Page 113 of Fought and Freed

“I’m not stealing money,” Richard said defensively.

“Maybe, maybe not, but I can sure make it look like you did. Easily,” Lucca said. “So, you better stay away from Honey and immediately sign those divorce papers when our lawyer sends them over, or you’ll be seeing me again.”

Ryder strode up to Richard and punched him right in the face hard enough to hear bone crack and blood poured out of his nose. “That’s for hitting my sister.”

Holding his busted nose, Richard fled to his car and drove off.

Ryder shoved his gun into the back of his pants and ran to his sister. “Are you hurt?”

“No, I’m fine.” She hugged him. “Thank you for saving me.”

“That’s what brothers do.” Ryder smiled. “I want to introduce you to my girl.”

Ryder wrapped his arm around Honey’s shoulder and walked over to Maddy. “Honey, this is the love of my life, Maddy.”

“It’s nice to meet you,” Maddy said.

Honey gave her a tentative smile. “It’s a pleasure to meet you. Ryder talks about you all the time.”

“And this is Maddy’s brother, Lucca,” Ryder introduced.

Honey’s eyes widened as she looked up at him. “Thank you for helping my brother.”

“Anytime.” Lucca’s gaze swept over the ratty complex. “I want to offer you an apartment in a better area where I can promise you’ll be safe, and no one will bother you.”

“Um…” She looked at Ryder in question.

“I live there,” Harry added with a smile. “No one will bother you, I can promise that. Plus, it’s a lot nicer than what you’ve been living in.”

“Thank you for your kind offer, but I can’t ask Ryder to pay more than he already is.” Honey dipped her head. “He’s working too much already.”

“He wouldn’t have to pay anything,” Lucca said, finally putting his gun away. “I own the building. So, you can stay there for free.”

Hope filled Ryder at the offer. Quitting his job and just helping Cody would be great.

“What about Mrs. Hazel?” Harry questioned.

Lucca rubbed his chin. “That could work. One of my guys has a mother who can’t stay where she is. She’s a sweet older woman whose husband just died. I’ll give you a two-bedroom. That way, you both can keep each other company.”

“What do you think, Honey?” Ryder implored.

“I’ll try,” she whispered.

“Good.” Lucca clapped his hands to seal the deal. “Harry, go with Honey and Ryder to pack up her stuff. Then, you can show them to the new place. I’ll go talk to Mrs. Hazel.”

Ryder pulled Lucca into a fierce hug. “I can’t thank you enough. Working as much as I was and going to school was wearing me down, not to mention trying to help Honey with everything.”

“I’ve noticed.” Lucca clapped him on the back. “Your sister will be safe, and I think Mrs. Hazel will be good company for her. She can teach her a lot about being independent.”

“I owe you one.” Ryder released Lucca and turned to Maddy. “Sorry, I ruined dinner.”

“Nothing was ruined. I’m glad everything worked out.” She reached out and squeezed his arm.

Jace and Skylar stepped up next to her, and Skylar wrapped an arm around her. “We’re going to head back home, unless you still need us?”

“No, that sounds good. I’ll see you there in a bit.” He turned toward Cody. “You going, too?”

Cody nodded. “I think I will, if you don’t need me?”

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