Page 5 of Hope and Country

Once she disappeared into the crowd, I leaned closer to Riley. His generosity. His calm. His gentleness. His way to up the spirit. It didn’t go unnoticed. It all spoke of his character. And I really liked what I’d just witnessed.

“Wow. That. Was. Amazing. Most people would have screamed at the poor girl or threatened to get her fired. You boosted her self-confidence instead. That’s very noble of you. You are a good man, Riley.”

He pinched the fabric of his wet shirt. “Would you excuse me for a minute? I need to freshen up.”

I smiled at him, because even stained in red wine, that man looked effortlessly handsome. And it appealed to me. Every cell of me.

With a nod and a smile, I offered to order more drinks. His eyes lit up when I mentioned whiskey.

Would he notice I had observed what he was drinking before we even met?

I didn’t want to sound too obvious, but at the same time, I wished he could see I wasn’t indifferent to him. That I saw him. Like he saw me.

Fire burned between us. Hotter by the minute.

Our eyes locked. I didn’t want him to walk away. For a reason I couldn’t explain, I felt safe around him. As if no harm could get to me. Or find me.

I grinned like a fool at his back.

My heart danced in my chest. And it felt lighter than it had been in so long.

The sun always comes out after the storm.

How could he have known? Unless we were destined to meet tonight. That it wasn’t just a random encounter. That we had something to share.

Feeling as if I were floating, gravity unable to keep me on the ground, I waltzed to the nearest bar.

A chill crawled the length of my back, and the air around me changed even before I could see him. Darkness.

A death grip clutched my elbow.

All my hopes vanished. Replaced by a feeling of dread.

“Well, well, well. I never thought I’d find you here. I must say, you impress me, Devon. How you scored an invite to this party is beyond me. But the fun is over. Time to go back where you are safe.”

The air halted on its way to my lungs.

How did he find me? He had no way of knowing I would be here. I had been careful to take a cab. And leave no hints in my apartment about my destination. Unless— Nicole. Did he get to her? Or follow me?

All night, I had been careful to not drag any attention to myself. And for some reason, it failed. And my night of freedom backfired. Again.

A giant stone blocked my airways. Every fiber of my being was aware this wouldn’t end well. For me.

As subtly as I could muster, I surveyed the bar, hoping I’d see Riley on his way back. Or anyone who could help me. In vain. I was invisible here. I didn’t belong in this world. Nobody even knew my full name. Not even the man I yearned for.

I tripped on my heels as Robbie led me away.

Steel bands coiled around my stomach. I blinked to keep the tears burning my eyes at bay.

No. I’d never give him any sign he had a hold on me.

Acting like a caring husband who was helping his drunk wife find her balance, Robbie circled my waist with an iron grip, keeping me flush to his body, held rigid in anger.

The sun always comes out after the storm.

Maybe my mother was wrong all along. There were only storms. No sunshine.

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