Page 55 of Ryder

“Until we can find him and then change your locks, yes.”

I know my apartment isn’t safe until Jimmy is gone, and if I know anything about him at all, he’ll kill me for even talking to Ryder.

I bite my lip. “Okay.” Even though I know it’s the right thing, I still tremble.

“Good.”

My heart races as I try to determine what’s going through his head. He’s only going to talk to Cash. An hour isn’t enough time for him to storm the Devils’ clubhouse. It’ll give me time to talk him down. Starting a war over woman drama won’t serve anyone. I meant what I said: I just want to walk away quietly and get back on with my life.

He gives me one long last look and presses a chaste kiss to my lips. “One hour.”

I nod. “I’ll be waiting.”

I watch him retreat, leaving the same way he came in. I lean back on the desk and take a breath. I want out, I really do. But I also don’t want Ryder to suffer because of me. I’ve done enough damage.

Packing up my things, I turn off the lights and lock the classroom door. I love my job. For the first time since I moved to New Orleans, I’ve had a sense of purpose. One that I’ve never really had before.

I think I’m still in shock as I unlock my car and slide into the driver's seat. I take a deep breath, steeling myself to get throughthis next hour. If I can get through this, I can get through anything.

My phone chimes with a text as I start the engine. I pick it up and see Jimmy’s name.

Wanting to make sure he’s not changed his plans, I read the text.

Jimmy

Miss me?

I swallow hard, bile rising in my throat as I type back. I have to. He’s seen that I’ve read the text.

Me

Always. See you tonight?

Jimmy

Sure will. Got a surprise for you

Lucky for me, I won’t be there.

Me

I’ll make your favorite for dinner

Jimmy

That’s my girl

No, Jimmy. I’m not your girl. I never was, and I never will be again.

I vow to myself then and there: I won’t ever stick my head in the sand again. I won’t ever let someone treat me like that. I’ll never let a man put his hands on me unless it’s with complete love and adoration. Jimmy didn’t deserve me and I’ve made excuses for his behavior, and isolated myself from my friends and family. I thought he loved me.

I wipe the tears away. I don’t think deep down he’s a terrible person, but he does need help. I’m just not going to be the one to do it for him. Not anymore.

I pack fast. I don’t want to be here. Even though he’s out for the rest of the day, I don’t want to risk it. I feel hot and clammy, shoving things into a hold-all without even seeing what I’m grabbing. I don’t care anymore.

Ryder will be here soon, and I’ll tell Jimmy over the phone. He might trash my apartment — hell, he might burn the place down — but he won’t be able to hurt me anymore.

I want that sense of relief, even though I know I won’t find it until he’s really out of my life. But it’s an hour. I can do this for an hour.

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