Eli stumbled into his apartment, the faint burn of whiskey still buzzing in his veins. He’d hoped it would numb the memories clawing at him—the mistakes, the guilt, the past that refused to let go. Tonight, though, Riley’s face lingered in his thoughts, haunting him. Those curious eyes of hers, the way she looked at him like she wanted to ask something but held back.
He hated it. Hated that he wanted her to ask. Hated that part of him wanted to answer.
Standing in the middle of his living room, Eli let out a frustrated sigh. He glanced at the clock, then, before he could stop himself, grabbed his jacket and moved toward her door. He hesitated, his knuckles hovering just inches from knocking. What was he even going to say?
"Hey, Riley. Want to talk about your stalker? Or maybe my sob story about why I’m a disappointment to my family?” He shook his head. Stupid.
Eli started to turn back when something caught his attention—a muffled noise from inside Riley’s apartment.
He froze, every muscle tensing. It was faint, but distinct. Something heavy hit the floor, followed by a stifled sound like a struggle.
His instincts took over.
Eli reached into his pocket, pulling out a small lock-picking tool. His military training made quick work of the lock, and within seconds, the door creaked open. What he saw made his blood turn cold.
Riley was on the floor, pinned beneath a man in a black suit and a balaklava. His back was to Eli, but Eli recognized his figure instantly—it was the same man he’d seen lurking outside her building before.
This time he saw an ankle monitor wrapped around his leg. The man must have been a known felon. He wondered, was Riley his first victim?
“Get off her!” Eli barked, his voice thunderous, but the man didn’t even flinch.
Without thinking, Eli launched himself at the intruder, tackling him to the ground. They crashed into a side table, the impact sending a lamp shattering across the floor. The man fought back immediately, his movements sharp and precise.
Eli barely had time to register the hit before a fist connected with his jaw, snapping his head to the side. The pain was sharp, but Eli pushed through it, grabbing the man by the collar and slamming him into the wall.
“Who the hell are you?” Eli growled, his voice low and dangerous.
The man didn’t answer. He twisted out of Eli’s grip with surprising strength, delivering a brutal punch to Eli’s ribs. The pain exploded in Eli’s side, but he didn’t let go.
“You’re done,” Eli hissed, shoving the man back.
The intruder’s smirk widened. “Am I?”
Before Eli could react, the man broke free, shoving Eli hard enough to send him stumbling. He bolted for the door, disappearing into the night before Eli could give chase.
Eli leaned against the wall, his chest heaving, blood trickling from the corner of his mouth. He turned to Riley, who was huddled on the floor, her wide eyes staring at him in terror.
“It’s okay,” he said, his voice soft but firm. “He’s gone. You’re safe now.”