Page 2 of Healing Her Lions
“Damn. Well, the fantasy was nice while it lasted,” I sigh mournfully, shaking my head.
She chuckles. “I’ll talk to you later,” she says.
“Yeah,” I say mindlessly as I continue to stare.
Ryker lets his gaze travel over me, but he frowns when he sees my foot. “Do you need help?”
“That would be great.” I shove my phone in my back pocket and hastily put my earbuds away. I am not prepared for the fucking hot man to kneel at my feet.
He gently grasps my ankle and pulls as he bends the shards of wood out of the way. All I can do is stare at the top of his perfect head.
“Serenity wanted to meet you, but she was having a bad morning, so she insisted I stop by,” he explains as he places my foot on solid ground.
I continue to lean on the wall. Just being in his presence is powerful. “Is Serenity your mate?” I ask as he stands.
“Why would you use that word?” he asks, his eyes narrowing.
This man is dangerous, not just because of his looks, but because there is a hint of darkness underneath. “That’s the word my friend used.”
He stares for a minute. “She is my wife,” he says firmly.
“Okay,” I say quickly, not wanting to anger him.
He nods. “I didn’t expect anyone for a month.”
“My friend will be joining me then. I decided to get started on the cleanup.” I move away from the wall and into the kitchen, stepping carefully. “It’s a great space.” I run my hand down the dirty counter, unconcerned by the dust that clings to my fingers.
“It will be.” He stands in the doorway, watching me. “My wife was going to do something with it, but she is pregnant and decided she didn’t want to make the effort.”
“Congratulations,” I gush. I love babies. “I hope someday I can have tons of kids.” I stop abruptly when I see the smirk is back. I have a habit of saying whatever comes across my mind.
It’s been a problem.
“I’m sure you will get your wish.”
“Here’s hoping,” I say, crossing my fingers and waving them. He laughs lightly, and I drop my hands and hold them behind me.
“Have you thought about who to hire to fix this place?” He glances around the room.
“No, my friend was the one that has been handling everything up until this point.” I jerk and hit my back on the counter when he steps forward suddenly. He moved quickly and silently.
“I would never hurt you,” he says softly.
I look down at his outstretched hand. He holds a business card between his fingers. “Sorry, you startled me.” I take the card from him. “Triple L Construction,” I read aloud.
“They are friends,” he explains. “I let them know you might call. They are fair and will give you a good deal.”
“Great.” I slip it into my pocket.
“If you need anything, Stephanie has my number.” He waits for my nod and leaves as silently as he came.
A sharp breath leaves me as he takes his energy with him.
He has to be some kind of shifter.
I leave the kitchen and finally make my way upstairs. At least the stairs are sturdy, and the rail doesn’t wobble. I use the other key to unlock the door at the top of the stairs; the whine of the hinges as I open it makes me cringe. That will have to get fixed—it gives off scary movie vibes.
I fall in love with the small apartment immediately. With one step, I’m in the living room. There is a worn-out couch, a television stand, and a lamp. The couch faces a large window. I can picture myself sitting there, drinking coffee and watching all the cars and people walk by.