The Six: Genesis | A Reverse Harem Novel

Seventeen

Ryker's rage is palpable.

It radiates off of him like heat, burning everything in its path. I may be his daughter, adopted, and unafraid of him, but it's enough to make my throat close and my stomach roil as Gatlin and I move down the hall. Four meters away sits the double doors of his office.

An imposing pair of solid steel doors. They shine like fresh silver coins, radiating the brightness of the LED recess lights from the ceiling. The cement floors turn an intimidating shade of black when you meet his hall and they lead you to your doom—if you aren't careful.

His jaw is clenched as well as his fists, and he stands directly where his doors meet, glaring disastrously hard at Gatlin. With effort, I keep my chin raised and my face from betraying the fear pooling at the pit of my stomach. Levi passed us in the hall a few moments ago wearing a smirk Gatlin punched off.

He left the hall limping with two black eyes, an obviously broken jaw, two broken ribs and a tortured groan on his lips. He'd been teaming with self-righteous hatred, and he wore it like armor. Though something akin to regret shined in his viridescent gaze.

Vaguely, I wonder if he was planning on apologizing originally. He'd seen me alone, first, and his expression was raw and open. Both wiped away when Gatlin rounded the corner behind me, wearing a murderous expression. The military expert didn't have time to react.

Without warning, Gatlin was on him. It took me a few seconds to get between them. And I'd had to beg Gatlin to release him—let him go. He answered my request, but it cost a dizzying kiss and a few fingers down my pants to calm him down. My pussy clenched viciously, wishing for what she shouldn't—what we shouldn't. But the look he shot me before dipping his fingers into his mouth left me shivering.

"You!" Ryker pointed at Galin.

"Steady," He mutters under his breath. His hand reaches for me, but he yanks away and awkwardly drops it to his side. If he touches me with Ryker looking, I'd hate to see how it would go. "All Fernandez can tell him is what he thinks happened. We didn't kiss then. So, if he asks, I can tell the truth."

"In here, now! And you, lily" I pause, blinking at my father with hazy eyes. "Stay here."

I must not be in trouble, yet. It would take him long to single me out and come after me for answers. He won't get any from Gatlin.

Sauntering to where Ryker indicated, I'm worried and curious. Gatlin follows him back up the hall. He doesn't glance back and neither does my father. Minutes tick by slowly, creeping past as my anxiety mounts.

What if he discovers the truth? Will he kill Gatlin? My heart jerks harshly. He can't hurt him. Not when I...

A clink catches my attention.

Ryker's door is ajar, exposing the black interior of his office. His black floors are polished to perfection and gleam bright enough to bring the reflection of a man standing near the wall of framed photos on the right side of his office. Intrigued, I push open the door and step inside.

I'm greeted with the sight of Ryker's black glass modern desk. It's a single slab of artfully cracked glass laying across a thick metal base. His white desk chair leans backward before his curved computer screen. A pair of black leather chairs face his desk, settled at angles.

On the left side is a roving map of the world. It turns constantly, flipping back and forth. The 3D globe rests in a round hollow in the wall and is black, diamond mixed sands are offset by silver mercury seas.

"Who are you?" I ask.

He turns to me, spearing me with eyes slightly lighter than Gatlin's, but no less brilliant blue. He's three centimeters shorter with blond hair and a scruffy beard. Pink lips only to expose his white teeth and a sarcastic grin. Muscles line his frame, and they bulge beneath the navy t-shirt he wears and the tight dark wash jeans.