Page 96 of Ryder
It felt like the most tentative and awkward gathering ever. Everyone was practically on the edge of their seat, and I was pretty sure, if one person spoke out of turn, it could all turn nasty really fast. I loved my daddy, but I also knew what he was capable of. What he’d had to do to build his empire, and although I knew he’d never hurt me, I still knew he was a very dangerous man.
“So, we can leave you in peace to catch up with Tori, of course,” Reacher said, resting his hands on his knees, to stand up.
“Uh… no need for that,” Daddy said smoothly. What? I saw everyone frown at his words.
“Daddy?”
“You’re coming home with me, Victoria. No need for any more running and hiding. You’ll be safe with me.”
“Fuck that!” Ryder snapped, on his feet in an instant. I got up quickly, before anything could escalate.
“I don’t believe I’ve had the pleasure, son.” My father was nothing if not a charmer, but I knew the danger surrounding us in this moment. One word from him, and this place would descend into a deadly bloodbath, and I couldn’t let that happen.
“Mr Rossi, I think what Ryder is trying to say, is that he’s rather attached to Tori.” The blond guy was standing too, and trying to ease the situation.
“Ryder? That’s a road name, I’m guessing?”
Ryder glared at him, his chin lifting as he spoke in a firm tone.
“My name is Ryder Carlson, but yeah, it’s also my road name. That’s completely fucking irrelevant right now.You’re not taking her away from me.”
I glanced at daddy, whose eyebrows had climbed a little higher than I thought was safe for Ryder. Don’t let this turn nasty, please. Don’t hurt him!
“Ryder, please, calm down. We can talk about this without it escalating.Please.”
“Darlin’, you’re not fucking going anywhere. I don’t care who your daddy is.”
“Ryder! Stand the fuck down,” Reacher demanded, and now everyone was on their feet, and it was tense, and I was so afraid.I felt intense panic. I felt this terrifying, paralysing dread washing over me, and suddenly I couldn’t breathe. All I could do was gasp, and claw at my throat, and I felt like I was about to pass out.
“Baby. Baby, I’ve got you. It’s okay, you’re safe.” Ryder was suddenly holding me, and we were sinking to the floor almost in slow motion, as he cradled me against him, practically rocking me in his lap like a child. My breathing finally started to ease, as I clenched Ryder’s t-shirt in my fists, and let his warmth soothe me.
“Clear everyone out of here,” I heard my father barking at someone, probably Reacher. There was movement all around me, and then the room fell quiet once more. When the Mafia Don demands, people acquiesce without argument.
“Come here, love,” I heard my father mutter to me, but I couldn’t move. Not only because Ryder had me practically in a death grip, but also because I needed Ryder to help me breathe again.
The silence grew longer, and more tense.
“Ryder.” That was Reacher. I felt Ryder tense, and then he moved, easing us back up from the floor, but I wouldn’t let go of him, I couldn’t.
“Someone tell me what the hell is going on here.” That was my father, never one to ask when he can demand.
I finally looked around, and noticed it was only my father, Ryder, Reacher, and his VP in the immediate area now.
“Unhand her,please.”
I swallowed hard, turning to look at my father, noticing that Ryder’s arms tightened around me instead of releasing me.
“Daddy, this is Ryder.”
He nodded briskly. “I heard that part. What I don’t understand is why he has his hands all over you.”
Reacher sighed. “Can we sit again? We’ll explain everything, but I think she needs to be close to him right now.”
My father must have agreed, but I noticed he was the last to sit down. A clear power play, and nobody missed it.
“Daddy…”
“You were gone for almost nine years. I’ve had people looking for you. Why did you run? If you were afraid of something, or someone…” he fixed Ryder with a glare then, “you know I’d have protected you. You’re my daughter.”
