Reign A Romance Anthology - Nina Levine Page 0,291

eyes flutter open as I look back to the road. “We’re near the airport. Are you okay to walk? Can you do this?”

She nods slowly. “I need the bathroom. I have to clean my face.”

I do a double-take. I didn’t look at her properly as it was too damn dark, even in the car. I was only concerned about getting her to safety. “Are you hurt?”

“Nothing I can’t conceal with a bit of makeup,” she mumbles.

“Did they hit you?”

“Only the once.” She rubs the side of her brow. “I was arguing with Viper, and he lost his temper.”

A ball of rage grows deep in my gut which causes me to clench my knuckles on the steering wheel. “I’d like nothing more than to unleash my anger on that son of a bitch.”

“He’s not worth your energy.” She turns and stares out the window. “I want to erase him.”

“Kill him?”

She chuckles lightly and stops to grab her stomach. “The notion sounds appealing, only I’d be no better than them. I want to erase him… no, all of them… from my mind.”

I nod yet say nothing for a moment as Star sighs heavily.

“You want to start a new life?”

She makes a disgruntled sound. “I’d be happy if you drop me off at a soup kitchen. Being homeless is more appealing than going back to…”

I peek at her.

Star’s face shines as a reflection in the window, and she wipes her eyes.

“You believed they were family.”

Star remains quiet, looking out at the bright lights of the city.

“And now you don’t know who you can trust.”

She shakes her head as though I don’t understand.

“You can trust me,” I tell her.

“You don’t know me.” Star turns to face me, and even in the cabin’s darkness, a fleeting glance reveals the shine of wet eyes. “We fuck. That’s all. And those were your words.”

I inhale a sharp breath. I said those words like an idiot with his guard up, not willing to let anyone in. “I care for you… more than I realised. And I’ll protect you. I promise you that.”

“I don’t want you to be obligated just because we fuck.”

“I’m not here out of obligation.”

“There are women’s shelters where I can stay until I’m on my feet.”

If I grip the wheel any harder, I’ll rip the damn thing from the column. “What are you talking about? I’m not dropping you off at some bloody shelter.” Shit. That sounded angrier than I intended, and it’s the last thing she needs right now—another man who can’t control his head.

“I’m not letting you out of my sight, at least until you’ve had a medical check. Then if you want to go elsewhere, that’s fine. For now, you’re under my care.”

“You’re not my father.”

“Since I’ve lived most of my life without one, I doubt I’ve got the skills to even try.”

This is crazy. Why are we arguing? I shake my head to level my thoughts. She’s traumatised and just lost her father, and with that, she’s pushing me away.

“I won’t make you come with me because I’m not one of those arseholes who will hold you against your will. I’m not kidnapping you. I’m taking you somewhere safe. Somewhere you can rest. If you don’t want to come with me, then I’ll take you to a shelter.”

She remains quiet when I take the exit to the airport.

“Last chance, Star.”

“I don’t have a future. You should’ve left me there.”

“Christ. Why are you doing this?”

“Doing what?” she snaps.

“Acting like we don’t like each other. We do. Stop trying to push me away. I rescued you, and yeah, I’m no Prince Charming, but I risked everything to come and get you. I don’t want praise, yet a little respect wouldn’t hurt. And before you bite back, just come with me. Give yourself some time. Besides, Mum is expecting you.”

We pull up at the car rental, and after handing in the keys, I take Star’s hand and lead her out of the parking lot. We walk at a pace she can handle, and when we get to an overhead light, I stop. “Let me see.” I turn her head from side to side and under the grime there’s slight bruising to the side of her face and some cuts.

I lean down and kiss her nose. “I promise I’ll let no one do this to you again.”

Star slowly closes her eyes and opens them again. “I’ll clean myself up in the bathroom.” Her eyes meet mine, and they hold the emotion she was hiding from