Page 67 of Fix You

After nodding his head, the driver replied, “Yes, sir.”

As the car sped off into the night, I scooted as far away from Rafe as I could, pressing myself up against the door. Staring out the window, I tried focusing on the passing landmarks and not the warmth from his body. His smoky, sandalwood smell permeated the backseat.

“Giving me the silent treatment, huh? Very mature,” Rafe remarked.

“Fuck you,” I muttered.

A dark chuckle rumbled through his chest. “You act like I want to be doing this.”

“Apparently you do.”

“I owe it not only to you, but to your brothers and your mother to make sure you're safe.”

As I stared up at the ceiling, a mirthless laugh tumbled from my lips. “I had two of my brothers standing over me, but it didn’t stop me from being assaulted.”

Rafe jolted forward in his seat. “What did you just say?”

“Nothing. Forget it.”

Although I stared straight ahead, the heat of Rafe’s inquisitive gaze bore into me. After an eternity seemed to pass, Rafe's deep voice broke the silence. “Maeve, what happened that night?”

I swung my eyes to his. With a jerk of my head, I replied, “Don’teverask me that.”

“I’m sorry. It’s just–”

The driver awkwardly cleared his throat. “We’re here.”

“Before we get out, I think we need to lay down some ground rules,” I said.

“Such as.”

“You can lurk around the corners and stalk me, but I don’t want you anywhere near me.”

With a smirk, Rafe replied, “Not even a dance?”

“I’m serious.”

“Fine.”

“Second, I leave when I’m damn well ready, not when you decide.”

“As long as you don’t presume to leave with some strange man, I don’t care how long you stay.”

I rolled my eyes before typing in a large tip for the driver on my burner phone. Without another word to Rafe, I started to open my door. But the bastard was quick and was already at my door. “Thank you,” I grumbled.

To my utter shock, Rafe’s arm came around my waist, drawing me against him. “What are you doing?”

“Making sure you get inside safely.”

“Can’t you do that without manhandling me?”

“Once again, my way or no way.”

With a frustrated huff, I allowed him to lead me up the sidewalk to the entrance. Despite the cold and that it was two days after Christmas, there was still a line to get in. Bypassing the others, Rafe marched up to the bouncer. “Let us through,” he commanded.

The bouncer’s gaze flickered from Rafe over to me. When he realized who I was, he instantly moved to the side. “Have a good evening, Miss Kavanaugh.”

“Thank you.”

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