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Rhee first arrived, before her condition became more obvious. Thanks to Turtle and her overprotective landlady, the unwanted attention had abruptly ceased. Recently, Darren had come by a few times unannounced, on the pretext of having work to discuss, and Manali had covered for her, telling him Rhee was out. Rhee drew the line at Sirena. No man would enter her home and disrupt the haven she had created for her daughter.
    Rhee was finally starting to feel safe at night, and she had no desire to lose her tenuous grip on her newfound sanity and her semi-pleasant dreams. Manali was right there in the main house, and although Rhee had never divulged her past, her landlady parent just seemed to understand. The older woman predicted her needs without needing an explanation. She was a godsend. Rhee sighed. She didn’t need Darren messing things up.
    If he keeps this up, I’m going to have to be more blunt, she told herself for the umpteenth time. At least he’d never go so far as to make a move…right?
    Rhee exited the restroom and to her dismay, Darren was waiting for the in the corridor. The rest of the lobby was empty. “Darren. I told you twice already; I don’t need a ride home.” She tried to sound forceful and assertive, but to her dismay, her voice came out tired and defeated.
    “I just wouldn’t feel right about that Sabrina. You’re tired, and I’m sure you’re hungry. We deserve a little celebration.” Darren said, extending an eager hand. “Maybe we could get a bite to eat? The diner is open twenty-four hours.”
    “I’m not hungry, Darren. Manali’s waiting for me. Sirena gets up really early, as I’ve mentioned before.” Rhee was more annoyed at Darren’s use of the pronoun “we,” which implied that he had somehow participated in the fundraiser. Other than forcing his company upon her, he had done nothing to help at all. In fact, his increasingly possessive behavior was hindering Rhee’s progress both at work, and with the charity.
    I have had nothing but psychos. Other than… Rhee forced her thoughts from going down that painful path. Dax hadn’t exactly been a saint. But, there had been a fire, a longing, that she had never experienced before- or after -she met the domineering biker. Her body still craved his touch, and her residual yearning for the blue-eyed devil puzzled her because it had been so long. Maybe it’s because I had his baby?
    What she felt when she was around Dax was unusual for her. Rhee always felt a little uncomfortable in her other relationships. Well, relationship. Her stepfather, well, that sure as hell didn’t count as anything. Raping, murdering bastard! Rhee shuddered with revulsion at his memory. Her naivety and desire to escape led her to trade her stepfather for Marco, who also turned out to be controlling and abusive.
    What the fuck is wrong with me? Am I attracting these sleaze balls somehow?
    “At least let me walk you to your car? I wanted to ask you about displaying some of your new work in the shop,” Darren smiled disarmingly.
    “Um, I’ve got a text here from Manali, Darren. Why don’t you go on ahead while I check in?” Rhee couldn’t keep the irritation out of her voice. She knew Darren picked up on it too. His jaw tensed in the slightest way. It was a behavior that many people probably wouldn’t pick up on. But Rhee did. There might indeed be work to discuss, but they could talk on Monday.
    “No, I’d be more comfortable waiting for you, Sabrina.”
    Goddamn it. How obvious do I have to be?
    Rhee looked around, but the lobby was deserted. She really didn’t want to piss off her boss, but shit, the guy was driving her crazy. She checked her watch. I’ve been up since fucking five in the morning with Sirena. I am too damned tired for this bullshit…
    Rhee texted Manali back to let her know that she was on her way home, all the while trying to process the level of potential danger that was present. Tonight, Darren was especially insistent. He