Chapter 43

AUGUST 14 – SUNDAY 5:30 PM

R en

I should've known he was up to something when he handed me the backpack, but I couldn't bring myself to be angry. He was right. I needed to get out of the cabin and do more than want to punch Nash in the face and worry about everything under the sun. That was a toxic combination on the best of days.

We rolled into Seattle, and I stared at the buildings that I'd seen in so many television shows and movies that it felt like I'd been here. Even though I was positive that Theo had seen all of this before, I pointed out every famous landmark. He drove around, and I was in complete awe. One little girl waved as we passed. I waved back, and a big smile spread across her face. Turning onto a street, we drove along for a minute before Theo pulled over and shut the motorcycle off. I glanced around.

"Where are we?"

"Does it not look familiar to you," he asked.

"I've never been to Seattle," I said and lifted my chin so he could undo the strap.

"Maybe not, but you should know one house in particular," he said as I pulled off my helmet and shook out my hair.

"Holy shit," Theo said, staring at me.

"What?" I looked behind me at the sidewalks for threats. When I turned back, not seeing anything, Theo had his camera out and pointed at me. "No," I said, but he just smiled.

"Do that shaking out your hair thing again."

"Are you serious?" He just gave me his look that somehow managed to be relaxed and said, "fucking do it" at the same time.

"This is ridiculous," I said, but I humored him and ran my fingers through my hair.

"Fuck yeah. Pose with my other girl."

I cocked my eyebrow at him, and he smirked at me. Leaning back and trying to keep my balance, I put my boots up on the handlebars. This felt awkward and silly. I glared at Theo and crossed my arms.

"Yes, love it," he said, making me laugh and shake my head. "Keep going."

"You better not post these," I said, then bit my lip and gave him a sexy look. I ignored the vehicles passing by and got off the bike. Turning my back to him, I leaned on the seat and looked over my shoulder, and swayed my ass back and forth. Getting a reaction out of Theo was difficult unless we were alone, but his eyes were trained on my ass, and his green eyes were hungry. I smiled and tossed my hair again.

"What are you thinking about?"

"Dinner," he said, making me blush.

Walking toward him, I pushed his hand with the phone aside and rose on my toes. As soon as my lips teasingly touched his, he finally broke and wrapped his arms around me, deepening the kiss. Just like at the gas station, the world and all the troubles swirling around me disappeared.

"Shit, I didn't plan this trip very well," Theo said, breaking the kiss.

"Why is that?"

"I packed with a couple of days exploring planned. But now I'm wishing we were just going to be locked up in a hotel room together."

Smiling, I kissed his cheek. "Nothing wrong with both things being true."

"Good point." He stepped back and rolled his shoulders. "Did you figure out what house you should know?" Nothing seemed particularly familiar as I scanned the street. Theo placed his hands on my shoulders and turned me around to look at the house we were closest to. It took a second, but my hands flew to my mouth as I stared at Meredith Grey's house.

"No…it can't be…is it?" I pointed. "Is it really?" Theo nodded, and my eyes filled with tears. Instantly, images of sitting on the bed with my mum as we watched Grey's Anatomy stormed to the surface. How many hours had we laughed and cried together? "Theo, this is…." I covered my mouth to get a grip. "Thank you."

"Come on, let's take a couple selfies, or no one will believe we were here." Wrapping his arm around my shoulders, we posed in front of the house. "I have more planned, so we better get going." I nodded, but my eyes lingered on the home a few seconds longer, just soaking in the memory.

Walking to the bike, I was so happy he tricked me into this. It was exactly what I needed.

10:40 PM

Ren

It was becoming abundantly clear that Theo was far more devious with his observations than I'd given him credit for. Not only did he have a stunning penthouse suite booked that looked out over the city, but he had room service delivered with all of my favorites and then presented me with a sexy silver outfit that fit perfectly. We were heading out for the night, but he refused to tell me where.

Of course, the backpack had been packed with all my favorites and a set of pajamas in dark plum that was sexy and so him. In another life, I could picture Theo sitting as a royal on a throne.

"Do I want to know where we're going?"

"It's a warehouse."

I stared at him as he drove. It really felt like we'd stepped into a movie as we stood outside the hotel, and the Lamborghini he'd rented pulled up. I couldn't imagine taking this car anywhere that it could get a speck of dirt on it, let alone a warehouse.

"Don't worry. You'll understand when we get there," he said, just as my phone buzzed.

Pulling it out of the clutch that matched the outfit, I stared at the messages and shook my head.

NASHOLE: What is this shit I hear about you bailing on training for an unknown period of time?

I rolled my eyes at my phone.

R: Dramatic much? I didn't know I was going to be gone more than a few hours.

NASHHOLE: I think you know by now. Can you do me the courtesy of fucking letting me know in the future so I'm not wasting my time. I have things I can be doing other than showing up to an empty cabin and wondering what the fuck is going on.

I bit my fist as I sucked in a deep breath so I didn't toss my phone out the window.

"What's wrong," Theo asked.

"Just Nash being Nash. He's angry about me skipping town and not telling him." I got it, but I didn't exactly plan this.

Theo smiled. "Be super sweet and apologetic to the point of it being revolting. It will totally throw him off."

Laughing, I thought for a second.

R: OMG, you're so right. I'm so so so sorry. I should've thought about you. I mean, I always think about you, but I mean to let you know. The rest of the time, I picture you naked in a candlelit room while I'm tied to a bed, and you stroke your cock. Will you ever forgive me? I know I don't deserve it, but I'll get on my knees and beg.

I hit send and started to giggle as I waited for his reply, totally picturing his face. Little bubbles appeared, disappeared, reappeared, and then disappeared, making me burst out laughing.

NASHOLE: What the hell? Is this code?

R: What would it be code for?

NASHOLE: IDK. Are you in trouble?

R: No

NASHOLE: OK…are you drunk or high?

R: LOL! No.

NASHOLE: Are you fucking with me?

R: Not yet.

I hit send and then swore. Dammit, he saw it before I could delete it.

NASHOLE: Princess, I don't know what game this is, but picturing you naked and tied down is not an image you want in my head.

R: Did you only text to give me shit for being kidnapped and forgetting about you, or did you have another reason?

NASHOLE: No, that was the only reason. Are you two having fun?

I smirked.

R: Jealous that you're not here?

NASHOLE: Not a chance. I don't do romantic getaways.

R: Of course you don't.

NASHOLE: What the hell is that supposed to mean?

Theo put on his signal and pulled through open gates that were so tall that it looked like we were heading into a prison.

R: Nothing, just agreeing with your highness. I'm sorry I didn't message to say we couldn't train, but I gotta go. We have arrived. Have a good night.

I put my phone away and ignored it as the thing vibrated six more times. I knew he would be pissed that I dismissed him, and it warmed me all over. My text fights with Nash were starting to become my favorite sport. I would definitely pay for it later, but right now, I didn't care.

If I were on a date with a random guy, I'd think he was taking me someplace to kill me because there were no cars and nothing but dark buildings. Most of the lights were broken or flickering.

"You sure you have the right place?"

Theo smirked.

As we reached the last building and pulled around back, my mouth dropped open. The parking lot was jammed with what seemed like a million street bikes and high-end sports cars. The windows that lined the top of the industrial building were strobing with a dozen colors.

"Ever been to a rave?" I shook my head. "Another first, I'm racking them up," he said and laughed as I shot him a glare. He got out and walked around the front of the car. Theo looked exceptionally fine tonight. The black jeans looked tattered with frayed edges and a touch of winter camo, but I knew they cost more than I'd ever paid for a single item of clothing. He completed the look with a black T-shirt that molded to his body like a second skin and showed off the sleeve tattoo that ran down his left arm. He'd also added black cuffs and thick silver rings while he'd left his usually perfect hair messy.

Opening the Lamborghini door, he held out his hand to help me out of the low car. I took his arm as he hit the button, and the door slowly closed on its own. With a beep, it locked, and the thumping beat got louder the closer we walked to the warehouse. Excitement and nervousness danced around in my stomach like they were already partying.

"As I'm sure you've figured out, this is an exclusive invite for the street racing crowd. So, call me Murk tonight. None of them know my real name," he said, and I nodded.

Before we reached the door, I tugged on his arm, and he stopped. Glancing down at the skintight silver pants, boots, and matching top that just covered my boobs, I suddenly felt self-conscious. How had he talked me into this outfit?

"What's wrong?"

"I can't go in there like this," I said, smoothing out the soft material like it would suddenly cover more of me with just a rub.

"Why not?"

"Because…look at me." I couldn't even pull my hair over my shoulders to try and cover myself since I'd put it up in a fun and funky style to match the outfit. I'd momentarily lost my mind. That was all there was to it.

Theo's eyes ran up and down my body, and when they locked with mine, my heartbeat tripled in time.

"I am." He took a step closer, his hand sliding around my waist to my back. The heat from his palm against my bare skin made me shiver. "Every guy in there is going to be jealous that you're on my arm. Own your sexy, Ren." He placed a chaste kiss on my neck, making me swallow hard.

"Um…should…should I um…." Theo chuckled in my ear as I stammered over my words. I sucked in a steadying breath to try and clear the short circuit that was frying my brain. "Should I have a different name?"

Theo stood up straight, his face serious as he thought. Cupping my chin, he ran his thumb over my bottom lip. "Shiver."

I wasn't sure if that was my name or a command, but my body did it, and the corner of Theo's mouth turned up. The door opened, and a couple of guys walked out and lit up smokes. "Let's go," he said, walking us over, keeping his hand around my waist.

He pounded on the door, and as soon as it opened, there were two massive bouncers. Theo pulled what looked like a poker chip out of his pocket, and the guy nodded and pointed down the long hallway with flashing lights at the end. I could see people jumping around to the music as we got closer, their arms swaying in the air.

We stepped into a massive open room. It was so vast that I couldn't see the far walls. A stage was set up high above the crowd so that even this far away, I could see the shirtless DJ wearing a mask that was flashing in time to the beat. Multiple wall projections showed the DJ up close as he worked the equipment that I couldn't name other than a mixer. He had at least three songs weaved together, and yet it worked. His fist was punching in the air, and I found myself bouncing to the music.

A new song was added, and everyone screamed and went crazy. I recognized it immediately as the club song from the movie Blade. If blood started falling from the ceiling, I was out. I had my limits to new experiences.

It was too loud to hear Theo, but he pointed to the side and the long bar that was glowing neon pink and blue. As we moved through the crowd, all sorts of people nodded to Theo and held out their fists to bump. Theo brought a whole new meaning to don't judge a book by the cover.

He only let me go to give a guy a hug. The two of them smiled and did that pat-the-back thing guys did. The two girls with him looked at me, but I realized then that Vicky had been preparing me for a situation like this since the moment I entered Wayward. I never thought I'd be thanking her for anything, but there it was.

I didn't back down and lifted an eyebrow at them. They quickly looked away and took a step back, their attitudes immediately shifting. It was the biggest lie I'd learned so far about the world. We were all supposed to be evolved and better than the animals, but we were no better. It was still the alpha at the top while the rest of us fought and jockeyed for position so we weren't left behind or run over.

Theo turned toward me, and the guy that he'd been talking to held out his hand for me to shake. "So, I finally get to meet Murk's girl. I'm Rip."

"I'm Shiver."

He smiled and glanced at my outfit. "Yes, you are."

"Okay, enough of that shit. Get away from my girl," Theo said, tucking me into his side. Rip smirked and then laughed.

"And protective. This one is serious business. I've got a spot over there by the stage. All the guys are there," Rip yelled and pointed. Theo nodded. "You better not leave this one alone. She might just get scooped up by a real racer."

"Get the fuck out of here. I'll wipe the streets with you any time," Theo said, and Rip wiggled backward, his hands up before turning around and walking away, his girls scampering after him. "Fucking dick. He doesn't mean that, you know, he's all talk." I nodded. "You thirsty?"

"Sure," I said, and he laughed. Holding my hand, he walked ahead of me, making a path as we snaked through the throngs of people. This place was way over fire code. Another round of cheers went up as a Calvin Harris song was incorporated. There was a small gap at the bar, and Theo let go of my hand so he could lean in and order drinks. I turned to look at the stage and was sucked in by the music as I wiggled back and forth. I loved it when new and older songs were blended like this.

I feel so close to you right now. It's a forcefield. I wear my heart upon my sleeve like it's a big deal.

I mouthed the words and found myself entranced by the DJ, who was now jumping around as I tapped my fingers on my leg along with him. The music was so loud that it practically vibrated right through me. At any other time, I would've worried that was bad for me, but not tonight. Tonight was all about just having fun for a change.

Lady, I just feel like I won't get you out of my mind. I feel love for the first time, and I know that it's true by the look in your eyes.

I finally gave in, put my hands in the air, and began to dance. A hand grabbed my ass, and I jumped, knowing it wasn't Theo. That wasn't his style. My hand was on the move as I whipped around and smacked the guy across the face as hard as I could. My hand stung, and I could see the disapproving look Nash would give in my mind for not doing it the way he showed me. But the guy's head still snapped to the side as he took a half step back. Balling my fists, I glared at him, ready for him to try it again.

"Bitch," he said loud enough that I heard him over the music.

"Don't touch me," I said.

Not getting the hint, he reached out to grab my arm, and I jerked away. The tips of his fingers brushed my skin. I was so focused on the dickhead who thought he could just assault people that I didn't notice Theo until his fist connected with the asshole's jaw.

Did I know that Theo was as deadly as the other guys? Sure. But, like his Murk image, it was hard to picture him in a fistfight until you saw it. The fight with Blake didn't count. This was feral Theo as he grabbed the front of the guy's shirt and landed three more blows, walking him backward before riding his body to the ground and continuing to hammer his face. The group around us stared at what was happening, but no one made a move to interfere. Jesus, he was going to kill him.

I grabbed his arm, and he snarled at the barely conscious guy but stopped hitting him. He wiped the blood on his hand off on the asshole's shirt and then pointed at him. "Don't fucking touch my girl again."

Theo stood and wrapped his arm around my waist, his eyes never leaving the guy as his buddies helped him to stand.

"Fuck, that's Murk," one of the guys said. "Apologize." The friends looked mortified, and I now had to wonder just how famous Theo really was in this world I knew so little about.

"Sorry, man, I didn't think she was with anyone."

"I don't give a fuck what you thought. Do it again, and you'll find out what happens to those who touch what's mine."

My throat ran dry as I looked up at Theo, who was the biggest mystery I'd unraveled so far. He was a complex combination that needed a hundred adjectives to describe and still wouldn't come close to the truth behind the fake glasses and the intelligent green eyes.

As the small group turned and walked away, Theo took me by surprise again. He cupped my face and kissed me like a man possessed. The room was spinning by the time he stopped.

"Sorry about that. No one will touch you again."

I could only nod. He picked up the two drinks on the bar that I'd completely forgotten about and handed me mine before taking us toward Rip and his friends. I roughly counted sixteen guys and almost double that in girls. Some looked like racers from the way they sat and carried themselves. There was a real distinction between the racers and people just along for the ride.

A couple who had been lounging jumped up when Theo walked over, and as he sat down, he pulled me onto his lap. Everyone was parked on brightly colored bean bag chairs, chatting with those around them, but Theo ignored most of them unless asked a direct question. He alternated between sipping his drink and kissing me the entire time. By the time we left, I felt drunk, but it wasn't off the single fruity concoction Theo had ordered me. My mind was fuzzy with desire while my body tingled, my ears rang, and my lips were tender and swollen from the constant abuse.

I screeched as we reached the car, and Theo pushed me up against it, his body trapping mine as he kissed me again.

"When we get back to the hotel. I'm going to fuck you hard, and then we're going to enjoy the jacuzzi. Any arguments?" I shook my head. "Such a good girl," he growled, and I practically melted into the pavement.

Holy Hell.