Promise Me Darkness (Excerpt)

Chapter 4

I woke up alone. Glancing at the time, I groaned. It was too early.

After Ryder crawled in bed with me last night, I couldn't sleep. I told myself that sharing a bed with him was harmless. He had been so drunk last night, he probably wouldn't remember sleeping with me anyway. Or remember that kiss.

Loud, angry voices came from somewhere in the apartment, interrupting the visions of Ryder in my bed. What was going on? Jumping out of bed, I sprinted into the living room.

What I found was not what I expected. A half-dressed Ryder faced off with one very angry boyfriend. Ben.

I tried not to stare. I really did. But it was difficult. Ryder's bare chest was tanned and ripped. There was not an ounce of fat on him, just a six-pack of muscles. Intricate tattoos started at his right wrist and covered one side of his body. Well-worn jeans sat teasingly low on his hips, leaving the rest to imagination.

I tore my eyes away from Ryder to look at Ben. No one had the right to look that perfect this early. He was wearing a blue polo shirt and starched khakis, looking well rested and GQ ready. I felt inadequate next to him. My ratty hair and wrinkled pajamas just didn't compare.

"Who's this, Maddie?" Ben asked, glowering at me from across the room.

"Ryder. The friend from home I told you about."

"Yeah, her friend who was fucking asleep," Ryder snapped.

"Calm down, Ryder, you're hungover," I said, stepping in front of him. He looked down at me with animosity, making me understand why no one messed with him.

Knowing I had to calm both of them down before the situation turned volatile, I grabbed Ben's hand and pulled him into the kitchen. As soon as we were alone, Ben pulled me against him.

"I've missed you," he said, lowering his head and kissing me. It felt forced. Cold. Not at all like the simple kiss from Ryder.

"Aw, hell!"

Ryder's voice jolted me, breaking me away from Ben. He stood in the kitchen doorway, fully clothed and glaring spitefully at us. Shame made the blood drain from my face. Kissing Ben in front of Ryder felt...wrong.

"What the hell is going on? I'm trying to sleep," Eva yawned, walking in around Ryder. She came to a standstill when she saw the three of us squaring off. "Oh, shit!"

I couldn't have put it better.

"Ryder's staying here for a few days," I told Ben.

"He's staying here? In your apartment?" Ben asked, growing louder with each word.

"You got a problem with that?" Ryder growled, taking a threatening step closer.

They stared at each other with hostility, leaving me standing in the middle.

"This is shit, Maddie! You have some guy living with you? Are you fucking him too?" Ben lashed out at me.

Eva gasped.

I was shocked. Ben had never talked to me like that before. Never.

Hearing Ben's words, Ryder exploded. He pushed me out of the way and threw a punch, landing a blow to Ben's face. Ben's head snapped back and he fell against a chair, toppling it over. He recovered quickly and went after Ryder, hell bent on taking him down.

Eva screamed and I scrambled to get between the two of them. Before I could, Ben swung at Ryder's side, pummeling his ribs. I winced at the sound of a fist connecting with solid muscle. Ryder didn't seem to notice. He raised his arm for another shot to Ben.