Page 80 of Breaking the Rules (Roaming Devils MC 1)

Sometime later, Ella opened the door and stepped inside. Her face looked like she’d gone three rounds with a professional boxer and lost. Ryker stood from the sofa and walked toward her.

“I didn’t break anything. Just bruising and swelling.” She stared at him, the skin beneath her eyes a mixture of purple and yellow. “As for what happened to me, I was attacked by a junkie at the clinic. And for your information, I’m okay. Sore, but I’m going to live.” She sat down on the sofa.

“I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to do it.”

“I know.” She stared at him. “What were you thinking about? I called your name a few times and you didn’t hear me. You were in some other place.”

He took in a shaky breath. He didn’t want to tell her what had happened. So much could go wrong. He rubbed a hand over his face. “I was thinking about what we did to Razor.”

She sat quietly on the couch. He didn’t know what to say. Every time he looked at her, he wanted to apologize. He wanted to kiss her and hold her. Make her feel better.

“He taunted me.” He closed his eyes and dropped his head back. “‘Are you going to do it, or are you a pussy?’” His nerves were shot for the night. “I don’t know what is wrong with me. I couldn’t do it.”

She patted the spot next to her. When he sat, she reached for his hand and kissed it. “You’re a good man. You need to believe me when I say that to you.”

“Says the woman I just elbowed in the face.”

She tilted her head to the side. “I know it was an accident. I never thought it was intentional. You look more upset about it than me, so I definitely know you didn’t mean to do it.” She rubbed his hand with her thumb. “I’m okay.”

“I love you,” he whispered, his voice shaky.

“I know.” She moved closer to him. “Don’t move. I’m going to hug you.”

Her arms wrapped around him and he closed his eyes, breathing her in. Somehow, being close to her made everything feel right again.

“I’m going to be so fucking sore in the morning.” She pulled back and stared at him. “My griping is the only punishment you’re allowed to get. I know you would never hurt me intentionally. I also know better than to grab someone’s arm when they don’t hear me. It’s okay. I’m okay.”

He lightly kissed her lips. “I’m so sorry. I wish it didn’t happen.”

“Shh.” She smoothed her hand along his scruffy cheek. Rubbing her finger along his lip, she said, “Let’s go to bed.”

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