I lean forward, resting my arms on my knees. “I know you’re not happy about this situation, but what’s your problem, man?”
He scoffs, leaning back and crossing his muscular, tattooed arms over his chest. The dark scruff that covers most of his face hides any expression other than loathing.
“This is an assignment. Her job is to make sure these threats don’t end up your reality.” He pauses, his eyes as intense as they were the last time he had words for me. “You keep your thoughts and hands to yourself.”
It’s my turn to scoff. “I get the impression Ryder is perfectly capable of taking care of herself.”
“You don’t know anything about her.” It’s a bit of a growl.
He’s right. I really don’t know anything about Ryder, and tonight proved that. But she didn’t like his non-explicit claim on her.
“I know she doesn’t like you setting boundaries for her.”
He stands. “Is that so?”
I stand. “You have nothing to worry about while she’s here with me.”
He steps closer. “I don’t because if anything happens—”
He’s cut off by the door swinging open. Ryder stands in the doorway with blood splattered across her white T-shirt.
“Should I step back out in the hall and let you two finish whatever the hell this is?” Her tone is flat, and she looks worn out.
I forget the joker across from me and take a few steps closer, inspecting her. “Are you ok?”
She closes the door.
“Yours or his?” TJ points to the stains on her shirt and jeans.
“Not mine this time.” She runs a hand through her messy hair.
Not her blood. This time.
“How is she?” TJ asks.
“Not good.” Ryder glances at me out of the corner of her eye. Her voice softens. “Hope’s with her at the hospital.”
“Shit.” TJ rubs his jaw.
Her eyes return to me. “You good?”
I want to laugh, but I hold it in.Am I ok?“You first?”
It takes her a second, but she nods.
“How’s he?” TJ steps closer.
Her head lolls. “He won’t be coming after her anytime soon.”
“Anyone else involved?” he asks.
She shakes her head. “Just him.”
TJ steps between us. He looks at me and then Ryder. “You want me to hang out for a while?”
Her stiff stance eases. “No. I’m good. I need a shower.”
He lingers a second like he’s contemplating arguing, then fist bumps her shoulder, and I catch her slight wince. “You did good tonight. Probably saved her life.”
