Page 29 of Lost Boy
“Does your uncle know?”
“I don’t know, Ryder. I moved in a week ago. My head,” I moan.
Why is he making me talk now of all times?
I can’t handle it.
“Dad will pay for it,” he declares without calling or asking his father.
A trip to the emergency room without insurance will cost thousands of dollars. I’m not Alejandro’s nephew; I’m just his partner’s unfortunate responsibility.
“No.”
“I’m worried about you,” he whispers.
Sofia must hear him.
“Me too, Fallon. Please get checked out. This is all my fault,” she sniffles, and I can’t handle it.
I sit up to see her better, Ryder grumbling the entire way.
“Sofia. This is not your fault,” I tell her earnestly. The seriousness of what just happened to her—to me, to both of us—hits me hard.
“It’s not, Sofie. I’m gonna murder him for touching my little sister and for what he just did to Fallon. Dustin Flynne is a deadman.” Ryder pops his knuckles, and Jamie agrees from the front seat where he’s driving. Sofia’s two friends are passed out and strapped to the bench seat next to him.
Ryder and Jamie are good guys. Trustworthy. But they can’t ruin basketball over this guy.
“I think the blunt was laced with something, and that’s why I passed out,” I tell them.
Sure, I got punched in the face a couple of times and bit my tongue, but I don’t have a concussion. I’m pretty sure.
I meet Jamie’s eyes in the rearview mirror, and he nods.
“You don’t actually believe him? Do you, Jamie?” Ry asks in outrage. “Get on the highway and go to the hospital downtown. Now, dude.”
“I’m taking Katie and Jenna back to Katie’s house. Kelsey’s home and will take care of them. He said he’s fine, and I believe him, Ry.”
“He got punched in the face and passed out! Are you all insane?!”
“Calm down, Ryder,” Sofia chimes in. “It’s been a long night. Let’s just go home. Please.”
At his little sister’s plea, I know he’ll give in.
Sighing deeply, Ryder leans back, resting his head and staring at the ceiling. I study the column of his throat for a beat too long before his hands grab for me, steering me back down until my head is in his lap again. I don’t protest. I feel safe here as he runs his long fingers through my hair, soothing me.
“Don’t fall asleep, Fallon.” His tone is firm, and my eyes shoot open, locking onto the pale green gaze above me, transfixed by his concern for me.
“M’tired,” I mumble in protest. My face hurts too.
“I can keep you awake,” he mouths and winks. The Ryder I’ve come to know is back. The jokester. I snort at his innuendo, wincing as I clutch my side.
Ouch. Shit.
His teasing smile turns into worry once again.
Guess we’ll see, Golden Boy.
CHAPTERTEN
