Chapter 5: Just a Property?

The drive back to the penthouse was silent. Deadly silent.

Ryker sat next to me in the back of the car. He was staring out the window, his jaw tight. His hands were clenched into fists on his knees. I could see the veins popping out on his skin. He was still angry.

I sat as far away from him as possible, pressing my body against the car door. I was still shaking.

He broke a man's hand. Just like that. Snap.

Suddenly, Ryker turned.

" come here," he said.

I didn't move. "I am fine here."

"Hana," he warned. "Don't make me drag you."

I gulped and scooted a few inches closer. He sighed, annoyed by my slowness. He reached out, grabbed my waist, and pulled me across the leather seat until my thigh was pressing against his.

"Let me see," he demanded.

He took my arm—the one Viper had touched. His fingers were gentle now. He examined my skin. There was no mark, but Ryker looked at it like it was infected.

"I need to sanitize this," he muttered to himself. "Filthy."

He took out a handkerchief from his pocket and started rubbing the spot on my arm. He rubbed hard.

"Stop!" I pulled my arm back. "You're hurting me! It's just skin!"

"It was his touch," Ryker growled. He looked into my eyes. "I don't like other men leaving their scent on you."

"Why do you care?" I asked breathlessly. My heart was beating so fast. "You kidnapped me. You threaten me. Why do you care if someone else touches me?"

Ryker froze. The car seemed to get smaller. The air became hot.

He leaned forward. He trapped me between his body and the seat. One of his hands moved up to cup my cheek. His thumb brushed over my bottom lip.

"Because," he whispered, his voice rough. "I don't share."

He looked at my mouth. His eyes darkened. He leaned in closer. I could feel his breath on my lips. It smelled like whiskey and mint.

My brain screamed at me to push him away. He is a criminal! Run!

But my body didn't move. I held my breath, waiting.

He tilted his head. His nose brushed against mine.

Is he going to kiss me?

Just as his lips were about to touch mine, the car stopped.

"Boss, we are home," the driver announced from the front.

Ryker pulled back instantly. The spell was broken.

He cleared his throat and fixed his jacket. He looked cold and distant again.

"Get out," he said sharply.

I sat there for a second, dazed. My lips felt tingling even though he hadn't kissed them.

I opened the door and stepped out into the garage. Ryker walked past me without looking back.

"Go to your room," he commanded as we entered the elevator. "Do not come out until I say so."

I watched his broad back as he walked away from me down the hall.

He was a monster. I knew that.

But as I touched my own lips in the quiet of my room, I realized something terrifying.

For a second... I had wanted him to kiss me.

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