Page 50 of Breaking the Rules (Roaming Devils MC 1)

“If you hurt her…”

“That will never happen.”

Her father’s eyes filled with tears. “She’s my baby girl. I don’t care if she’s nearly thirty and has her own life. I still see her as that little girl that looked up to me to protect her.” He shook his head. “I will always see her that way and I can’t protect her from you.”

Ryker propped his cheek up on his palm. “You don’t need to protect her from me. She’s strong and very capable of taking care of herself. I’m assuming you taught her that.”

“I wish she had better judgment.”

Ryker snorted. “I’m not my father.”

“For right now. What happens when you take that club over? When you’ve got the power? Where does Ella fit into that? Are you going to drag her along, fucking women behind her back? Dealing drugs and trading guns. Where does my little girl fit in that life? She’s worked hard to be where she’s at. Just being associated with you can give her a bad name.”

Ryker couldn’t answer all those questions. He didn’t know how he’d change it so Ella fit in. She was innocent and he wanted to keep her that way. Part of him worried that she’d lost some of that innocence with everything that transpired. Ryker couldn’t protect her from himself either. That would always be lingering over their heads.

“For my daughter’s sake, I’m calling a truce. Maybe I can repair the damage I’ve created.” He moved to the door. “Please tell her I miss her. Her mother wanted me to invite her to dinner. You’re welcome to come, too, if Ella wants to bring you. Just let her know that I care about her. I miss talking to her every day.”

Ryker struggled with their conversation long after her father had gone. He didn’t know what it was like to have a parent that cared too much about him. Not the way her father cared about her.

When Ella finally came home, he had the table set, with candles lit. He’d ordered in a home cooked meal from a local restaurant and divided the food up for them. Ryker poured Ella some sweet tea while he grabbed some water, wishing like hell it was a beer.

“I see all you did was lay around today.” She closed the door and dropped her stuff to the floor.

He walked to the end of the table and took his spot. Leaning back in his chair, he pushed hers out with his foot. “Sit.”

“I don’t want to do this.” She shook her head. “I’m taking a shower. Don’t follow me.”

Ryker lifted his water to his lips and stared at the door she slammed. She stayed in the shower at least thirty minutes and in the bathroom ten more before she came out dressed in a tank top and pair of short shorts. He loved the way her nipples poked against the white tank top, darkening the spot slightly. She wore purple shorts that barely covered her ass cheeks and they were pretty damn tempting as well. Wearing no makeup with her hair pulled back, she looked tired. Worried even.

“There was a point in time where you used to like spending time with me,” Ryker commented. “I guess the honeymoon is over.”

“Well, I’m sorry I’m not giving you what you need. Call one of your friends. I’m sure they will.”

He stood. “That’s uncalled for.”

She sat on the sofa and clicked the TV on. Ryker walked over to her and took the remote, clicking the TV off.

“What the hell?”

“We’re talking about what’s got you in a pissy mood.”

“Just leave me alone.”

“No.” He grabbed her arm and pulled her up. “Is it my injury?”

“Let me go.”

“Not until you talk to me.”

“Fine.” She propped her hands on her hips. He could see the frustration on her face. An array of emotion swept over her as she searched for words to express how she felt. He caused whatever she struggled with. He knew it from the moment he looked into her eyes. “Do you know what it’s like to have your hand inside your lover’s stomach, feeling their blood, sticky and warm against your fingers? Do you know what it’s like to know that if you move your finger just a little bit, it could kill them?”

“Ella—”

She clenched her jaw. “You were lying on the ground in a pool of your own blood three fucking days ago and now you’re walking around the apartment like everything is so fucking fine. It’s not fine. You’re not fine. You need to lay in that bed and not fucking move!”

Ryker pulled her to him, wrapping his arms around her and holding her tight. “Listen to me.” He kissed her temple. “I’m alive. I’m right here and I’m not going anywhere.”

“You don’t listen to me.” She shook her head. “I know Vampire’s been here, since you shaved. You had to get the shaving cream from somewhere. He probably also took you to get food. Or just fucking drove around.”

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