Aurora’s expression falters, looking uncomfortable with the idea of someone else stepping in. She looks away, her gaze shifting to the window again, hoping I’ll just let it go.
“I don’t need… all of this,” she insists. “I can take care of myself.”
“I know you can,” I say, my eyes locked on hers. “But this isn’t about what you want, Aurora. This is about what you need right now.”
“Do you really think it’s that dangerous? Here? Come on, it’s just tire tracks.”
Oh, she has no idea. She doesn’t know anything about our lives. But how do I tell her it might not be the town that’s problematic—but me?
“Let Ryder help. He’s good at this. Me too.”
Her eyes flicker with frustration. “I can’t just let everyone take over.”
I barely get a chance to form a witty reply when I hear the crunch of gravel outside. I don’t even have to check to know it’s Ryder. He doesn’t take his time when there’s a problem, and right now, he might have a big one on his hands.
Ryder doesn’t bother knocking. He walks right in, striding confidently. No hesitation, no politeness. His boots thud against the floor as he sweeps his gaze across the room.
“Ryder Callahan,” he says firmly. “Finn, what’s going on here?”
I can see the flicker of surprise in Aurora’s eyes. She clearly wasn’t expecting this. He doesn’t waste time with pleasantries or asking permission.
I don’t blame her. I’ve seen Ryder do this a thousand times, but to someone who doesn’t know him, it must come across as pretty damn rude.
I meet Aurora’s eyes, offering a half-hearted shrug.
"That's Ryder,” I explain quickly, trying to ease the tension a little. “He’s… uh, protective of people he cares about. Doesn't waste time asking questions, just makes decisions. We should listen to him.”
“So, Finn?” he continues. “What’s happening? Whose ass do I need to kick?”
I hold up my hands, trying to defuse things before they go sideways. “Ryder, it’s not?—”
“You know it is,” Ryder interrupts, his eyes locking onto Aurora now. “What the hell did you do to get yourself tangled in this?”
Aurora’s eyes widen, her jaw tightening. She opens her mouth to protest, but Ryder’s not having any of it.
“I told you to be careful, Finn. You know what’s going on at the moment. You know, getting mixed up with anyone is a bad idea.”
Aurora bristles at his words. “I’m fine. I told Finn it’s nothing. I’m just?—”
“No.” Ryder cuts her off, his tone now cold, authoritative. “You’re not fine. You’re not staying here alone tonight. Not after all of this.” He turns his glare back on me. “And you, Finn, how the hell did you let this go on? You know better. You’ve seen the signs. And now she’s caught up in this mess.”
Ryder’s not even looking at Aurora anymore, not really. His eyes are on me, and I can tell he’s furious because I let things go too far. And hell, he’s right. I’ve been too casual, too lighthearted. I’ve enjoyed myself too much—and let people see it with Aurora.
But this is the part of me I’ve been running from. Caring too damn much.
Aurora’s shaking her head. She’s not ready for all of this. She wants to fight back, but she doesn’t have the energy. “I can’t just pack up and leave. I’m not?—”
Ryder shoots her a sharp look. “You’re not staying here alone tonight. You’re not a damn target, not for anyone’s messed-up games.”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” Aurora tries, but Ryder shakes his head.
“I’m sorry, but you’re going to stay with us at The Hollow tonight. Whether you like it or not.”
Aurora’s cheeks flush with frustration. She wants to stand her ground. I can see it. But it’s Ryder, and when he uses his authority, there’s no way around it. Judging by her expression, she knows it too.
“Fine,” she says, a little more defeated than I’m used to hearing from her. “But just for tonight. Tomorrow, I’m back here. I’m not turning into some damsel in distress.”
I can’t help but grin, despite the situation. That’s the thing about Aurora. She’s got that fire in her, even when she’s being backed into a corner. She doesn’t want to be saved, but right now, she’s not in a position to argue.
