Page 10 of Keeping What He Wants

Ryker took a step back and put the phone to his ear.

“Are you listening to me?” Ella asked.

He pushed the mute button and stood. “I’ve got bad reception in here, babe. Let me move to a different room.”

He moved past Beth and headed out to the main meeting area where they conducted club business. The room was peaceful and private. Nobody but voting members were allowed inside, and even then, only the hierarchy of the club could be in there alone. He went inside and closed the doors behind him.

“What were you saying, baby?”

“I said that I was okay. I have a bruise or two, but I’m fine.” She huffed a breath. “I also went on about one of my patients, but I don’t have enough time to repeat it.”

He rubbed his eyes. “I’m sorry, babe. The workout room is in the middle of the club and my cell service isn’t that great. You can tell me about it when you get home.” Ryker sat on the edge of the table. “I’m glad you’re okay. Will you be home in a few hours?”

“I’m actually leaving early.”

“Yeah? When?”

“Now.” She sniffled. “Well, in an hour.”

“You want me to meet you there?”

“You don’t have to.” She paused a moment. “You sound like you’re busy.”

Ryker stared at his boots. “I’m never too busy for you.”

She laughed. “You saying stuff like that will start to make me swoon. I need to go. My break is up. Don’t get into too much trouble tonight.”

Ryker smiled. “I love you.”

He hung up and stared at his phone. There was the nagging thought in his head that ironically sounded like his father’s voice telling him that he wasn’t cut out for a life with Ella. Beth knew club life and she understood all the things Ella never would. It was a dark and dangerous road to even go there with his thoughts, but he couldn’t help it. The world had been against Ryker and Ella from the beginning. Other factors in their life only made it more complicated.

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