My heart plummeted, my knees buckling and almost sending me to the ground. Everything had been a lie. The room felt like it was close in around me as I struggled to catch my breath. Walker had deliberately befriended me to get to Harrison. Tears pricked at the corners of my eyes as his betrayal set in. I could still hear him whistling as he got dressed.
I ran for the door, not looking back or closing it behind me as I dashed for my truck. It wasn’t until I was safely showered by the lights of the city that I let my emotions go. The tears finally fell. As I pulled into the parking lot, the sobs turned into full-blown cries of anguish as I parked the truck. I didn’t want to bring the heartbreak back to the apartment where Harrison and Matty still thought I was blissfully out enjoying my evening.
How could I have been so stupid to believe that Walker Wheeler really wanted me? Everything had been a lie so he could get his hands-on Harrison. I’d been blinded by my desire for him, and it had possibly cost me everything. With shaking hands, I cut the engine and sat there trying to collect myself. No matter what, I had to protect my son. Even if that meant starting over with nothing. With a renewed sense of purpose, I dried my tears and grabbed my purse before climbing down.
“Sure, looks like you’ve had a rough night. Did your rich boyfriend dump you?” Neil asked.
I jumped. “Jesus! You scared me! You shouldn’t be here; you need to leave.”
“I have as much right as the next man to be here, probably more seeing as my family still owns this building.”
“I don’t feel like dealing with your petty threats right now, Neil. Just go home and leave me alone.”
He laughed. “What, my money isn’t as good as Walker Wheelers? I’d be happy to pay your bills if you give it up for me like you did him.”
“You don’t know what you’re talking about,” I said.
Turning my back to him, I unlocked the door. Before I could slip inside and leave him standing in the alley, he shoved his shoulder into it. The door slammed against the weight. Neil was blocking my way into the building. My heart started to race. He’d never cornered me before like that. I could smell the whiskey on his breath, but it was no excuse for his actions. Inside of me, something stirred. I was sick and tired of men thinking they had any say in my future.
“Get out of my way,” I seethed.
“Just tell me what it is that he has that I don’t. That’s what I want to know. Is it his cock? Are you just itching to ride something big? Because I’ve got a big boy for you right here if you want.”
“You are disgusting!” I snapped. “You are nothing but a disgusting pig. If you don’t get out of my way, I’m done playing your games.”
“We haven’t even started playing my game yet, sweetheart.”
He moved away from the door, stumbling in my directions. I ducked to the right out of his reach, and he lurched forward, almost losing his footing in the process. As fast as I could move, I was back at the door and fumbling with my keys. It locked each time it closed, a feature I was now regretting. Behind me, I could hear Neil getting up off the ground. My key founds its mark, and I dove into the building but not fast enough for him to get a hand through.
Neil jerked open the door. His eyes were full of rage as they narrowed on me. The thumping of my heart was so intense I was sure that he could hear it. A dark smile creased his face as he looked me up and down. My stomach rolled as I realized what he was thinking about. It wasn’t just my attention he wanted. There was no doubt in my mind if I didn’t put a stop to things, he would have no problem taking what he wanted, despite my protest.
“You need to leave now,” I hissed.
“I’m not going anywhere,” Neil said.
A flash of blue lights behind him grabbed his attention as he spun around. A police officer emerged and shone a flashlight in our direction. My heart soared with relief.