AllFreeNovel
Share Us
I spring to life, pull my phone out, and stumble backwards. My back hits the front door, latching it closed, effectively barring my escape. It’s a heavy twenty-minute fire door. Can I turn and open it quickly? Nope. “Stay where you are, I’m calling 911 right now.”
“Good. Tell them there’s a strange woman who just busted into my apartment. She looks dangerous too. Tell them I’m scared for my life.”
My trembling finger hovers over the keypad. Joke? Was that a joke? Have I been around Ryker so long that I can’t recognize humor?
My breath comes in short spurts, and my eyes blink rapidly as I try to form a sentence. This man bears a slight resemblance to Ryker. He has the same dark brown hair, the same brown eyes. The similarities between them end there, though.
“W-wait. Are you Zane?”
“My reputation precedes me, I see.”
This is the moment when I should laughingly say, “Yes, I’ve heard of you. Don’t worry, it’s all good, though.” But that’s not the case. It’s been all bad. I have beenwarnedabout him. Told to never trust him.
“By the look on your face, I’m pretty sure that’s not a good thing,” he adds, taking another spoonful of cereal.
I don’t confirm or deny.
Zane is slightly taller, more buff, and a bit rougher around the edges. Where Ryker’s face is soft, Zane’s is hardened, as though life has dealt him a few hard knocks. His bare bronzed chest and ripped abs are staring at me and they won’t look away. Don’t they know it’s rude to stare?
Now that the shock of finding a man in the penthouse is wearing off, I’m wondering why I’m so terrified when he’s not threatening in the least bit. What’s he going to do, hit me with his cereal bowl? Douse me with milk? I know I should be wary of Ryker’s mysterious brother, but instead I breathe out heavily with relief and attempt to calm my racing heart.
“You scared the life out of me.”
“Sorry, I wasn’t expecting anyone to barge in, either.”
“Ryker felt sure you wouldn’t show up on his doorstep.”
He brings another spoonful of cereal to his mouth. “And yet, here I am.”
“What are you doing here?”
“Gonna be home for a while.” He shrugs nonchalantly, leaving me wondering at his evasive answer.
Ryker said he was a bit of a nomad, always wandering the globe. It appears he was right. I notice there’s a pile of suitcases stacked in the middle of the living room. One is open, the contents spilling out onto the floor, as though he’s been rummaging around in it.
“You can’t stay here. I’m staying here.” I point to myself. “I’m the caretaker of Ryker’s apartment while he’s gone.” I hate being called the caretaker, but I guess that’s what I am, essentially. Might as well accept it, earn my keep. And get busy cleaning the windows.
“Ryker’s gone? Where is he?”
“In Japan for three months on business.”
“Ah, I didn’t realize he’d left already. Way to go, Ryker. He knows how to rep-re-sent. He’s a shark when it comes to business. He’ll do well for Dad.”
My features squint, baffled by Zane’s complimentary tone. Ryker does not return the favor toward him.
Ryker’s voice is ringing in my ears saying,Don’t trust Zane,Don’t trust Zane.I straighten my shoulders to hide my wariness. “Like I said, you can’t stay here.”
“There’s three bedrooms. Plenty of room.”
“That’s not the point. I live here.”
His stance is wide, confident. But I notice the brief unsure glance he sends me. “Great. So do I. There’s room for everyone.”
I cover my face with my hands, exasperation quickly replacing caution. I’ve known Zane for five seconds and I already know he’s nothing like Ryker. He’s far too casual and unconcerned.
Arthur approaches on shaky legs, looking between us.
“Artie, you’re supposed to be protecting me,” I tell him. “Intruder alert. Sick ‘em!”
