Page 33 of Havoc

I turned and found Riley on the couch. She looked like hell—pale, shaky, like she was seconds away from crumbling to pieces. There was no blood, which allowed me to leash my rage long enough to crouch beside her.

She didn’t react when I approached. Her arms were crossed tightly over her chest, like she was trying to fold into herself. Her face was streaked with tears, and her eyes looked glassy and vacant.

Seeing her like that nearly broke something inside me.

I reached out and gently touched her upper arm. “Riley,” I said softly. “I’m so sorry this happened to you. Can you talk about it, or do you need some time?”

Her eyes lifted to mine, voice barely a whisper. “He was waiting for me in the parking lot.” Her lip quivered as more tears rolled down her cheeks. “He knew I spent the night with you.”

My fury surged like a wave.

“You’re talking about Slater?” I asked, my voice low and lethal.

She nodded, not looking at me. “He smelled like alcohol. I think he was out there all night.”

I scooped her into my arms and pulled her onto my lap, holding her close. “It’s gonna be okay,” I murmured against her temple. “He’s never gonna get close to you again.”

Her friend slipped by and set a cup of coffee on the end table beside us. There were several others already scattered around, all half-drunk or forgotten. Looked like she’d tried to keep her hands busy however she could.

I pulled out my phone and texted Storm.

Me:Riley Dalton was just attacked by that dirty cop we talked about.

Storm:Is she alright? Do you need to take her to the hospital?

Me:IDK. Still assessing. She’s shaken. Might be in shock.

Storm:Bring her to the clubhouse or get her checked out. Zoe and Ali can meet you there. She’s their friend. They’ll want to help.

Me:She’s in no condition to ride. I’ll take her car.

Storm:Text me the address. I’ll send a prospect to grab your bike.

I copied Riley’s address from her earlier message and sent it along.

Turning back to her, I said, “I don’t know the full story yet, but dirty cops like him do whatever the hell they want. You’re not safe here. He could come back.”

Her friend spoke up from the corner. “He said he would. He threatened to come back and kill us.”

“That’s it,” I said. “You’re both coming with me. You’ll be safe at the clubhouse.”

Neither of them objected.

I looked at her friend. “Can you throw some clothes in a bag for both of you?”

She nodded and disappeared down the hallway.

I kept Riley close, rubbing her back in slow, steady circles. “You’re safe now. He’s not getting near you again. I promise.”

Once she was calm enough, I asked, “Do you need to stop by the ER? Just for a check-up?”

She shook her head. “I don’t need that. I want to stay with you.”

I hesitated. “Did he hurt you?”

She lowered her arms, and that’s when I saw the rip down the front of her shirt. Her voice was quiet. “He didn’t hurt me, but he wanted to.”

My jaw clenched so tight it hurt. “That bastard is a dead man.”

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