Chapter 5

Rowan

I woke with a start, the morning light streaming through the windows and casting soft shadows on the walls. For a moment, I was disoriented, my mind foggy from sleep.

I didn't even remember that I was still here. I thought, for a moment, that I was back at my house. I really wished I was there. Everything would be so much better if I were.

Then, the events of the previous day came rushing back to me. It was like a tsunami of bad thoughts. I felt sick, wishing everything was different. I had put myself into this situation, though, I remembered.

My encounter with Diego, the loan shark who had offered me protection, the warmth of the meal he had prepared for me — it had all felt like a dream, but the ache in my muscles and the lingering scent of him told me it had been very real.

I couldn't believe I could still feel his smell, but maybe it wasn't so surprising, considering I was a rabbit shifter. My sense of smell was supposed to be good, after all

As I sat up, rubbing the sleep from my eyes, my gaze fell on the slightly ajar bedroom door. My curiosity was piqued. What could I say? I was a curious rabbit.

My heart skipped a beat as I realized Diego was still here, sleeping in the other room. I couldn't help but wonder what he looked like sleeping. I also wondered what he was dreaming about. I kind of wished he was dreaming about me.

A part of me wanted to respect his privacy, though, to leave him undisturbed. But my curiosity was stronger, especially now that he was somewhat vulnerable. Only 'somewhat', of course. I didn't think he could ever be fully vulnerable.

Stealthily, I rose from the couch, my bare feet padding softly across the room toward the bedroom. My heart hammered in my chest as I approached the door, my fingers curling around the edge as I peered inside. What was I doing? I asked myself.

There he was, sprawled across the bed, one arm flung above his head, the morning light painting his features in soft shadows. He looked so handsome.

Even in sleep, Diego exuded a raw, untamed beauty. His dark hair fell across his forehead, his strong jaw relaxed, and his lips parted slightly as he breathed. It was the first time I was seeing him looking so peaceful.

My heart stuttered in my chest as I took in the sight of him. I knew I should look away, that I was invading his privacy, but I found myself transfixed, unable to tear my gaze away. Could anyone do the same if they were in the same situation as me? I didn't think so.

There was something about him, something wild and untamed, that drew me in, that made my heart race and my skin tingle. I wanted him. No denying it. I wanted to feel his body.

It was then that I remembered my phone, still tucked in my pocket from the previous day. My eyes widened as I realized I could call for help, that I didn't have to face this danger alone.

Why did the thought not cross my mind before? I didn't know. Maybe I wasn't as bright as I thought I was.

With trembling fingers, I withdrew my phone, my thumb hovering over the screen as I debated my decision.

Taking a steadying breath, I dialed the number of my trusted assistant, Lila. She answered on the second ring, most likely concerned about me. I had disappeared, after all.

"Mr. Whisperwind?" She said, concern lacing her words. "Is everything alright? You sound strange. Plus, I haven't seen you recently."

I lowered my voice to a whisper, glancing at the bedroom door. "Lila, I need your help," I said, my heart pounding in my chest. I was so nervous. I knew I shouldn't be, but I couldn't control it. "I'm in trouble, and I need you to send someone to get me. It's urgent. You have to do it quickly."

As I spoke, the bedroom door swung open, and there he stood, his eyes blazing with anger. What? What happened?

My heart leaped into my throat as I found myself face-to-face with the debt collector. Diego's eyes narrowed, and in two swift strides, he was upon me, his hand clamping down on my wrist, his touch sending a jolt through me.

He was furious at me. What he wanted to do to me couldn't be described.

"What the hell do you think you're doing?" He growled, keeping his voice low and dangerous. "You don't bring outsiders into this! Do you have any idea how risky that is? Do you have a death wish?"

Fear gripped me, and I tried to pull away, but his grip on my wrist tightened. No matter how much I tried, the outcome was going to be the same.

My heart hammered in my chest, and in my panic, I dropped the phone, the screen shattering on impact. Diego's eyes blazed with fury, and he hauled me against him, his body a wall of solid muscle. Arousal and fear gripped me.

"Please," I whispered, trying to get through to him. "I-I wasn't trying to— I'm sorry about what I was doing."

He pressed even closer, his lips brushing my ear as he growled, "You have no idea what you've just done, omega." His breath tickled my skin, sending shivers down my spine, and for a fleeting moment, I felt a rush of desire mixed with fear again. It confused me, this pull I felt toward him, even as he frightened me.

I shouldn't feel arousal for the person keeping me hostage. It was wrong and made me feel terrible about myself. I wanted to do something about it, get rid of it, but couldn't do it – especially when he was breathing down on me.

Diego's eyes darkened, and he pulled away, his gaze flicking to the broken phone on the floor. For a long moment, he said nothing, his jaw clenched, appearing to be thinking about something.

Then, without a word, he released me, his eyes cold and distant, and stormed back into his bedroom, slamming the door shut behind him. I didn't even have time to say something else. Given the situation, I didn't know if I could say something else without making things worse, anyway.

I stood there, trembling, my heart torn between fear and confusion. I sank to the floor, my back against the wall, my eyes fixed on the closed bedroom door. My entire body was sweaty.

What had just happened? Why did I feel this strange pull toward Diego, even after he had frightened me so? I knew he was dangerous, a loan shark with a short temper, and yet, I couldn't deny the way my body had reacted to his proximity, the way my heart raced at the sound of his voice.

Maybe I was just too lonely and horny. Whatever the case, I didn't like it, especially since I couldn't control it.

I buried my face in my hands, my mind reeling. There were so many thoughts swirling in my mind right now. Swirling? It felt more like a tempest.

I needed to get away, to put distance between us. But even as I thought it, a part of me rebelled, longing for the safety and warmth I had felt in his presence.

I couldn't help but think, again, about what I would do after getting out of here. Who would protect me? The police? Obviously not. They would find out about some of my nasty, shady practices in the past and put me behind bars.

It was as if my body craved Diego's nearness, even as my mind screamed at the danger he represented. He just showed me how dangerous he could be. What other proof did my mind need to understand that?

I took a shaky breath, my eyes never leaving the closed door. I knew I should run, that staying here with Diego was a risk I couldn't afford to take. But something kept me rooted to the spot, something beyond logic or reason.

Or maybe, just maybe, I was too much of a chicken.