God, I loved being around those two. Love poured from their hearts, and they were so in tune with one another’s needs that it seemed effortless.

I want that.

To be adored and worshiped by my man.

Not long after, the doorbell rang and our food arrived. We sat in the kitchen at the large table, chatting and laughing and eating. I consumed two more glasses of wine with my food.

When my plate was clean, I pushed it back and stretched while patting my stomach. “Wow, guys, I don’t know about you, but I’m going to burst if I eat or drink anything more. Ryder, you ordered enough food to feed ten people.”

He shrugged and smiled sheepishly. “I wasn’t sure how hungry you were or what you liked, so I ordered some of everything. And what’s left over will be devoured by the guys at the club tomorrow. So nothing is wasted.”

Jade nodded. “Yeah, Razor will be a happy man. He loves Thai food, especially the hot and spicy dishes.”

Ryder took another sip of beer before he turned to me. “Are you staying over tonight? The guest room is ready.”

I shook my head. “I’m just going to catch a taxi home and tomorrow evening after work I’ll ask someone to drop me off here to collect my car. I have a huge meeting midmorning and still need to get some work done before we start, so I’ll need to get to the office really early.”

As much as I loved spending time with those two lovebirds, just watching how they were together accentuated how empty my life was. It wasn’t that I needed a man to complete me—I was independent and confident and perfectly capable of taking care of myself—it was more that I wanted someone special to share my life with.

My thoughts turned to Harrison, but I was still pissed that he’d just left so abruptly. I didn’t want to think about him, and yet he was the first person I pictured when I let my mind wander.

Could I ever have what Ryder and Jade had with a man like Harrison? I doubted he was able or willing to handle that level of commitment. He only needed me when he wanted sex, and it broke my heart that I’d never have more from him.

I called a taxi and said my goodbyes, promising to catch up with the couple again soon. Jade and I still had a lot to discuss about their wedding, as well as shopping and preparing the nursery for the new addition to the family. And Ryder was more than keen to go out for a steak, so I promised to call and make a date for the week after he and Jade returned from their business trip to New York.

It was with mixed feelings that I climbed into the back of the taxi and waved goodbye. As much as I’d enjoyed spending time with Jade and Ryder, I was thankful that the day was finally over. I yawned as I glanced at my watch. It was past ten already, and I was so ready to crawl into my bed and just sleep.

Chapter 8 — Eva

I sucked in a deep breath as I exited the elevator and found none other than Harrison leaning against the door of my apartment. He glanced at his watch, then crossed his arms.

“Where have you been? It’s late, and it’s dark outside.” His jaw worked as he clenched his teeth.

I lifted my chin. “I’m perfectly aware that it’s night time. And I don’t need to give you any explanations. Now please move out of my way. I want to get into my apartment.”

I was tired, tipsy, and not in the mood for Harrison’s bullshit.

He stared at me without moving. “First, answer my damn question. I’ve been worried about you.”

“Is that right? Did you file a missing person’s report on me?”

“Eva, don’t test me.”

Taking a step closer, I poked a finger into his chest. “Are you serious right now?”

“Fuck, you’ve been drinking. Don’t tell me you’ve been driving under the influence—”

“Why? Is the big, bad cop going to arrest me? Or tie me up with his handcuffs?”

His jaw set tight. “That’s not a bad idea. I think you need a spanking too, and my hands are itching to connect to your ass.”

“Oh, it’s tough cop tonight.” I jabbed his chest again. “But let me tell you, I’m not afraid of you. You’re a coward—”

He gritted his teeth. “Ouch. That hurt, little darling. I’m definitely pulling you over my lap for that comment.”

I narrowed my eyes at him. “No, you’re not. I’m going to bed. Alone. You’re not coming in. I don’t like you—” I lashed out, trying my best to hurt him the way he’d hurt me earlier.

Harrison grabbed both my wrists in his hand and before I knew it, he had me pinned against the door with his mouth sealed over mine. He kissed me with such brutal force that my body went limp against his, forgetting to fight him as desire swept through me.

“Bed. Hmmm, I like,” he said as he waggled his eyebrows at me.

God, I wish I were immune to him. I wish he didn’t have this mind-numbing effect of me. I was like putty in his hands, my anger dissolving the minute he touched me.

But not tonight.

I pushed against his chest with all my strength. I wasn’t going to be that easy or let him get away with hurting me; I was going to ignore the lust and desire unfurling in my body and show him that he did not own me.

Famous last words.

“Eva, I’m sorry. I’m a jackass who is incapable of being a decent human being. You should hate me. In fact, you should run as far away from me as you can.” His lips brushed over my ear. “I get it. I don’t deserve a woman like you.” His hot breath sent goosebumps scattering over my skin.

“Yes, I should. You’re so bad for me, Harrison. You make me forget that I deserve so much better.”

“I do?”

Oh God, I’d had way too much to drink, and I was too tired for mind games. For any games. And my resistance was crumbling way too fast.

“Let me go.” I wriggled against him. “Go home, Harrison. I didn’t invite you over.” I shoved hard, but he didn’t move an inch. Just as I was about to try again, he suddenly let me go and took a step backward. I nearly stumbled forward and face-planted, but luckily I gripped the door handle to stop myself from keeling over. Why was it that when he actually listened I hated it even more?

“I guess I’m not worth saving, huh? Just as I thought. You talk a good game, Eva.”

Shit.

He turned to walk away.

Shit, shit, shit.

Pressing the elevator button, he leaned against the wall with his back to me, his shoulders slumped forward and his head down.

What was I to do? If I had all the answers I’d be the Dali Lama and not plain Eva Ryder.

It’s better if he leaves. It’s what I want, right?

With trembling hands, I fished for my front door key and tried to insert it into the keyhole. My vision had gone blurry from the tears that had welled up, and I blinked fast so I could see more clearly. Instead, my keys dropped from my hands and landed on the concrete floor with a heavy thud. I took a step forward to retrieve them, but in my haste, I tripped over, and this time I landed on my ass.

How fucking embarrassing.

Not to mention that it hurt like hell. I tried to get up before Harrison noticed, but I didn’t have the strength. Instead, I buried my face in my hands and just sat there, letting the tears pour down my cheeks.

Harrison swung around and closed the distance between us. “Baby! Are you okay?”

Um . . . no, I’m not. Not even close.

I just cried harder. This wasn’t how I wanted this day to end. I was strong, independent, confident, yet I couldn’t control the flow of tears.

“I’m going to take you inside, okay?” His voice was low and gruff.

Strong arms lifted me off the ground, and I leaned into his chest. God, it felt so, so, so damn good. His heartbeat was nearly as fast as mine, and I couldn’t help the small smile that broke through.

My breath hitched. “Okay,” I said in a shaky voice.