Page 89 of Ravaged Saints

Max has every right to be angry, but Ryker doesn’t seem like the type to screw him over on purpose.

Still, it makes me wonder—what exactly is their relationship?

I peek and don’t see any of them outside, so I head to the bathroom for a quick cold-as-hell shower and get dressed fast. After the situation with Ethan, I want to avoid being by myself for too long. Heading out, I see Ryker walking to the stairs, his feet heavy on the floor and his shoulders sagging.

“Ryker,” I call, and he turns to face me, his eyes heavy with something sad, and my heart breaks for him.

“Are you okay?” I ask.

His eyes search mine before he lets out a breath. “Kind of.”

“You and Max?” I press, and he blushes. I smile softly.

“Yeah.” He drags a hand over his blushed face. "I fucked up." His words come out low and rough, followed by a deep breath.

“Are you guys a couple?” I step closer, testing the waters.

His eyes widen and he frowns, realizing that I know more than he thought. “Not really,” he mutters, shaking his head again. “Because of me.”

I pause before admitting, “My youngest brother had a boyfriend.”

Ryker’s eyes snap to mine, startled, but I don’t think it’s because I said my brother had a boyfriend, but because I barely talk about myself with any of them.

“He did?” He pockets his hands and looks down to the floor again.

I glance up the stairs. This is not the type of conversation to have in the hallway. “Let’s sit outside and talk. What do you think?” I ask softly, careful not to push too hard.

He nods and gestures for me to lead the way. When we enter the living space, I see Ethan sitting in the living room, but Bryn isn’t with him, and I wonder where she is. They are always together.

Ryker opens the door, and as soon as I step outside, the warm sun hits my skin. I close my eyes for a moment, but I feel Ryker walking up front. I follow him to the wooden bench and table next to the entrance to the bunker.

“He’s not going to forgive me,” Ryker says heavily as he sits and his eyes avoid mine; the guilt is written all over his face.

“Do you have feelings for Bryn?” I ask, leaning toward him.

His head snaps up, his gaze sharp. “No, of course not. She’s hot, but that’s it.”

I nod. “Did you tell him that?”

I cup his cheek gently, catching the surprise in his eyes, but I pretend not to notice and continue. “Maybe you should show him. Words are easy, Ryker. Anyone can say them, but actions? That’s how people believe you. That’s how Max will know how you really feel.”

His eyes stay on mine like he is studying every word I’m saying.

“When Knox and Max told us that first day that they wouldn’t hurt us, I didn’t believe them,” I admit. “I’d already heard those exact words once, and they meant nothing. But the way they acted, the way you all treated us, that’s what showed me I could trust you, that I was safe.”

Something shifts in his expression, and I see it, a light flickering to life in his beautiful eyes. “Show him?” he murmurs, but I think it’s more to himself than to me.

“Can I ask you something?” he says, leaning closer.

I nod.

“Was your brother happy? Did your family accept him?” His voice trembles like he’s unsure he wants the answer.

“They did,” I say, and I can’t contain the smile on my lips. “They weren’t surprised. We all knew my brother had a thing for a colleague. So when he told us, we supported him. My mom even invited them to dinner the next day.” I feel the tears forming, but I shake my head. This is not the time…

Ryker chuckles, and I see some of the weight lift from his shoulders. “I think my parents would accept Max and me better than when I told them I was joining the army. They were relieved when I got discharged.” He shakes his head with amusement.

“I’m sure your parents would love Max,” I say, smiling softly and reaching for his hand.

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