Chapter 26: Nikki

Ten minutes later, Ryker and I were outside Swank. I dreaded entering. Not knowing what I'd face or when the other shoe would drop was worse than any punishment Jesse could have doled out. There was certainty in punishment; the degree kept me guessing.

With my backpack strapped on, I walked a step behind the foreboding figure I'd shown up with. There was no doubt in my mind that Ryker garnered fear and respect wherever he went. If I had to be sidled with a broody alpha, at least he was nice to look at...or swoon over, whichever.

I didn't normally come through the front door, not that there was a normal with this place. I hadn't been here long enough to have a routine. Nevertheless, it seemed odd to enter like a customer without being one. The bouncer waved us through without so much as a word. Regardless of how badly I wanted to ask how Ryker got by without paying a cover or even offering a greeting, I kept my mouth shut. Swank wasn't open for business, anyhow. Questioning him wou