Suddenly, we’re both tackled to the ground and the unmistakable crunch of bone sinks into my ears, followed by an eerie wail dragged from Erik’s throat. I brace for thepain to hit me next, but there’s just warmth as I’m enveloped in leather, wood and bergamot. When I look up, piercing blue eyes meet mine through a black skull mask.
Ryker.
‘She’s not much of a hugger.’ Ryker hauls me off Erik, lifting me from the ground. ‘Might wanna get that looked at.’
‘My hand!’ Erik bawls, writhing against the earth, clutching his wrist. ‘My fucking hand!’
Ryker ushers me away before the blond guy, Lex, lunges, ripping at Ryker’s hoodie and trying to get a hold. Jace appears and pushes the guy off Ryker. It’s a scene of flailing arms and legs.
Ryker’s eyes meet mine once more. ‘Run!’ There’s something else in his voice.Laughter.
He’slaughing.
Even as Lex flails for a grip on his limbs, this crazy bastard is amused. Behind him, another ECU student, along with two security guards, are rushing toward us, so I do what I’m told. I bolt.
Chapter 16
Gianna
FOUR YEARS AGO
Things change when you’re scared.
You do things you wouldn’t usually do. I don’t know where I thought I would run to when I took off, but I get three blocks away before I realise I ran away from where Monique was waiting in the car. Does she know? She must. She was parked across the road from Tyler.
Darting down the street, I turn around the corner. At the end, I take another left, into a quiet neighbourhood, hoping I’ve lost them. I inhale sharp breaths beneath my respirator mask, but may as well be consuming smoke. The air is hot, and my lungs are starved.
The strangest sensation, though, is that I feel free. Wild. With no limits.
I understand now why the Kingsmen do it.
I tear the mask off my face to breathe. Clean air burns my lungs and I hunch over my knees, which threaten to give out at any moment.
My pulse slows and it dawns on me.
Ryker. I left him there.Shit.
I have to go back and help him. The security guards will take him into the police station for sure, and what ifthis ruins everything for him? Would this go on a criminal record? Would it threaten his place in the national team? It’s only a statue, right?
I check my pockets. ‘Where’s my phone?’ I mutter.
Cursing, I search my brain for when I’d had it last. Monz’s car.
I pace a few times, two steps forward and one back, before resigning with a groan. I have to help Ryker.
I run back toward the college, forming a plan as my feet pound the pavement. When I get there, I’ll run full force and tackle the guards like he had.Yes. Because your five-foot frame could totally take down a six-foot-something man.
The cool air assaults my lungs and sweat glides down my back. I come to a skidding halt when I see Erik and his goons at the corner of the next block, in front of some houses.
Erik’s first to lock eyes on me, his right arm clutched to his body. He points his uninjured hand in my direction and his three friends rush toward me. For a moment, my legs freeze. I look around for my escape route, then hear the sweetest sound: the thundering revs of a motorbike.
Ryker’s bike comes skidding around a corner, lurching to an abrupt stop in front of me. He doesn’t waste time. Pulling me in close, he removes his helmet and places it over my head, securing the chin strap and grabbing hold of my elbow to support me. I swing my leg over the seat and my breathing turns staccato.
Holy shit.I’ve never been on a motorbike before.
Ryker grabs each of my feet and puts them on the footpegs. I look over my shoulder and see Erik getting closer.
‘Hurry!’ I scream.
