Redesigning Fate (Revive #1) - A. M. Wilson Page 0,13

don’t end up scorched. But by which man, I’m not entirely sure.

Travis looks between Elias and I, twice, then thrusts me forward hard.

My high heel catches, and I stutter, tripping forward toward open floor. Elias steps to the left catching me gallantly, righting me on two feet. He places a protective had across my stomach, sliding me smoothly a step behind him. Stalking forward, he plants himself in front of Travis and crosses his arms across his broad chest.

“If you ever grab her like that again, you won’t live long enough to regret it.” His voice is low, a growl of a threat, but I don’t doubt that Travis hears every word.

“Whatever, man. You know nothing about Lena and I. Whatever she told you is a lie. We’re just on a break. She’ll be mine again,” he threatens. “Because She. Can’t. Stay. Away.” He spits the words.

His confidence is unnerving. He sounds so sure of himself.

The glint in his eye sends a creepy vibe slithering over me. I shiver for the second time tonight, for an entirely different reason than the first.

“You know that’s total fucking crap Travis, just leave me alone. You ended things the day you slid your dick into some other chick. It’s over, and I’ve moved on.”

The last part is a half-truth, but he doesn’t need to know that. The truth is it killed me inside when he cheated on me. At first, I still loved him. At least I thought I did. I don’t love him anymore, but the sense of betrayal, of missing what was good, is still alive. I haven’t moved on because there wasn’t any closure. And I’m afraid of falling in love again. My body can’t take another Ben & Jerry’s, lounging around in sleepwear, cheesy movie marathon.

“This isn’t over, Lena. You know it, and I know it,” he threatens and turns, stalking back over to the bar.

Centering myself, I take a deep breath to quell my humiliation and turn back to Elias. “I am so sorry. That was… He is… I think I should go.” I duck my head and turn away.

Elias places a hand underneath my chin, lifting my face to his. I suck in a breath as he brings his face a hair’s width from mine. Lips nearly touching, so close I can taste his sweet, warm breath, he wets his with a sensual swipe of tongue. My eyes zero in on those lips like a magnet, and I don’t move my gaze until he speaks.

“I don’t want you to go. If you need to leave, let me come with you. We can go somewhere together.” It’s almost a whisper, a raspy sound filled with lust and promise, somehow audible above the thundering music.

If I follow him, the possibilities are endless. We could continue dancing at another club or get a quiet table in a restaurant and share drinks and conversation. Get to know each other. But that’s too much like a date. Or maybe, we would hop a cab to his place, or mine, and get to know each other more intimately.

Shit. I can’t do that. Any of it. I shake my head sadly.

I have nothing left of me to give this man. Even though it’s been months, I’m broken. Seeing Travis confirmed I’m a mess. He can still get beneath my skin. Even if I’m not hurting anymore, it appears his presence still affects me. And I’m confused about his declaration that we are not over. Whatever that means.

“I’m going to go home… alone. Thanks for the fun this evening. It was nice meeting you. Really.” I whirl around and head for the stairs. Elias calls after me, but I push my way through the shifting mass of bodies. For once, I’m grateful I’m so small, ducking and weaving through tangles of arms and legs. Glancing behind me, I sigh, not entirely glad I lost him. A part of me longs to see him chasing after me through the crowd.

I weave my way out to the street and grab one of the awaiting cabs. I slide in the seat, slam the door, and rattle off my address while digging in my clutch for my phone. The car takes off as I type a quick text to Carly, telling her I had to leave because of Travis. It’s crappy of me to take off without finding her first, but I had to get away from Elias to clear my head. The combination of alcohol and hormones left