Page 73 of Ruined

“Let’s make some from scratch for now. Maybe later tonight or tomorrow we’ll head into town and stock up.” Turning towards Jace, he says, “We should probably get stocked up anyway. Bad weather will be rolling in soon.”

“Yeah, we can go later today. Rather do it sooner than later.” Jace smiles towards us.

Ryker nods his head, turning back towards me. “Let’s make some cinnamon rolls and then go to the store.”

Butterflies swarm in my stomach. Never in my wildest dreams did I think Ryker would be the one wanting to make homemade cinnamon rolls with me.

Looking up into his eyes, I’m overwhelmed with the emotions seeping out of my veins. Reaching up, I grab the back of his head, pulling him down before I overthink my actions.

Ryker tenses, our lips pressed together, awkward enough that I’m seconds away from pulling away when he starts to move. My arms tug on the back of his hair, relishing in his groan escaping his mouth and pouring into mine. Ryker eases his tongue into my mouth, grinding his hardening cock against my stomach.

This kiss was nothing like before when it was just full of heat. He was still controlling, but this was passionate, stroking his tongue along mine. Reminding me how he ate my pussy when I sucked Jace’s cock into my mouth.

Just the thought has my pussy pooling in my panties. Standing on my tippy toes, I’m ready to climb him like a tree when he breaks the kiss.

I can’t help but feel disappointed and of course Ryker knows this. Cupping my cheeks, he presses a soft but quick kiss to my lips.

“You need some rest after last night, Blake,” he whispers. “Don’t give me that look, just give it until tonight, at least,” he mumbles, kissing my furrowed brows. Even if I wanted to fuck him like a rabbit, his words make sense. The idea of having his monster cock inside me makes my pussy hurt. Let alone Jace, who is somehow girthier than him.

I nod my head, wrapping my arms around Ryker, closing my eyes.

“Good girl,” he utters, kissing the top of my head.

Digging my nails into his side, Ryker chuckles; dumbass knows exactly what he’s doing calling me that.

Blake fell asleep on the couch before we got a chance to go to the store. And neither Jace nor I wanted to wake her up. We both watched her like a hawk, making sure she didn’t get dragged into another nightmare. Jace had more practice of calming down not only her but me when they took over.

“Dinner’s almost done, should we wake her?” Jace whispers, standing next to me. I don’t take my eyes off Blake to already know he’s looking at her as well.

I shake my head. “I don’t think so. She seems peaceful for once.” I sigh, getting to my feet. Pulling the blanket off the back of the couch, I carefully lay it over her body.

Sitting down at the small kitchen table, Jace hands me a plate of some chicken potato barbeque baked things. Out of the two of us, Jace was the cook while I baked more.

“You think she’ll be okay?” Jace whispers.

Glancing over to the couch, even though I can’t see her, I can’t look away. I’ve tried since she arrived to keep her at arm’s length. I wanted her to hate me, it would be easier. But Blake is stubborn and doesn’t realize what’s good for her.

“She’s tough,” Jace mutters around a mouthful of food.

“You haven’t told me much about what happened on the road,” I say, taking a bite of food. Jace swallows hard, eyes darting between Blake and me. “What happened, Jace?” I growl.

“Nothing, I mean, we were attacked twice, her mother put that fucking tracker in her shoulder. Dimitri apparently had no idea. I mean, unless he did,and he just didn’t want to tell. Which begs the question if he did, why wouldn’t he? If I’m—we’re supposed to protect her until he can figure out what to do about the Italians, why would he keep it a secret? I find it hard to believe he didn’t know. Unless he doesn’t care about his daughter?” Jace stares down at his food.

I know he’s struggled with shitty parents, growing up with abusive ones who took their anger out on him and his foster siblings. Jace holds parents at a high standard and when they don’t meet it, he destroys them. Or makes me do it and calls me his daddy bear.

“We should make contact with him and figure out what’s going on. I don’t like being left in the dark,” I announce finally.

“I’m not sure. Blake—she said something a while ago about Antonio not being the only one after her.” Jace meets my eyes.

“Who else?”

“The cartel.” The moment the words are out of his mouth the tension in the room rises. “I’m not sure how they’re involved, but I’m piecing together it has something to do with…” he says pointing his fork behind me at Blake on the couch.

Nodding my head, I clench my fork, taking another bite. I wasn’t sure what to say to this information. Besides asking her, I doubted she would even say anything to me or Jace for that matter. She liked to keep secrets and I couldn’t blame her.

“We need to get her to tell us everything,” I whisper, glancing behind me to make sure she hasn’t woken up. “I’m not a big fan of fighting something that’s invisible or feels like it.”

“I know, it… it was difficult, not going to lie. I’m used to looking over my shoulder, especially in this business. But I can’t explain it, man.” Jace stops, shaking his head.

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