Page 57 of Ryder

“I know that,” I say. “But I grew up with her. This isn’t just some piece of ass. I care about her, and this asshole’s been hurtin’ her. She tried to deny it, but I know her. He’s threatened her and isolated her from everyone she knows. She’s scared.”

Cash frowns. “Don’t go gettin’ your panties all in a twist. We’ll get her back to the clubhouse, I’ll call a meetin’, and we can go from there.”

“I’m gonna find him, Cash. I’m lettin’ you know that.”

“You’re not stormin’ the Devils Ink MC by yourself and that’s an order.” He stares me down and I’m dutifully reminded of my place in this club. Shit-kicker. If it means walking away, then that’s what I’ll do. I contemplate calling Luca, but I can do that once Crystal is safe.

“Cash, don’t do this to me. I need to stop that fuckin’ asshole before he gets his hooks into her for good. The only way he’ll learn is if he’s dead.”

“Know it, but I also know no good comes of rushin’ in blindly with your anger on full display. You’re not thinkin’ straight and goin’ in there by yourself? That shit will get you killed.”

“Cash. You don’t understan?—”

He rests a hand on my shoulder. “I understand more than you think, son, but I also know that the Devils Ink are sneaky bastards with no remorse. They’ll cut you alive and not blink twice. You’re a good kid. Always the first one here, the last to leave. One day, you’ll make an excellent committee member, but right now, you gotta sit tight and let me handle this.”

“You won’t do shit because Crystal’s a chick and means nothin’ to this club. And I’m still a prospect.” I can’t hold back my anger.

His eyes darken. “That’s not what I said. And watch your tone.”

I start to pace, hands in my hair. Cash watches me. He’s calm because this doesn’t affect him. Who is Crystal to him anyway?

“Ryder, we’re gonna take care of this,” Cash goes on. “You have my word. If you’re patchin’ in and Crystal is your ol’ lady, then that changes things.”

“He’s not gonna get away with this,” I ramble on. “You should see how scared she is of him. She actually tried to defend him because there isn’t a mean bone in her body.” I shake my head, trying to understand where my girl comes from sometimes.

He stops me, holding both my shoulders with his firm grip. “Listen to me, Ryder.” Cash’s tone and his tight hold gets my attention. “If you do anythin’ that I don’t approve of — such as storm outta here with vigilante revenge on the brain — you’re never gonna be allowed back in this club. This isn’t how we handle things. I said I’d take care of it, and I will.”

I swallow hard. “I’m sorry,” I say, forgetting myself. “I just… I love her. I’ve fucked up in so many ways. I haven’t been there for her. If I had, maybe she wouldn’t be in this position right now.”

Cash regards me for a few moments. Then he grunts. “You know what? You remind me of myself when I was your age. Reckless. Impulsive. I loved hard and got burned every damn time. I was a hothead, too. Didn't have any self-control. I got myself into some pretty fucked up situations because I didn’t think things through. Women? They’ll fuck up your head.” He taps the side of my skull. “They will fuck you up in ways you can’t even imagine. If it’s for the right one, then the beatin’ your soul’s gonna take might be worth it. Then again?—”

“She’s worth it,” I grit. “She’s worth every single beatin’, boss. I wouldn’t be comin’ to you if she wasn’t.”

He looks dubious, his brow furrowing as he purses his lips. I know he thinks this is just young love, or some crush that I’ll get over, but he has no clue.

“I can vouch for Crystal,” Bronco says behind us. I didn’t even hear him come in. “We’ve known her for a long time, since we were kids. She’s good. Pure. Whatever Ryder said about her, it’s all true,” he goes on. “You need my help, I’m in.”

I smile gratefully, though Cash still has a hold of me. I’m sure he thinks if he lets go, I’ll storm over to the Devils’ clubhouse, despite his warning. But I’m not stupid. Oh, believe me, I want to go over there and trip all their fucking heads off. But like Cash said, I’ll die quickly and it’ll all be for nothing.

I take a breath. “Nice timin’ as always,” I mutter.

Cash lets go of me. “We understanin’ each other?”

“Yes.” I nod. “I gotta go get Crystal.”

“I meant what I said, Ryder. There are no second chances.” Cash points at me.

“Got it.”

I shoulder bump Bronco on the way out.

“Comin’ with you,” he says, following me.

I groan. “You sure you don’t mean babysittin’?”

“Crystal means a lot to me, too. If this asshole shows up, you’re gonna need backup.”

“I can handle him by myself.”

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