4

AUTUMN'S POV

I spent the next day trying to bottle my emotions. Turns out Dante was the head of the largest cartels in the whole of North america.

I pleaded with my mother several times countless times but she simply gave me a sad smile shaking her head. Mateo simply stayed out of it and if I didn't know better I'd say he was scared of his own son.

The thought of that made my skin crawl and I pushed it aside. Just when I thought it couldn't get worse, my mother announced that he and Mateo were leaving for their honeymoon. And by that they were going on a traveling spree. She never said when they would be back and it only made the knot tighter.

They locked me up with the best while they toured the world. The mansion felt empty and I felt like a prey set for heartless and dark predators.

So I did the only thing I could to keep myself productive and avoid the monster called Date. I spent the past thirty six hours searching for a job. I had graduated from med school as a nurse but I hadn't had the chance to work full time.

I sat in the waiting room tugging my nails nervously. This was going to be my first interview and actual job since I left college.

“Autumn," a female voice called out and I looked up to find a coffee skinned lady staring at me with a bright smile.

"Yes, I'm here," I got up and she moved aside gesturing to the office ahead. I clutched my bag feeling more self conscious.

Taking a deep breath I knocked on the door waiting for some sort of reply. "Come in," he muttered and I pushed the door open, stepping in.

My eyes landed on a man who seemed to be in his late thirties. He had light brown hair and a defined face.

"Good day. I'm sorry I was told to come to her for an Interview?" I asked with a slightly uneasy voice. He nodded flashing my soft smile but for some reason it did nothing to calm me down.

I took a seat, placing my bag on my lap. "I must say your credentials were spot on," he spoke and I felt my shoulders reflect the tension wearing off.

"I'm glad you think so," We sat together in awkward silence and I felt compelled to break it. "So do I start or?"

His face fell and I watched him ready for the news. "You're really good but the slot was already filled." I raised an eyebrow staring at him.

"Thank you for your time," I muttered while getting up. I gave him a small smile walking towards the door. "Wait," he voice came out filled with desperation and I turned, giving him a tired gaze.

I wasn't done sitting down," I shot him a look. Taking slow steps I sat in front of him, my eyes ot. "Although I don't mind adding a spot for you.

"Oh my God. Thank you so much," I yelled trying to control my excitement. The thought of running into Dante was enough to drive anyone crazy. That was if you ignored how hot he looked.

Doctor Eric smiled leaning in. "But you'll have to pay somehow," he added and every shred of excitement vanished without a trace. I stared at him with a bland face dragging my hand off the table. "What kind of favour?" I asked, giving him a look of suspicion.

He got off his chair and I lifted my gaze following him every moment. Something screamed at me to leave but I stayed still. He held the arms of my chair trapping me in.

"You're a pretty girl. Autumn is young too. No one will take you seriously if they don't get something in return.

His hand slowly trailed my face and I grimace in disgust. "Let me go please. I'm not interested in working here anymore," I stuttered but he only leaned in.

“I'll increase my hourly pay," he pleaded and watched as his eyes darkened with lust. Before I could control myself I raised my legs up kicking him between his legs.

He let out a pained scream and I took the opportunity to bolt for the door. Just then Ryker stood up staring at me. "What happened," he asked, his face paler than the first time I saw him. "Its nothing,"

His expression told me he believed not a word from my lips and I walked closer trying to convince him. "Did he touch you?" His question took me by surprise and I stared at him not trusting myself to speak.

"Son of a bitch," before i could stop him Ryker raced towards the office despite the nurses complaints.

Letting out a sigh I walked out the clinic with no destination in mind. For the next two hours I roamed the streets of New York. With the freeze against my skin I forgot everything that seemed to have happened in the past three days.

My legs grew tired during the third hour and I walked into a small cafe sitting down. Despite its large space it was empty all except the lady who sat at the far end reading a book. I ordered a large cup of coffee and saffron. It was pretty stupid as it was already sunset but I was way too famished to care.

Thirty minutes later I threw the paper cup in the trash can while walking outside. My phone buzzed and I stared at the text. "Where are you??" - Ryker.

My fingers danced around the keyboard when I felt something poke my lower back. "Don't move," I looked down and my mouth grew dry at the gun.