Page 76 of Wicked

“What brought this on?” Shephard directs his question at Ryker. I give Ryker a slight shake of my head. The guys follow the exchange with brows raised and arms crossed.

They’re not liking Shephard’s sharp-as-steel tone.

“Nothing but business. You like new business, don’t you, Shephard?” Ryker drawls, his eyes on my hands grasped in Shephard’s as he undoes the wraps that give my hands extra protection.

“Yeah, I do, but I also prefer people don’t stick their noses where they don’t belong.” Pointed glance at Ryker. “Ifyou boysare interested in joining my gym, I’ll waive the start-up fee, give you the first three months free, and offer one-on-one boxing lessons. See Brittany at the front desk.”

What Shephard offered is a steal of a deal and the guys clearly understand. With smiles on their faces, they leave the room. Brittany’s chirpy voice filters from the front of the lobby. “Shephard did what? He’s never given out that kind of deal. Sign all you guys up?”

I shake my head. Walk over and pick up my phone.

“Why’d you do that?”

“Do what, Harper?”

“Involve his teammates in our business?”

“Like I said, if he’s willing to risk his football career for you, he’ll be strong enough to deal with whatever shit rolls your way, love.”

“That’s not fair.”

Ryker didn’t leave with his teammates. He’s waiting for me, watching us near the bench presses.

“All’s fair in love and war. Or did you forget we are heading for a war of possession and obsession?”

“The very reason Ryker’s teammates shouldn’t be anywhere near us.”

“It’s done, Harper.” He grasps my chin. Searches my face. “We live with the consequences of our decisions and actions. You most of all should know this lesson well. You made your bed, love. It’s time to finish whatyoustarted.”

His mouth crashing over mine catches me by surprise. After having his ass handed to him, I’m expecting Shephard’s kiss to be rough and unforgiving. It’s not. His kiss is gentle.Think, don’t feel, and I don’t feel . . . a thing.

There isn’t fluttering in my stomach. No curling of my toes or throbbing between my legs. I break off the kiss. Find Ryker. Our gazes lock. The way he’s staring back at me . . .

Butterflies collide in my stomach. My heartbeat picks up. Heat licks up and down my spine. My sex throbs.

I need.

I want.

I want and need Ryker Conway.

28

Ryker

Seeing that bastard Shephard kiss my girl tore my heart to pieces. Reading her text messages from two days ago inflame the green-eyed monster in me.

A rip-roaring jealousy that never lived and breathed in my simple life until Harper Garrix dropped into my world.

I grab at my hair and pace in the living room. This dark and intense jealousy will get me the fuck in trouble. I sit, and grabbing my cell, I read through the texts from Harper.

Harper: Can’t make Wednesday, Thursday. Forgot to tell you. Ride-along with Daniel’s brother, Josh

Me: The cop that has a major boner for you?

Harper: U r so crass

Me: Well?

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