches his face. At first glance, everything’s fine, but his eyes tell a whole other story. He’s not hiding how he feels. Like an open book, because he wants it that way. The pain I’d heard in his voice a moment earlier is painted in raw colors in his eyes.

Without a word, I grab his hand and pull him into the apartment. He doesn’t resist but continues to stare.

Pushing the door shut, I hide us in the semi-darkness. “What’s going on? Are you hurt? Say something.”

“No, baby. I’m not hurt. Not physically anyway,” he tells me, taking a step closer.

He lets go of my hand to touch my cheek. Stroking it with his thumb makes my heart beat even faster.

“Do you want to talk about it?”

He shakes his head in return and leans down to brush my forehead with his lips. “Not today. I didn’t want to wake you, but I couldn’t stop thinking about you. My legs brought me here on their own. You’re the home I have to return to, the harbor I have to dock at. Nothing can calm me down. There’s no escape from my madness. Only the thought of you... I need you. I need you more than my next breath.”

Why does it hurt so much?

I don’t think it’s—

My brow furrows as the answer surfaces in my mind.

“I’m here, Ryker. I’m here for you. Tell me what you need from me, and I’ll give it to you,” I whisper.

His eyes soften, and the first glimmer of warmth appears in them. “You make it damn hard not to fall in love with you, you know? What am I saying? That train left a long time ago, and I’m standing here waiting for you on the platform.”