Page 95 of Prince of Pain

“We’ve just been drinking, you psycho!” I threw back, trying to walk around her to get to Ryder. “Get off him!”

Rory’s fingers banded around my bicep and yanked me back, almost making me break my fucking ankle as I wobbled in my heels.

“You can lie to me all you want, but people talk and have a tendency to post videos online.” She pulled her phone out and shoved it in my face, a video playing of us doing shots and snorting coke together. Mason, Channing, and Wolfe were in the video too, so it must have been someone else filming. “Ryder’s responsible for his own actions, but I won’t allow you to be around him anymore.”

“He’s twenty-two!”

“And so are you! So stop acting like a spoiled child and grow up!” she shouted, releasing me and snatching a pair of sweats from Caden as he returned with Ryder’s things.

Ryder was fighting Slash’s grip, but it was useless. Slash was huge and hadn’t been on a damn bender all week, so he was a lot stronger.

They managed to get the sweats onto Ryder before dragging him to his feet, making him snarl. “Alright! Jesus, I’ll go with you!”

Slash released him, and Ryder walked straight up to me, taking my face in his hands. “Stay here tonight. Call Mason and see if he’ll help you.”

“I want to go with you,” I choked out, hugging him as he gave me a kiss.

“I know, baby. We’ll figure it out, just not today.” He stepped back, and I hated watching him walk out with Caden and Slash, leaving Rory to eyeball me.

“Get some self-respect and drag yourself to rehab.”

“Self-respect? What’s the difference between you and me? You’re dating nine men in your forties.”

“I’m not arguing with you. If you loved my son, then you’d want what’s best for him.”

“I’m what’s best for him. I know him better than anyone,” I scoffed, and she just rolled her eyes and started walking towards the door.

“Enjoy whatever money he gave you because it ends now. He’s lost bank account privileges until further notice.” Then she shut the door, leaving me in the silent room alone.

I tried calling Mason, but his phone was off. So were Channing and Wolfe’s, making me sigh.

It was funny how everyone was more than happy to pick up the phone when I was offering pussy, but the second I needed help, it was like crickets.

It wasn’t the guys’ fault, they didn’t know I needed help, but I couldn’t help but be hurt by it.

What the hell did I do if no one answered me by the morning?

Chapter Seventeen

Ryder

Shame, bitterness, and irritation swept through me as I walked into the kitchen with Mom, Slash, and Caden right on my heels. I tried walking up to my bedroom, but Marco appeared in front of me, blocking my path.

“No more running, Ry. Come and sit down so we can talk,” he said calmly, his eyes studying me as he tried to figure out what I’d fucked myself up on this time. I felt pretty damn sober right now.

“I’m not in the mood,” I growled, trying to walk past him but failing. “I said move!”

“No. How long ago did you relapse? What have you been taking?”

“None of your business.”

Mom appeared beside us, her voice quiet but firm. “You need to tell us.”

“Can we talk later? Please? I want a shower, a cigarette, and not to be interrogated,” I scowled, her eyes sliding to Marco’s before she nodded.

“Alright. But, Ry? You’re not leaving this house until we have that talk.”

I didn’t reply before pushing past them and taking the steps two at a time, locking myself in my room and trying to savor the peace. It was hard when my thoughts were being so damn loud.

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