Steady

We couldn't be any more opposite. He comes from a life of wealth and fame while I grew up in the system and am one step away from living in my car again.

I see the pain he's trying to hide, and he knows the hell I've lived through, but that didn't stop us.

One night was what I needed, but he wanted more, and men like him always get what they want.

I open my door, and before I even have my feet on the ground, Erik is there, grabbing me by my waist and hoisting me out of the truck. He slams the door and turns to face me. Oh, he’s pissed. His nostrils flare and his jaw clenches.
Predator, prey. He stalks me until my back hits the brick wall of the club. He puts his forearms on either side of my head, caging me in. The fury in his eyes should scare me, but it doesn’t. At all. In fact, I’m feeling the absolute and complete utter opposite of fear.

His nose actually brushes against mine. “What. The hell. Are you doing?”

“Excuse me?”

“You seriously got into a truck with a man you don’t know. Alone? Jesus Christ, Polly.”

My justification flies out of my mouth because I don’t want him thinking I’m an idiot. “My car died, and when he came, he offered me a ride since it was on his way. It’s really not a big de—”

“Oh, yes, it is. You were alone with a guy two times your size. He could have touched you, taken advantage of you… He could have hurt you.” He ends the statement on a whisper and drops his forehead to mine, his warmth sinking into me.

“He didn’t. And I was fine, Erik, perfectly safe.”

“Don’t ever do that again. Please. If you need a ride, if your drain is clogged, anything, don’t call another man. Call me.”

“Why?”

His lids close slowly before he opens them. The unrest swirling in his eyes makes them darken a shade, turning the amber jade specks the color of evergreens. “Because if something happened to you, and I wasn’t there…”