When he turned down her narrow, tree-lined street, he noticed her cottage was tucked away on a private lot. His protective instincts had him driving slower, checking out the surrounding area like he’d always done for his sister. He pulled into the driveway of her quaint cottage and cut the engine as she climbed off. He couldn’t help but make sure she was safe. “You got roommates or someone waiting for you?”

She shook her head. “Just me. Do you want to come in for a drink? We can talk about whatever’s bothering you.”

He’d love to pretend he was just a regular guy without a prison record or a family who had disowned him and just get to know her better. A guy who could seduce her with words, not make her feel bad for singing too fast, and when the feeling struck, haul her into his arms and kiss her until she pleaded for more. Christ. He wanted that really fucking bad.

“Nah. I’ve got to go.”

“’Kay,” she said dejectedly.

As she walked away, his conscience got the best of him. “Hey, Blue Eyes.”

She turned, a gut-wrenching mix of confusion and something tougher looking back at him.

“I wasn’t lying to myself earlier. Lies cause irreversible damage, and I try not to choose that route. I was sorry that I hurt your feelings. I am sorry. Even if you did sing too fast.”

A small smile appeared, but that gut-wrenching mix of confusion and strength were still there as she nodded and headed inside.

He started his bike, channeling the frustration eating away at him into his grip as he revved the engine, craving the freedom of the open road. But as he drove away, leaving the residential streets behind, and picked up speed, her tormented expression burned into his mind, and freedom was nowhere to be found.

Chapter Three

MADIGAN LAY ON her bed late Saturday morning listening to music, watching her curtains sway in the breeze, and thinking about Tobias. She’d never met anyone named Tobias before. It was a good name for him, as strong and mysterious as he was. But she couldn’t say she’d never met anyone like him, because the way he’d gone hot and cold was all too familiar, sending red flags waving. She’d fallen for a guy like that before, and he’d broken her heart.

So why can’t I stop thinking about Sir Broodiness?