Page 73 of Breaking the Rules (Roaming Devils MC 1)

“I’m okay.”

Her father made himself busy with calling the robbery in. She knew they’d have a million questions to ask her. She didn’t feel like talking to them either.

“Mom, can you turn the shower off?”

Her mother looked at her. “Of course. Were you in the shower?”

Ella nodded. The unmistakable roar of a motorcycle engine sounded next and Ella’s nerves calmed a bit. She didn’t really care what illegal shit he did at the moment. She wanted him to wrap his arms around her and hold her tight.

Ryker came in and walked straight to her.

She looped her arms around his neck and held him tight. Ryker held her against him. She closed her eyes and breathed him in. Everything about him made her feel safe.

“Babe,” he stroked his hands along her back, “talk to me.”

“I’m okay.”

“Did they touch you?” He pushed her away slightly to look in her eyes. He studied her face, then spotted what was obviously left by the guy backhanding her. “Did they hit you?”

“Ella, the police are on their way.” Her father glanced at the afghan wrapped around her. “You might want to get dressed.”

She grabbed some clothing and took Ryker into the bathroom with her, closing the door behind them.

“He backhanded me when he caught me studying them. He took my towel and tried to push my legs apart.” She stared into Ryker’s eyes. “He didn’t do anything but he promised to finish next time.”

He brushed his fingers along her swollen cheek. “There’s not going to be a next time.”

Ella leaned against the door, tears streaming down her cheeks. “I was so scared.”

Ryker pulled her to him. “It’s okay. It’s over now and nothing bad is going to happen again. Put your clothes on and give the police your statement. I’m going to the building manager’s office to get you some ice for your cheek.” He leaned in to kiss her. “It’s going to be okay.”

He left her in the bathroom and she took her time dressing. She’d picked out a pair of shorts and a tank top, her regular attire for nighttime. She didn’t know how they expected her to stay in her apartment. They had to have been watching her. They had to know that she was alone.

She went into the living room and glanced around. “Where’s Ryker?”

“He went out with his friends.” Her father came to her. “It’s okay, sweetheart. You can give a statement to the police and come home with us. You don’t have to stay here tonight.”

She pulled away from him and walked outside onto the balcony. Ryker’s motorcycle was still in the parking lot, but he wasn’t around. She swallowed hard and leaned against the banister.

“What are you doing out here?” Ryker held an ice packet in his hands, coming up the stairs.

She went to him and wound her arms around his neck. “I thought you’d left.”

“I’m not leaving you.” He held the ice to her cheek and kissed her forehead. “I’ve got you.”

Tears rolled down her cheeks as she gripped his hand to her face. “I don’t want to stay here anymore.”

“We’ll move someplace else tomorrow.” He leaned in to kiss her. “I’m not going to let anything happen to you, babe.”

She pushed the ice pack away and laid her cheek against his chest. They stood that way until the cops got there. Ella gave them a statement and they took inventory of what had been stolen.

“You can stay at our house.” Her mother rubbed Ella’s arms. “You know that.”

“I do.” She glanced over at Ryker, who’d kept himself out of the way while the cops were there. “I want to be with Ryker, though.”

“He can stay too,” her father commented. “I just want to know you’re safe. If that means he’s staying over, I don’t give a shit.”

“He’s not going to go for that.” Ella shook her head. “We’ll be okay. We can get a hotel room or something.”

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