Ryder’s eyes found mine, so hard they resembled granite. “What do you mean men? As in at the hospital?”
“I—”
“And you didn’t think to tell me?” His hand dragged over his face in exasperation. “Christ, it’s like youwantto be taken.”
“Mum isn’t safe there, so I think we should call the police. Maybe they can?—”
“No.” The word slammed the air between us.
“Ryder, they’re?—”
“Violet, I said no.” I froze at his harsh tone as he finally stopped flicking the stupid knife. “We’ve discussed this; you can’t trust the police.”
“But I can trustyou?” The words were out before I could stop them, but that didn’t make it any less true.
When Ryder spoke this time, it was calmer, but still held a tone that made me want to bite back. “There isn’t anyone else, Violet. I didn’t ask for this, just like you didn’t. But we’re stuck together until we figure out who wants that USB drive so fucking much.”
“Figure out who’s put a hit on your head, you mean,” I said flatly.
His face was severe as he stared me down, all sharp edges and a jaw locked tight, carving harsher lines into already striking features.
Then there were those infuriatingly gorgeous eyes. A brown so decadent it felt unfair. They were rich and endless, like melted chocolate catching the light. But rightnow, there were shadows that hinted at something darker beneath the surface.
He glanced down at his phone, some of the tension easing from his frame as he slid it back into his pocket.“I’ll be back in a few hours,” he said, grabbing his leather jacket, the one I’d immediately tossed over the sofa like it had personally offended me.
“Wait, you’re just leaving me here?”
“This is a five-star establishment, princess.” He walked over to his office, closing and locking the door with an audible beep. “So make yourself comfy.”
“Did you just call me a princess?” A scoff caught in my throat. “Where are you going? What if something goes wrong? I can’t even contact you!” I protested, but it fell on deaf ears.
“No one knows this place even exists. My name isn’t on the paperwork, so you’ll be fine.”
“Ryder…”
But he was already gone, the front door slamming shut behind him.
I let out a low, frustrated sound, glaring at the empty space where he’d stood moments before. I wasn’t some helpless princess locked in a tower waiting for a prince to come save her.
If Ryder wouldn’t help me, then fine. I’d find someone who would.
“Phone, phone, phone,” I muttered, eyes locked on the closed office door. I crossed the room quickly and pressed down on the handle, only for it to beep and flash a sharp red light. “Shit.”
The bedroom was my next stop, but the drawers held nothing but clothes. Under the bed I found sports gear, boxes of random jewellery that definitely weren’t his, anddisturbingly, a forgotten pair of lace underwear I had zero intention of touching.
Ew.
The kitchen wasn’t much better, with utensils, cutlery, and other boring but expected essentials. Then, in the last drawer, I spotted a few stray pens… and a key.
My hand hovered, hesitating before my fingertips brushed against the metal.
He’d said he’d be gone a few hours. Enough time to slip out, call the authorities, and be back before he even knew I’d moved.
IfI decided to come back.
Grabbing the key, I left, making sure to double check it worked before locking the door behind me. The late afternoon sun washed the sky in shades of pink and mauve, the cool air teasing my bare legs as I began to walk down the street.
I caught sight of my reflection in a shopfront window. Barely presentable, drowning in a man’s T-shirt, hair tangled and wild. Shit. I really should have changed, but my thoughts were a mess, everywhere at once.
