Melting Steel: An Alpha Billionaire Romance Read Online Free Page A

almost fearful, and it worries me. Something in the text has set her off.
    The logical part of my brain reminds me that I barely know her, that she isn’t my responsibility. But the Neanderthal part beats its chest, ready to fight anyone who dares threaten her.
    I curse under my breath, knowing which one has already won.
     
     
     
     

Chapter 3
     
    Keeley
     
    My head is spinning and I’m trembling uncontrollably as I get into the car.
    Drew’s text was clear. Don’t go home. Don’t try to find me…I’m sorry.
    Anger overrides the fear I know I should be feeling. Anger at Drew, at Jax, even at the stranger who’s done nothing but try to protect me tonight.
    What is it with men being self-centered, narcissistic assholes?
    I blink back tears and clench my teeth. I won’t cry.
    Henry glances over at me when he gets in the car, brows raised. “Where to?”
    Drew said not to go home. It’s as much an admission of guilt as anything. I can only assume he knows Jax will search for him there, and when he doesn’t find him, it’ll be me he takes his rage out on.
    I shiver and look away, staring blankly out the window, a cold numbness settling over me.
    It won’t be the first time I’ve taken the punishment for something Drew has done.
    People don’t understand why I defend my brother the way I do, but then only a handful of people actually know what we’ve been through. He’s the only family I’ve got, and I won’t let anyone hurt him, even if it means sacrificing myself.
    “Keeley?” A warm hand reaches out and touches my leg. “I can’t drive you home if I don’t know where you live.”
    “Five-twenty Maple Street.” My voice is hoarse, raw, and I hate the emotion I hear in it.
    He presses a button and repeats the address. A map pops up on a small screen, and a woman’s voice directs him to make a right turn onto Saunders Ave.
    We drive a few blocks before either one of us speaks.
    “Are you in some kind of trouble?” The way he asks, I know he already assumes I am.
    I don’t meet his gaze. “I’ll be fine.”
    How many times have I said those words? I’ll be fine . I wish that I still believed it. But I’ve been not fine for so long, I know that it’ll never be true.
    He seems to tense, his long fingers tightening around the steering wheel.
    Stopped at a red light, he turns his gaze on me, and I can’t move, can’t turn away.
    If my life weren’t so fucked up, I’d jump at the chance to spend one night allowing him to fulfill every promise I see in those eyes.
    “I can help you find another job,” he says, his expression serious. “I own a company–”
    “I don’t need handouts.”
    “It isn’t a handout. You said yourself it’s my fault you got fired. It’s the least I can do.”
    I sigh, shaking my head. The last thing I need is to be indebted to someone like him.
    “I can find a job on my own.” Another bullshit lie. I’ve been fired from my last two jobs, and now this one. Who the hell is going to hire me with no references?
    He gives me a look that says he doesn’t believe me.
    We’re almost at my apartment, and I have to bite the inside of my cheek to keep my emotions from overwhelming me.
    “At least let me give you my number in case you decide–”
    “Thank you for the ride.” As the car slows, I open the door and jump out, even before we come to a complete stop, knowing if I stay one second longer, I may break and actually accept his offer.
    “Keeley, wait.” The command in his voice stops me before I can slam the door and take off up the old stone stairs towards my second floor apartment.
    A quick glance up and I know someone has been there. The lights are on, and the large fern that usually sits in the windowsill is gone.
    I freeze with my hand on the door, already shaking at what I’m going to find. With all the strength I can muster, I give him a small smile, and lie to him one more time, “I’ll be fine.”
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     

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