Chapter 24: Nikki

"Nikki, move your ass if you want to have any hope of stopping by your place before you have to be at Swank," he barked from the other side of the bathroom door.

I wasn't sure what he expected. I was limited in what I could do here, yet he didn't want me to spend any time at my apartment or at the club. I didn't have any makeup, which presented a real problem since my cheek was a rainbow of blues and greens. Hell, I didn't even have a hairdryer. Putting on the clothes I'd left Swank in repulsed me, but Ryker had pointed out that riding a Harley in boxers and a T-shirt without panties would probably attract attention I didn't want. I didn't bother considering the safety aspect of it all or the fact that it was cold outside.

By the time I emerged, Ryker paced the bare floor in the living room. His nerves were starting to get the best of me. He had enough anxiety for both of us.

"I really need you to calm down. You asked me to trust you, told me you'd protect me, and your fidgetin