Page 8 of Ryder's War

Ryder leaned over and looked his friend in the face. “I think your brain is broken.”

At that moment, the door flew open, and a female physician strolled into the room, carrying herself with that particular confidence Ryder had come to associate with women who dealt with dangerous men professionally. Like Tiffany, she wore authority as comfortably as her white coat. “Hey, this is not the place for romance. Save the kissing for later.”

Ace stammered, “W-what? We’re not gay.”

Ryder straightened and grinned are her. “We are. He just doesn’t like people to know.”

Giving him a shove, Ace complained bitterly, “If I were gay, I wouldn’t be dating you. Jesus, you’ve got one ugly mug. It’s enough to give a man nightmares.”

Pretending to be wounded, Ryder stepped back, a hand pressed over his heart. “How can you shame me in front of new people?”

Suddenly grinning again, Ace replied, “If I could make you a little prettier, I would.”

“You are not the man I met a year ago.”

The pretty redhead chuckled at their antics. “Hey, I know that show. Want to know the kicker?”

Ace nodded.

“I’m Mrs. Reynolds or Dr. Reynolds, as the case may be. Isn’t that hilarious?”

Sounding disappointed, Ace mumbled dejectedly, “You’re married. It figures.”

“Well, I’m actually divorced. It’s still funny, though, right?”

Darkness complained from the doorway, as impatient as ever. “Yeah, it’s a fucking riot. Do you think you can patch up my brother, or do you just plan to stand around making jokes about obscure television shows all damned day?”

Swiveling her head around to look at Darkness, Dr. Reynolds’ delicate, rust-colored brow lifted. “I don’t think I like your attitude.”

“Don’t give a fuck, doc. Do your job.”

Frowning, Ryder had to admit that Darkness had absolutely no people skills. The man reallyknew how to wreck the fun moments in life as well.

Shooting Darkness an annoyed look, she stated coldly, “You can have a seat in the waiting room and take his gay friend with you. I don’t need any distractions when I—” Glancing back at Ace she continued, “When I work.”

“Fine, whatever. Just get the job done.”

Following his brother, Ryder murmured on the way out, “Remember to be a good little boy, and the doctor will give you a sticker.”

Dr. Reynolds laughed, which seemed to infuriate Ace all over again. “Fuck off. I’m glad you’re leaving. A little peace and quiet would be nice for a change.”

Falling into step beside Darkness on the way to the waiting room, Ryder mentioned casually, “That was a shitty way to treat a doctor. She agreed to squeeze Ace into her already tight schedule. It seems like you could be nice for once.”

“Bitches make me nervous. You know that, brother.”

Ryder studied his president's face, seeing the familiar shadows there. Some men wore their damage like armor, others like open wounds. Darkness had somehow managed both—making his pain into a weapon that kept everyone at arm's length. It worked too well sometimes.

“She ain’t some club whore. She’s a medical professional.”

His club president’s head jerked around to look at him. “Are you fucking kidding me?”

“Look, I know you ain’t ever gonna respect women. I’m just taking it upon myself to point out when you cross the line.”

“Fuck the damn line. Know what set me off about that one?”

“The pretty redhead making googly eyes at Ace?”

“Fuck if all the halfway decent bitches don’t look right over me like I’m fucking invisible.”

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