Page 77 of Nyx

Chapter 20

Juliet

My night was more restless than usual, and I hate the guy predicted just how much Travis showing up at the house was going to affect me.

I know the group, and some things that were talked about contributed. They always seem to hit me hard. Reflecting on my own healing and the mistakes I made, the things I could've done differently are never easy to sit with alone.

I check the keyhole, making sure the coast is clear, my eyes darting toward the parking lot the second my door is locked and secure.

The SUV is gone, and part of me is grateful for that, but another part of me wonders if there's a reason he felt the need to follow me home last night other than the one he gave.

I have no reason to doubt him or think he's lying, but abuse by a loved one will make you question everyone's intentions in your life.

I pause, nearly dropping my travel mug of coffee when I spot the same guy who followed me home last night sitting in a closer spot on a massive motorcycle.

The man watches me, eyes pointed directly at me.

As if to soften the blow of the realization that he's probably been out here all night, he lifts his hand and gives me a little wave.

I can acknowledge that he's handsome, but despite the calm look on his face right now, I also remember the look on his face, eyes almost black, when Travis showed up at Juniper House yesterday. Had that look been directed at me, I might have lost my bladder right there on the street.

I glare at him, wanting to rush over to him and tell him that the attention isn't appreciated, but I also consider how much safer I would've felt last night knowing that someone focused on my safety was so close.

He has to be exhausted, and even though I didn't ask him to stay, a hint of guilt that he did swirls inside of me.

I turn back around, unlocking my front door and making sure it's closed and locked behind me before venturing toward the kitchen.

I brew a second cup of coffee, tapping the countertop with my fingertips as the maker fills the other travel mug that I have.

I manage to get my cup in the corner of my purse, so I can manage the extra cup and get the front door locked. I'm no less vigilant than I would be if he weren't right there.

I look all around, hastening my steps when I see Chrissy, the apartment leasing agent, about fifty yards away.

"What's wrong?" he asks as he throws his leg over and climbs off his bike when he notices my haste.

"Here," I say, shoving the cup into his hand. "The leasing agent. I just don't want to talk with her."

I ignore the brush of my fingers against his as I look over my shoulder in her direction.

"Has she given you any trouble?" he asks, easily looking over my head in her direction.

I take a step back, putting a little distance between the two of us.

"No trouble," I assure him. "She's just chatty, and I make a point to be as forgettable as possible."

His eyes pull from her and drop to mine, and I hate the way he seems to be either analyzing what I said or me as a person.

"Thank you," he says, confusing me. "For the coffee."

"Oh. You're welcome."

"Is there anywhere you need to stop before heading to work?"

"You're going to follow me to work after sitting out here all night?"

I have no idea when he swapped the SUV for the bike, but I have no doubt he either wasn't gone long, or he somehow organized a way to get it without leaving.

"I'm off today, but I figured I could see you there safely before heading home," he says.